Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Remembering October 20

November 18, 2015

I attempted to do a blog on a different host site but then realized that many of you would be unable to see updates. What a pain! So I'm sticking with this site instead & hopefully it will work for everyone :)

I did write an update for October 20. Unfortunately, no one was able to view it :( ... sad because it is a very important day - the birthday of our donor.  He would have been 7 this year.  It is very important to our family to remember this beautiful boy every day & I am so grateful for the opportunity we had last year to meet & spend time with his family.  He will never be forgotten and both he & his family are in our hearts and thoughts daily.  I can't say that I even come close to understanding the feelings his family must feel on a daily basis.  But I do know he loves them & is watching over them.  Thank you for giving us these last 2 years, 5 months & 7 days with our heart warrior.  I wish I didn't lose that blog post because I'm not sure I can remember exactly what happened that morning but I'll try.


Valentino's memorial 10/20/14
 
Zack on October 20, 2015



 As I was finishing my post on the computer the morning of Oct 20, Zack came in to me & said, "Mom, today is Valentino's birthday!" I was completely shocked because even though we had been talking about V's birthday days beforehand, he did not know the exact day & doesn't quite know or understand his days of the week yet.  It's amazing to me what Zack knows... he has an incredible connection to Valentino, & I know he watches over my little boy every day.  I hope his family knows that our hearts are filled with so much gratitude for him.  We love you V.



 


As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, I have been constantly aware of how each trial in my life has ended with an even greater blessing.  I am so grateful for my children... for those who have never struggled with infertility, I ask for one thing.  Please use your words cautiously when talking to couples who don't have children.  Most married couples have not chosen to be without them... they have & continue to go through every possible medical procedure and/or natural thing they can to have a child, for years & years on end.  I am also grateful for the blessing of family - both extended & immediate. I have so many great friends that are also relatives & beautiful memories because of them.  I am grateful to live in this country, faults & all.  I am an avid supporter of our military members/veterans & their families.  I am so grateful for the freedoms I have because of them & they will never receive the kind of recognition they deserve.  I am grateful for a husband who works SO HARD to give our kids every opportunity possible.  I am grateful to experience this life with a child who is an organ recipient, & for organ donors everywhere!  I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father & for a brother who sacrificed His life for all of us.  I'm grateful for all of this & so much more!  I hope you all enjoy one of my most favorite holidays.  Hope it's filled with lots of yummy food, memories & love.... HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!