She sure is one to be inspired by; and not just for her ability to remember birthdays.
This birthday wish tonight is for a particular special birthday; Baby Grace. For those who are unfamiliar with Baby Grace, she is the special someone who sparked the creation of Sustaining Grace (http://www.sustaininggrage.org/) and made it happen so that my family and I could have a free 3D/4D ultrasound of our little Elijah.
Although I did not blog about it on the actual day which was July 24th; it was in my mind constantly. Paighton and I even wished Baby Grace a happy birthday on Sunday. When we were done, he gave "Baby Grace" a hug and kiss. Baby Grace is a teddy bear that he had named. And no, I had nothing to do with it. He did it all on his own. It is a very small off-white teddy bear; his very first actually. It came all the way from Greece and was given to him before he was born by my dear friend Krystle. I have always called it Teddy Greece. About six months ago he started to correct me; "no mommy, Baby Grace". I was confused for a few nights, as we argued about it each time and then it dawn on me. Ah-ha! Baby Grace it is then.
I still catch him alone in his room singing "happy birthday cake" to Elijah and Danica; his two most favorite people to sing to.
Grace's birthday is certainly one for me to be thankful for always. Without her life, I would never have been able to know my little Elijah the way I do today. I would never been able to hear his tiny little heart whenever I want, without the strong little beats of her own heart.
Grace, for that, I thank you.
I thank you for being there for Elijah. I am sure by now you both have pulled up your heavenly shirts to compare belly buttons. I am sure you both have made heavenly mud pies, eaten heavenly worms, and colored all over the Pearly Gates with magic crayons.
To have those images in my mind makes me smile and laugh because I surely know had he done it down here on Earth, this mommy would have panicked. But don't worry, Paighton is doing enough coloring on non-paper items, nude streaking, and eating worms (Ramen noodles) to cover for the both of you. Now he is walking around the house commenting "what the heck?"
I keep telling myself that we as parents have lost our sweet babies so soon for a reason. I think about it everyday, and pretty much every minute of the day also. It consumes me. It leaves me ruminating...
Whatever the reasons are, know that I am glad to have know Elijah and Grace for the short amount of time I was given here on Earth. Maybe God thought that we only needed that amount of time because they were going to make such a big impact. It can take years to develop a relationship or friendship with any one person in order for it to make a huge impact. These two little angels only needed a second. I am thankful for the 27 weeks I was given to carry him within me. I am thankful for the 15 minutes I was given to hold him and the two-plus hours he lived to meet his family.
Although, I certainly could have lived with more time... It wouldn't have hurt any...
So Happy Birthday Baby Grace. May your life accomplish much more and your heart touch many more hearts in the years to come.
With Love Always,
Elijah's Mommy
