Everything Under the Son

It is just a couple of weeks away from Hope's third birthday. While the angels serenade her with a beautiful round of "Happy Birthday", we will be remembering her...celebrating her. We will have our traditional pink balloons, complete with handwritten messages and drawings from us, and we will release them to her. And, as usual, Natalie won't let us forget to sing a little "Happy Birthday" either!

As I think about her, I think of so many things. I celebrate her life, though it was very short. I celebrate her place in our family...our second child forever. I celebrate the joy that Natalie has talking about a sister, though she loves her brothers too! I celebrate the way that tiny baby showed me more about being a mommy, and more importantly, she taught me so much about Jesus and His undying love for me. I celebrate hope, and the knowledge that because of Jesus, I will live forever in Heaven, where there are no tears. I celebrate and I remember that tiny baby, and I miss her.

I'll admit that sometimes the holidays are hard. I think about my kids every day, but there is something painful about the holiday season without them. I'm just being honest, y'all. I wish they were here to eat turkey and spill their drinks on the tablecloth. I wish they were here to open Christmas gifts and take pictures in front of the tree. But they are not here...they are in Heaven, celebrating with Jesus. And someday, I'll join them.

We are preparing for the Christmas holidays when we will select angels from the angel tree who are the same age as Hope and Carson would be. That means that this year, we will try to find a three year old boy and a three year old girl. It is a special way that we can remember them, and give to others. A way of blessing someone in their memory. We think this is a very special tradition for our family!

So what about you? In what ways do you remember and celebrate loved ones during the holiday season?

Thanks for sharing what was on your heart! Love you lots.