Friends

True to my life, I have a million things in my mind and only a few minutes to type.

I have been following the journey of a mother, a family, who has survived their child. It is a bittersweet journey to follow. So much of it I relate to and so much of it leaves me speechless.

She has reminded me this morning that my loss is real, my pain true, innocent, and deep. But she has also made me aware of how the loss of Zach is so relative to my life. We lost Zach. We had some really rough days while discussing the future of our family. Would there be more children? For me, the answer was always chrystal clear. Yes, there HAD to be more. And now we have our two girls... they have in no way replaced Zach but they have given me the strength time and time again to face this life with all of the bravery I can muster. Just last night Matt and I were talking about how blessed we feel to have them in our lives.

But this family... has learned that perhaps birthing another child is not an option for them. Their child passed away of a disease. One that the parents have tested themselves for. In the pit of my stomach a knot forms as I think of the thought of the emotions that must run through this mother's head. We could probably have one great party together - first a pity party and then a rant on all the silly thinks we say, or do in the wake of grief. I imagine us to be friends although ironically, she doesn't know me and I really don't know her. But I know her blog and her posts.

Grab a box of tissues and meet Ashley - she is an amazing woman with great strength... of course, most of us true NW Iowa girls are :) http://ashleyjobrewer.blogspot.com/