Simplicity

Last night, Miss Mie had a nightmare and ended up in my bed.  She had to nudge our dog, Kaylee out of the way.  Kaylee has decided, since the passing of my cat, Nala, that Kaylee is the Princess in this house and deserves to cuddle in bed with me.

So, when Miss Mie curled up in bed beside me, Kaylee quickly resumed HER spot, curled up in front of Miss Mie, with Miss Mie's arm wrapped around her. 

It was the most beautiful sight, seeing my child and one of our family pets curled together, sleeping.  It was one of those moments where I wish I could hook a printer up to my eyes and print out the gorgeous picture of the two of them!

I may not like that my child was disturbed by a nightmare, but I will appreciate that the nightmare sent my independent daughter into my room for comfort.  It was also thanks to the nightmare that I got to experience this simple, beautiful moment.

52 Weeks of Gratitude - Saying Good-bye

When I was pregnant with my second child, I joined an "expecting" group on iVillage.  There were around 70 other women with the same birth month.  We came from all parts of the US and Canada.  We had so many different backgrounds, but we bonded.  Over five years later, we are all still together.  I'm  more dependent on these ladies than on many of my IRL (in real life) friends.  We have shared our babies' births and milestones and we've shared many joys and frustrations.

Sadly, we've shared broken hearts at having to say good-bye as well.  Caroline, one of our babies from that expecting group, was a beautiful little girl.  She was taken from us in 2012, less than 2 years after her birth.  When her Mom posted in our group, I remember sobbing.  How could God take such a beautiful, sweet little girl from a family who loved her so incredibly deeply!?!  My heart still aches thinking of her loss.  I hugged both of my girls that night and didn't want to let go.  We made certain to include her in our prayers. 

Her Momma still shares photos of her on Facebook, so we can remember the beautiful little angel - my girls have grown up knowing Caroline was taken from her family way too soon and include her in prayers and discussions of Heaven.

Her Momma was blessed with more children, to include Caroline's little brother, Parker. 

Sadly, genetics doesn't care about a family already having dealt with one loss. 

Adorable, loveable Parker was born with a condition similar to his sister.  This handsome little man did hit the lottery, by having one of the most wonderful and caring families there could be - and a Mother whose heart is fierce and strong.  She shared every joy and every pain with us - and when she announced that he went to be with his sister this past weekend, my heart broke all over again.

Crying, I held my girls close, again.  We've continued our talks of Heaven and we've included him in our prayers as well.

I didn't want to include a post like this as a gratitude post, but then I realized that every part of life helps to form me and if I only post Sunshine and Rainbow posts, I'm not being true to myself or this challenge.

So, I will use this to say good-bye to you Dear, Sweet Parker.  I know you are in Heaven with your sister.  Please remember the love you felt from all of your friends and family.  Good-bye!