Emotional Day

As most of you know, our family is approaching the 1 year "anniversary" of Audrey's birth and passing. Next Sunday, January 11th, at 12:27 pm, it will be exactly one year since she came into and left our physical lives. It seems like such a huge milestone....one that neither Alex or I could have ever imagined reaching last January. And truly, losing her still seems so fresh, as if it were only yesterday.

In some ways, it feels as though the anticipation of January 11th will be worse then the actual day, but that doesn't change our emotions presently. Lots of tears (me,) hand holding (Alex) and talking about Audrey up in heaven (Maddie.) We (Alex and I) have given a lot of thought to how we wanted to mark the day, especially since the 11th is also my dad's birthday.

I'll be honest and say that at first I thought it was simply awful that my dad would have to share his birthday with such a sad event. But as time has passed, the more I think it is a blessing in disguise. Not only will having the same birthday ensure that fewer people will forget her (and we know the people that really matter will always remember, regardless) but it also gives Dad and Audrey a special bond that will go beyond life, death and everything in between.

Anyway, my parents own a home in Cannon Beach, OR only a few blocks from the coast and it has really become a special place for us as an extended family as well as a place they hope grandchildren will go to for years. To make sure Audrey has her "mark" there, today we purchased a solid wood rocking chair that will be personalized with her name and date. It's beautiful and each time one of us rocks a grandbaby to sleep, we can think of her.

And even though his birthday isn't until next Sunday, we gave it to Dad this afternoon with Mom present, and we were all emotional. It takes a lot to bring Dad to tears, but we were all crying...thinking of our precious angel who remains with us in spirit if not in the flesh.

We love you Audrey and you are in our hearts every moment of every day.