Remembering Emma

Keep in mind, at all times, that we grow the most from our greatest suffering.  As we go through it, it hurts.  But as we move through it, it also heals.  When a jug of water falls to the floor and cracks, what was hidden within begins to pour out.  When life sends you one of its curves, remember that it has come to help crack you open so that all the love, power and potential that have been slumbering within you can be poured into the world outside you.  And, like a fractured bone, we do become stronger in the broken places. 
-Robin Sharma

Today is 5 years since Emma passed away.  We remember her everyday and always wonder what she would be doing or what she would look like.  She is and will always be a big part of our lives.  She is our first born child.  Thad knows about his sister and Oliver will grow up knowing her as well.  Today is bitter sweet.  Our sweet Oliver turns 5 months on this same day.  I am so happy and thankful that we have had three children in our lives to love.  Our lives have been so blessed over these 5 years and every moment has made us who we are as a family.  The sad times have strengthened our relationship as a family and with God.  Each day is a new day, it never gets easier but we learn to cope with it as each day goes by.  

Emma's G-tube surgery was originally scheduled on October 31, 2006.  Our surgeon called and said he had to move the surgery until November 8th.  I remember being frustrated with the change because I didn't want her to have the NG feeding tube through her nose anymore.  It was uncomfortable for her and I just wanted it gone.  I am so glad the surgery was pushed back because that was 9 more days we got to spend with her.  God was giving us another week with our precious little girl.  

We didn't go trick or treating with her but she did dress up!  She was a ducky.  She didn't really like being in her costume and we always joked that she didn't want to be a duck, she wanted to be a care bear!

Over the years I have found these quotes or sayings and wanted to share some of them.  Sometimes they put things in perspective:

**When something bad happens you have three choices.  You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.

**In the happy moments praise God.  In the difficult moments seek God.  In the quiet moments trust God.  In every moment thank God.

**God doesn't give us what we can handle, God helps us handle what we are given.

**Faith- it does not make things easy it makes them possible.

**Someday everything will all make perfect sense.  So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.

You probably have noticed this quote on our blog above Emma's picture but I wanted to post it again.  Some people are afraid to bring up Emma's name to me.  Please don't be afraid to.  I love talking about her.  She lived and I want to tell her story.  Sometimes I cry while talking about her but she is my child.  

"If you know someone who has lost a child, and you're afraid to mention them because you think you might make them sad by reminding them that they died--you're not reminding them.  They didn't forget they died.  What you're reminding them of is that you remembered that they lived, and that, is a great gift." ~Elizabeth Edwards

Hug your children tight today and everyday.  Don't take anything for granted.  Enjoy every minute of everyday and don't sweat the small stuff. We are not guaranteed time on this earth and at any minute our lives can change forever.  Don't have any regrets.


Love you baby girl!