Remembrance Day

Today is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.

From the official website:

In October 1988, President Ronald Reagan Proclaimed October as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. "When a child loses his parent, they are called an orphan. When a spouse loses her or his partner, they are called a widow or widower. When parents lose their child, their isn't a word to describe them. This month recognizes the loss so many parents experience across the United States and around the world. It is also meant to inform and provide resources for parents who have lost children due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, stillbirths, birth defects, SIDS, and other causes."

Losing a child, born or un-born, is one of the hardest burdens for a person to bear.  This pain has touched my life as well as the lives of many people that I hold dear. 

Many women (and men) are reluctant to talk about the loss of an unborn child.  They might think intense grief is an over-reaction.  But it’s not.  It’s a real loss…a real life, real hopes, real dreams.  It’s not easy to “get over” and parents should allow themselves to go through the grieving process.

Here are some excellent suggestions of things to do this month to raise awareness and support for parents who lose a child. 

Despite the terrible and painful things that happen in this world, God is still good.  He has blessed me immeasurably in my life, and I look forward to praising His name with ALL my children when I get to Heaven. 

Bloggy Love

Wow!  My new bloggy friend Sarah gave me this award!  What a nice surprise!  If you have a moment, pop on over and visit Sarah at Barren In The Promised Land.  She is a testimony to glorifying God in the hard times of life…in her case, a journey through the land of infertility.

Here are the rules:
1. When given the award, you write about seven things that you love.
2. Pass the award to seven bloggers that you love, and be sure to tag them and let them know they've won. (You can copy the award and post it on your sideboard).

There are many things that I love and it was hard to narrow it down to just seven!  I’ll end with the ones that I love the most!

1. Rainy Days – I’m one of those weird people that love rainy days.  Actually, I’m fascinated by weather…thunderstorms, hurricanes, tornadoes.  I couldn’t even count the number of times I’ve seen the movie Twister!  There is something so comforting about curling up on the couch with a good book and cup of mocha while listening to a steady rainfall. 
2. Cooking – My favorite place to be is in the kitchen.  My favorite channel is the Food Network.  I read cookbooks for leisure.  I have often dreamed of going to culinary school.  My mom passed down this love to me, and I can already see it taking root in my daughter.  Unfortunately, the love of cooking leads to the love of eating, which leads to extra pounds, which leads to Jillian Michaels, which leads to intense pain, which leads to the desire to be comforted by some sort of casserole, preferably with lots of cheese.  *sigh*
3. Beaches – I love to visit the ocean.  My idea of a perfect vacation is somewhere warm, tropical, and sandy. (Minus the rain in #1!)
4. My Blog World – I’ve only been blogging (almost) one year, but it has become a lovely part of my life in so many ways.  What started as a way for me to journal our happenings for family and friends has grown into a much bigger blessing.  It’s been encouraging to read other faithful women’s posts, and I can only hope that many of the posts or comments I have written have encouraged others as well.  My biggest challenge is to budget my time wisely and limit my blogging to times when my daughter is asleep and more important responsibilities are complete!
5. Friends – I am so thankful for friendships, both old and new.  Being a SAHM can sometimes be a little lonely, and it makes me really appreciate those opportunities to fellowship with other women.  I love the friends that help me laugh and put things in perspective.  I love the friends that give me great advice.  I love the friends that just listen.  And I even love the friends that will tell me I’m wrong about something!
6. Family – I have never taken for granted the family in which I was born.  Especially after working as a teacher and counselor for many years…there is so much sadness in the world.  But God chose to give me faithful parents who raised me to know Him.  I’ve been blessed with a loving husband and a beautiful daughter for which we prayed so long.  Even though my parents, brothers, and extended family are literally spread all over the globe, I’m happy that we love and support each other from a distance!
7. Faith – I love my Lord, and I am always amazed at how He carries me through the joys and sorrows of life.  The fact that He saved me and is preparing a place for me in heaven…that’s just more love than I can fathom. 

Here are seven inspiring folks that I’m tagging and sending some bloggy love.  Check them out!

• Terry – Her blog makes me think.  Very interesting stuff here.
• Mrs. Sprinkles – She has great homemaking tips…and knows how to stretch a buck!
• Anna – This young Jewish wife has such a gift for communicating in words the simple beauty of a peaceful home.
• Nicole – As you can imagine, life for her is interesting with three young energetic boys!
• Alyssa – This frugal mom’s mission is to honor God with her finances in order to increase giving.
• Kim – She’s keeping a spiritual perspective on her journey through weight loss and infertility.
• Cari – Her joy in the Lord is inspiring.
  
  

I Dreamed A Dream

I know this is old news by now, but I just had to post this video.  This is an absolutely amazing vocal audition last weekend by a woman named Susan Boyle on “Britain’s Got Talent.”  Even Simon Cowell was shocked.