If I were being honest I would tell you all that coming down from Maya's party was hard, really hard. While I had a great time and am pretty sure that Maya did too when it came time to go to bed on Saturday night I was overcome with sadness. On Sunday morning, I went back to bed asking Mike and the girls for 'one hour' because I just couldn't face the day. Life without Georgia can at times be unbearable. I did get out of bed on Sunday of course, and we all went to celebrate Ethan's 2nd birthday. It was a fun time despite the lingering feelings I had about Georgia not being at her big sister's party.
I am surrounded by beautiful people however. Today, as the girls and I were sitting down to lunch there was a knock at the door. It was Tanya. I don't claim to know Tanya very well except to say that she is a kind and generous person and every time I have been in her company we've had a good time. She arrived on my doorstep unannounced to drop off a gift and wanted to do just that and run away. I convinced her to stay. The gifts that she brought are irreplaceable and amazingly thoughtful.
Calla, Maya and I all received charm bracelets. You know the Italian ones with the links. What makes these bracelets so special is that they are memoral bracelets. My links include: a heart with Georgia written through it, a lily, an angel, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and several others. They are all beautiful. The girls have several of the same charms but one of theirs says: Sisters - Calla, Maya, Georgia and the next link reads 'Friends Forever'! My favorite link that is on all three bracelets is far from the most beautiful but I am drawn to it. It reads: Cure SMA. Mike also received some links in the form of a keychain.
Thank you for the beautiful gift Tanya. Tanya is one of the beautiful people that continue to follow our story and ask for nothing in return. I know that there are many of you out there. Since Georgia has become ill we have received many gifts. Not just the kind that you open. We have received messages from all over North America and the world for that matter. Some of you have chosen to organize events and fundraisers for great causes because you have been inspired by the fighting spirit of our beautiful Georgie and others like her. Some of you are seizing the moment with your kids and family because you see how precious your time with them really is. Some of you have offered to watch my kids more than once so that I can do whatever I need to do. I consider all of these gifts.
I am ashamed to say that I have sent out 3 thank you cards. To all of you beautiful people that continue to follow please know that we are eternally thankful for your kindness, generosity, support, prayers, gifts etc. If I were to start writing thank yous I don't know that I would ever finish and I would certainly not have time to blog. This is how I continue to show our appreciation. If you haven't been individually thanked I apologize. Thank you!
The sadness that overwhelmed me on Saturday night and Sunday morning has dissipated somewhat, thanks to many of the beautiful people in my life. I'm off to the treadmill in the morning even though it's Canada Day.
I'll be posting pictures of the bracelets in the next couple of days (the girls are at Gramma's tonight with their bracelets). Happy Canada Day!
Love to you all,
Kristen
Shores of Grief ~ 15 Years
1 week ago
Kristen, your strong spirit still amazes me. Understandably some days are harder than others, but somehow you always put one foot in front of the other. You should be proud of yourself as you continue to smile for Calla and Maya and celebrate occasions with family and friends. I haven't personally gifted you with anything possession wise, however you have gifted me in a way that will last a lifetime. With having three little ones life can get hectic, but I have learned to slow down and completely appreciate all of those "little" things that are offered to me daily. I always cherished my kids, but now I look at them and I know how lucky I am to have them with me. In following your blog I have learned how precious each moment of the day is. I now follow Bill and Victoria's journey with Gwendolyn and some days I just can't stop the tears for them and for you. I pray each night that somehow, some way a cure for SMA will be found and this pain and sadness will go away for many families. However, for now I will continue to pray for you and the Strongs' that the strength will continue on.
ReplyDeleteBe well,
Lisa :)
Kristen,
ReplyDeleteEven though you think of Georgia and have her on your mind at all times, it is not surprising to hear these celebratory times are even harder. You want your little girl with you, to share in the joys of your family, to hold her, hug her and love her. To see Georgia celebrate with her sister is what you should have been doing, and I am so sorry you didn't get that chance. I think this is why Maya was able to verbalize about her "second party". Your three girls did celebrate together, not how you planned or imagined or wanted, but they did celebrate and that brought some joy to their lives which is so needed at this time. I can only imagine how much you want your 'dream with Georgie" but I am glad to hear Calla and Maya are having them and are at an age they can tell you all about their special time with their angel sister.
The bracelets from Tanya sound lovely and I look forward to seeing pics of them and I know you will all wear them with love and pride-what a special gift. As for feeling ashamed of not writing thank you cards, Kristen noone wants or expects one! We want you to fill your free time with things that bring you comfort, peace and fill you with love. Spend time with the girls, Mike, go to the gym, whatever makes your day easier to get through-that is our thank you-that you are taking care of yourself so you can continue having the strength to take that next step.
I am glad to hear the sadness of the weekend is easing, and hopefully will continue. I hope you have a good run tomorrow and Happy Canada Day to you! Love Em
Not only do angels watch over us in the sky, they walk among us every day. I am priviledged to live across the street from Tanya and I get to enjoy her generosity almost daily. Keep fighting the good fight, every day is a battle to be won.
ReplyDeleteKel.