Praise

True to my own tradition I always post something this week or specifically on February 20 - the anniversary of Zach's passing. Like every other year, I have lamented over this month and this week. It is kind of like spring cleaning - you dread it and love it at the same time. You find cobwebs you didn't know existed and you find favorite shoes or toys that bring you pure delight! This is the cycle I live through every February...

It is my prayer that people don't think of me as something more than I am but that they take comfort in my story, my journey. I never post a picture of my son to bring anyone pain but instead it is a reminder to me and to others of the great things in our lives. In many ways it is my call to action. Get out, share your story, share your life. Remember, cherish, and savour the moment.

I have so many friends who share this journey of loss and we all have one thing in common and it isn't what you think... it isn't the tears. It is the love that lives deep in our hearts for those we love. It is the same love that you share with us in your hearts. Just last night I spoke to some friends and we agreed we don't need statues or holidays. We just want people to not be afraid of our stories, our journey. Remembering my son, never brings me pain. Never ever. Yes, I miss him. Yes, I wish things were different but I don't wish that he didn't exist. I don't wish that his life had never been.

I do wish that people talked more about death and life. I wish that we weren't always so intimidated of emotions and tears... everyone reading this post has a story, a journey. Every one of you have helped me somewhere along the way. Imagine the reach we would have if we took those leaps of faith that much more often! When your heart prompts you to send an email of encouragement or when you just feel like someone you know needs a hug... I challenge you, act on that feeling. Life is way to short to not share some tears and give some hugs. Those moments quickly become like photographs in the heart. Great memories never forgotten.

And this year my wish for this week, is not that you post a memory of my son - you may of course! - but that you post a praise report. Tell me... how has God changed your life? What miracles have happened lately? How has someone touched your life?

I know my praise report. I have a son in heaven with a family both natural and spiritual - which includes his grandpa Todd. Together they are walking hand-in-hand which is something we didn't get to appreciate here. I have two amazing daughters. Amazing doesn't even begin to sum up who or what they mean to me. And I have Matt. My grounding, my rock, and my support. A man who's devotion I never question. Together all of us are surrounding by amazing families who have carried our burdens from time to time and who always stand by us. Soon we will meet the next miracle in our lives... another son :)

As Matthew West would say... "What's your story, about HIS glory?"