The question on everyone's mind recently is how I've been able to handle the birth of two nieces and another sister-in-law has announced that she's pregnant with her third.
I'm actually happy because right now we have 16 nieces and nephews, 17 will be even more fun. It won't end there either because I have one brother who still isn't married and so does Kevin. :)
Kevin and I kept a baby box of treasures and things, we gave Jane several of those gifts.
We gave Madeline the crib that our baby would have slept in.
How did I feel about that you might ask?
It felt like these six words in the story below by Ernest Hemingway.
It may be a legend but it goes somewhat like this. Ernest Hemingway was in a pub with some friends one night. Hemingway bragged that he could write a captivating story-- with a beginning, middle, and end--in only six words.
Many doubted that he could do it and they each bet $10 against Hemingway.
He quickly scribbled six words on a napkin and passed it around. Everyone who read the napkin knew he had won the bet.
The six words:
For sale.
Baby shoes.
Never worn.
That's how I feel. I decided to give my favorite baby things up because it was too painful to look at. Now I look at them with JOY because a living baby gets to use them. My nieces and nephews are very special to Kevin and I, we can't help but spoil them.
It really puts my heart at ease to see cute baby sheets on the crib.
It'll do me even more good in a few months when Madeline starts sleeping in it.
I'm so happy that I don't have to look at an empty crib.
I'm so happy that I don't have to look at an empty crib.
The harsh memory is erased and replaced by a beautiful one.
I'll have to get a picture of it soon.
We love these baby girls.
They bring me JOY!
They bring me JOY!
Amo voce! Obrigada, sou grata que voce compartilhou essa experiencia. :D
ReplyDeleteHang in there. You'll get your chance. And when you do, the crib will come back even better than before. (What fun is a crib without a couple teeth marks along the top rail, anyway?) In the meantime, I'm glad you're strong enough to share. Service to others is such a blessing! I find it brings so much comfort and JOY into my life.
ReplyDeleteI love buying baby things, just for fun, and then giving it to a mother of a brand new baby. How generous of you and Kevin to give such an incredible gift. I fully agree with Kristen...the "crib" (or a similar form of gift) WILL come back to you, because that is how God and the universe work!
ReplyDeletewow. i can't even imagine what you have gone through. thank you so much for sharing your heart and for linking up!
ReplyDeletexoxo.
What a very moving experience and those words by Hemingway send chills through me. It took me back to when I lost my first baby! That baby would be 18 years old now! I have never forgotten but hidden my love deep in my heart as you may be doing. I am praying for you and your husband and I think your attitude will bring you much joy. I had to find my happiness also and each baby shower I attended I thanked God for each new life!
ReplyDeleteYou are a beautiful person!
Cherie