After I delivered Henry, several people sent flowers. I thought it was such a sweet gesture and it really did bring beauty and love to my day when I was feeling my absolute worst. My favorite flowers were from my baby boy, Mack. His Nana and Papa (my parents) helped him pick them out.
My college roommates were so sweet to send this gorgeous arrangement, ordering them from across the country. So thoughtful and so beautiful!
Flowers became a big part of my recovery process. Notes were a huge help too. I remember I had at least one hand written note in my mailbox everyday for several weeks after Henry passed away. It means so much when people remember and think of you and what you're going through. I knew I wasn't alone, and I really appreciated that sentiment.
I think that's why flowers at Henry's grave became so therapeutic for me. It was something I could tangibly do, and there wasn't much else I could do. We went to several cemeteries and we finally picked one that was in a historic area of downtown. I didn't want it to feel like Halloween, I wanted it to feel like a park. It does have the large markers, but it's not creepy at all. It's well maintained and beautiful and most importantly, peaceful. We started the tradition of putting flowers on the grave after the burial.
My parents' amazing neighbor, Mrs. Judy, let us use flowers from her garden. It was such a blessing to have something beautiful to honor Henry on that September day.
October
November
Mrs. Judy had dried these hydrangeas and gave them to me. They were perfect for before we had Henry's stone.
December
Henry's marker finally arrived in December. It was really nice to have that closure.
February
When I bought this bouquet of flowers (around Valentine's Day) the lady at the checkout counter said, "These must be for someone special!" And I replied, "Yes, they are."
March
Mack wanted to help decorate with a dandelion he found for baby brother.
I love these lenten roses and daffodils from my Mom's garden!
April
May
June
July
August
In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
September 15, 2014
Henry's Birthday/ 1st Anniversary in Heaven
Mack and Nathan took turns with the spray bottle and the broom. Mack likes to help wash off the stone.
My brother, Uncle Brad, came to help us remember Henry and to wrangle Mack. My parents and Nathan's parents came too but it seemed weird to take smiley pictures at the cemetery, so I didn't. Nathan said a very sweet prayer with everyone.
God provided the biggest, most beautiful hydrangeas that seemed to bloom just for Henry's birthday.
We wore blue in memory of Henry. We went to tour the World War II boat since Nathan had the day off from work and we didn't want to spend the whole day being sad. It did kind of make me think about what we would have done to celebrate Henry's birthday had he been born alive.
Missing our baby boy and enjoying time with our families. We are so blessed to have our parents and my brother (taking the picture) in town!
Update: 3/20/15
I can't believe it's been over a year and a half since we lost our precious son. My mom had these Spring flowers in her garden that look so beautiful next to his stone. Mack left his construction ducky for baby brother.
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