Welcome to Georgia's Journey

Georgia Lily Lucas was born at home on October 6th, 2008 4:15am, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was diagnosed with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) on April 1, 2009.

On April 3rd Georgia was taken home, to be near her sisters and the rest of her family and friends. Nearly three weeks later, on April 21, 2009, she died peacefully -- in the loving arms of her mother and in the same room in which she was born.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

The last couple of years have brought a new somewhat unconditional tradition to the Lucas family...the carnival. Every year our community centre has a carnival on Mother's Day weekend. Two years ago we took Calla and Maya for the first time. We were surprised by how much they enjoyed all of the rides. Even Maya, who wasn't yet two was excited to try all of the kiddie rides with her big sister. Two years ago I walked around with the weight of Georgia in my belly, with hopes and dreams of 3 healthy children, picturing carnivals to come running in different directions as the idea of 3 seemed busy to me.

Last year, we made our way to the carnival yet again (less than two weeks after the funeral). The weight of Georgia had been torn from my belly and arms forever, replaced by something even heavier...grief. Somehow, I survived last Mother's Day by watching Calla and Maya smile and laugh as they went on ride after ride. I was amazed by the respect friends and acquaintances showed us by quietly keeping their distance and approaching only when we somehow communicated with them that it was okay. The day was bittersweet as I realized that despite the staggering grief I was experiencing, I was still amazingly blessed.

This year we won't be going to the Carnival today as we went yesterday because the girls have dance pictures this afternoon. It may as well have been Mother's day for me though. This year I still carried the weight of grief around with me, something that I think I will live with forever, but I also carried around the weight of yet another child. I watched my daughters run from ride to ride, this time with friends. This year our friends and acquaintances didn't feel the need to keep their distance. Rather, we were met by smile after smile and lots of hugs. We ended up at the Carnival for hours and while I admit that I was feeling quite exhausted it was a day filled with joy. We walked away having run into dozens people that we knew, and making some new friends along the way.

I have been fortunate enough to be recognized as a mother from the day that Calla was born. Last year, despite the fact that Georgie had died even complete strangers recognized me as a mother. That isn't always the case for some of our friends that have lost their only child. Please remember them today as well as our friends that have lost their mothers, as you send your messages.

On a funny note, Maya came into my room this morning and said, "Happy Mother's Day mommy. You don't have to do anything today!" Thanks Lovie!

Happy Mothers Day to all of the moms out there!

Love to you all,

Kristen
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1 comment:

  1. EmmaMay 9, 2010 at 10:40 AM

    Happy Mothers Day to one of the most amazing, incredible and inspirational Mother's I know! I did send you an email but wanted to send another little note here too-glad you had such a lovely day yesterday and although you weren't able to see Georgia with you, running around with her sisters I know she was there, in their smiles, in the laughter and in your family's love! Always, Em

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