Easter 2012

HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN...........

Lilypie Angel and Memorial tickers

grieveoutloud.org

International Babylost Mother's Day: May 2nd

Abiding Hope

Abiding Hope
Thanks Franchesca!!!!!

She made a Video for Cylas; it's at the bottom if you would like to watch it

Cylas' Butterfly

Cylas' Butterfly
Thanks Bree!!!!

Cylas' Angel Wings

Cylas' Angel Wings
Thanks Lea!!!!

Cylas' Butterfly Footprints

Cylas' Butterfly Footprints
Thanks Malory!!!

Calvin's Cupcakes

Calvin's Cupcakes
Thank you Crystal

August 29, 2008

Good Morning, Little One

Good morning Cylas!!! I feel so much better today. I visited with you last night but it's only for a few minutes. Your sister was having a "me" moment and only wanted to do what she wanted to do. So I am sorry my visit was rushed, but it was not intended to be that way. I had to rush all my thoughts into a short statement so it probably didn't make any sense!! The one thing I always want you to know is that I LOVE YOU!!!

I know that I am not the best writer in the world and I don't claim to be, but it's an outlet for me. It's a way for me to express to you how I am feeling from day to day OR it's a way to vent my anger and my feelings without having to fight with someone. KWIM? I've never been good at just talking and I believe that's my big down fall. I've learned to bottle everything up and I do a very good job of it!

Well any hoo, Cylas, I do love you and I miss you more than anyone will ever know. No one knows what kind of pain I am feeling. There are times that I could cry at the drop of a hat and there's nothing I can do about it, but CRY!! So my little one, good morning to you, and please be close to your sister and I.

XOXOXO,
Mommy

August 28, 2008

Real Quick


Cylas, it's mommy. Just stopping in real quick to say "HI" and that I love you, always!!! I wish that you were here so I could give you a giant hug and tell you all this stuff while holding you in my arms. Sissy is sick right now and after going through what I had to with you, I am extra cautious when she gets sick. Please be close to her. Let her feel your love!!!! I want to let you know that she takes good care of "Stripes" and you have nothing to worry about. Your tiger is in good hands. Nan & Pops miss you so much too! Sometimes it's hard for us to deal with everything and I know that we all feel like we can't take much more. But we never know what's around the corner and we can only pray that God keeps us safe. Watch over your uncle and his family. They are in Oklahoma right now.

I just want you to know that I love you and I guess I could say it a million times and it would be true!!! I do get down and have my sad moments but I always seem to pull through. I still want you here with me and it's unfair that you had to leave me to go to heaven so soon. I had some good times while you were here and I talked to you all the time. You are in my heart and mind 24-7!!!

Love Mommy

August 27, 2008

Thoughts

Today I am having one of those days. I went out for lunch and the need to cry hit me like a rock. I broke down for no reason at all. I still have so much anger and hurt to deal with, I really don't know how I am making it. And of course all the feelings I have are towards my EX. I just keep thinking about everythings he's said and done, and I also think about how he treated me after we loss Cylas. There are so many things I would like to tell him and get it out, but right now the thought of him stresses me out. I've told him about some things but he doesn't know half of how I actually feel.

I feel like I am so alone in my grief for Cylas. It would be so nice to have my EXes support too! It would be nice if I could talk to him and he would actually listen. He's not concerned about me and I guess he hasn't been in a while. He's nice when he doesn't have anyone else in his life, but the moment he has someone else, I am no longer worthy of his time. He expects me to be there for him when something happens, but yet he doesn't want to be here for me. He turns his back on me and then wonders why I am still so mad at him. I am trying my best to work with him when it comes to our daughter, but like I've said before it's really hard. He doesn't have any respect for my family and he showed that when he finally went to visit Cylas and he took his current girlfriend too. I believe with all my heart that she's the one who came between us and then she ran her mouth about me while I was pregnant. I really don't care for her and I probably never will. My uncle is going to tell him that she's not welcome at the family cemetary. He's gonna tell him it's for immediate family only! I think it's best that it comes from my uncle because if I try to say something he gets mad and starts argueing with me. And I definitely don't need anymore stress in my life.

It's been raining here and all I can think about is the fact that Cylas is getting wet!! I think I feel guilty because I missed my visit with him and haven't been able to make it up due to the rain. I've talked with him and asked him to forgive his mommy for not visiting him on his day. He's 8 months old and I am missing out on so much. When Cylas left me he took a huge part of me with him. I wanted him to have the best. I had so much planned for him since he was going to be my last child. I couldn't wait for him to get big enough to interact with his sister. His sister didn't want a brother and she was very vocal about that early on in the pregnancy. She wanted a sister. I told Prairie that God would decide whether she would get a brother or a sister and she would just have to wait and see. The moment she saw him for the first time it was love at first sight and he instantly became her "baby", not mine. So I was really relieved when she accepted her baby brother. It remains hard for both of us because we want him here.

This is what's on my mind today. These are my thoughts and as you can see Cylas is a very active thought in my mind.

LOVE YOU CYLAS!!!!

XOXOXO,

MOMMY

August 25, 2008

Sorry, SON

Sorry Cylas, but I didn't get a chance to visit you yesterday like I had planned. But I didn't do it on purpose, sometimes it's best if I just stay busy and keep moving. I keep telling myself that I don't have time to break down and cry, because I have to do this or that, but I am really trying to hide the fact that I still miss you so much. I thought about you all day long and just kept thinking about how big you might be if you were still here. And I've said it before but some days are better than others and I think it's going to be that way for a while. You are 8 months old now, and I can't imagine what you might have been like no matter how hard I try. I am always so STRESSED and I am trying to work on that but nothing seems to work or help.

Just a little while ago it was raining here and I started thinking "Cylas is getting wet!" And I felt tears building up and I had to make them go away before I cried or they streamed down my cheeks. Those kind of thoughts hurt me, because I can't protect you from that rain. I mean I couldn't even protect you when you were here, so what makes it so different now! KWIM? I beat myself up sometimes. I want you back in my arms. I want to see you and your sister bond. She tells me that she wants another brother or sister, I guess she gets lonely, but I don't have a response for her. I am not dating nor do I have anyone in mind. I don't want to go through another pregnancy. I keep telling my self that I'll adopt, but I don't know how to get that process started. I am just not ready for anything else right now. I am the only person who knows when I'll be ready and right now I know that I am not

I wanted to apologize to you for not visiting with you yesterday. I owe you some new flowers and I will get those this week for sure. I am pretty sure Momma can be a little late with her visit, right! I also wanted to let you know that I didn't, haven't, and never will forget about you. I love you and miss you all the time. If I could move heaven and earth to bring you back to me I would. My aunt was talking about you the other day and she said that God took you from us because your daddy denied you and it was God's way of showing that he can give and he can take. I don't know about that, but I thought to myself, but I wanted him, did my thoughts or actions not count for anything in that decision. Cylas, mommy wanted you more than anything and I never left you. I was there for you and I hope you felt me. I know that humans are very selfish and we have alot of wants and we have a lot of it's about me, not you in this world. I am selfish because I want you here. But do you blame me?

XOXOXO,
Mommy

August 22, 2008

My Fears

I've talked about losing my son, and the effects it's had on my life. But I also have a fear that's been looming overhead since January. We (myself, my EX and his mother) have a lawyer looking into his medical records from all the physicians that he was seen by and to look at how his treatment might have been taken in the wrong direction at the hospital where he died. I guess I should have just said we're trying to see if we have a wrongful death case against the hospital. I believe with all my heart that my son was "killed" and I just don't know how to handle that thought in my head. I have no closure at all. We chose not to do an autopsy. I couldn't put him through that, because I know what they do to a body with that procedure and I just couldn't put my little boy through that. I thought that he had already suffered enough before he died. KWIM? And even though I can say he died of complete organ failure, there was a reason why that happened. I know that all the money in world will never bring him back, but I basically just want answers. And sometimes those possible answers scare me to death.

I don't know what I would do if the results came back and we have a case against the hospital. I don't know if I would be relieved or not. And I can definitely say that my heart would be broken all over again if I find out that my son didn't have to die. I will be more hurt than ever to find out that he could STILL be here had it not been for the actions taken by the physicians in charge of his care. I could probably have a total breakdown, and that's what I've been avoiding since his death. I am trying my best to keep going and moving forward, but sometimes it just gets so hard. I try to put up that protective wall and just when I think I have it built strong something happens and it crumbles all to pieces in an instant. There are many times that I wish Cylas was still here. I miss him continually on a day to day basis. I don't know how much longer I will have to wait for those "scary" answers, and I try to put that in the back of my mind because the lawyer has already warned that it is a long process and that we have to have all our ducks in a row. The lawyer has already received one report back from his professional advisor, but she needed more information about me and she had a feeling that information was missing from Cylas' file. That report came back in March, and the new information should have been sent off in June. So right now we are still waiting.

Aside from all the waiting, I keep thinking that what if we have a case and we receive money. Who should get that money? Do I share it with the dad who didn't claim his son? I don't know what to do or think. In my heart I don't want the money I just want my son back!!!! I want him back more than anything. On Sunday the 24th Cylas will be 8 months old and I just can't even imagine how he would have changed from birth. I don't dream about him and I don't ever see signs that he may be around. I think my connection with him is just gone and it's not anyone's fault. I stay stressed all the time and I know that must have some kind of effect on my mind and my body. I stress over the small stuff and my relationship with my EX isn't that good. We don't get along. I don't like the woman he's with because she ran her mouth about me the whole time I was pregnant with Cylas. She kept telling everyone that my EX was not the father and I know that she had to receive that information from him, because he was denying Cylas. Then once Cylas arrived she said that she wasn't happy he was a boy because she thought my EX might come back to me. The way I take that comment is that she wished Cylas didn't exist and I think she must be happy he died because it didn't take her man away from her. And that just really burns me up. It just goes to show that she didn't want him here because she didn't want to lose her precious relationship and that's poor judgement, on hers and my Ex's.

I will try not to focus on this too much. But I know that I can honestly say no matter what the outcome my heart will be broken again and I know that the pain will be unbearable once again. I wanted my son more than anything and if I find out that he could still be here... I can't even wrap my mind around that thought.

Cylas, mommy is having a moment today. I can't quit thinking about the possibility of you still being here and you know that's what I wanted the most. I know that I will be angry if you didn't have to die and I know that I will have to deal with those feelings all over again. I want to have closure and I don't know if that will ever happen. There are so many things I wanted to do with you, and now I never will. I miss you every day and I think about you everyday. Please be close to your sister and me today!! We need to feel your angel hugs and heavenly kisses!
XOXOXO,
Your Mommy

August 20, 2008

Scary Moment

On October 17th of last year, I had a scary moment during my pregnancy with Cylas. I started bleeding and had been warned to go straight to the nearest hospital if this happened. I had been diagnosed with placenta previa, but my doctor had assured me that the placenta was ONLY particially covering my cervix and before time of delivery it should have moved away from my cervix completely. I went to our hospital here on the reservation, but they sent me to Haywood County hospital where I spent two days. They said that I had been having contractions, but I couldn't tell. I could feel the baby moving but that was it. On Thursday (Oct. 18th) they ordered an ultrasound and it was discovered that my placenta moved and it was now safely away from my cervix. They told me that the baby was fine and that he already weighed around 5 to 6 pounds. I think I was about 31 weeks, so you could tell that he was going to be big. They were giving medicine to keep me from going into early labor and I was released Friday, October 19th. I didn't have anymore bleeding.

At this time, I was still having problems with my EX and he wasn't that interested in this pregnancy like he was with our daughter. So, I didn't call him or his mom to tell them that I had to be put in the hospital. I told my mom not to call them and I was able to keep Prairie away from them during that time so she wouldn't tell them. But on Saturday, she spent time with them and I guess she let it slip. My EX didn't ask right away, and I honestly didn't plan on telling him anything. I kept thinking why I should I, He had already denied you were his son, so why did I need to share any kind of information about you. He even got mad one time and brought that up and I just told him will you never ask about the baby, you don't claim him, and you don't seem to be concerned about him or me at all. I told him that everyone who cared about us was the one's who were contacted when I was put in the hospital. I had a very stressful year and I still get stressed dealing with my EX. I just rather not have any contact with him at all. He's only nice to me when he doesn't have another woman in his life and as soon as a new one OR the same one comes back he goes right back to treating me like trash. So I figure why even bother!! KWIM?

I didn't have any more incidents until Dec. 24th when I had a placental abruption. I am thankful that I was at parents house when that happened because if it happened while I living alone with Prairie, I probably wouldn't be here and neither would have Cylas. I moved in with my parents in October after that first scare. In the house I was living in there wasn't a phone and I am not sure if Prairie could have made it to their house by herself. So I am very glad that I made the decision to stay with them because I wouldn't have got to meet my son if I didn't. I am still living with my parents, but I am in the process of trying to get a house. Prairie is starting to want her own space and at times my mom can drive me crazy.

Today, aside from the scary moment I wrote about, I will take Prairie and sign her up for Gymnastics. She has been begging me since one her friends started last year. So I am finally going to take her and get her signed up after work. I had planned on doing about two weeks ago, but she wasn't listening or anything so I kept putting it off. However, she has been doing good. Doing what has been asked of her so I think she deserves this surprise. Her uncle said he would come watch her in the Olympics if she ever made it. Her uncle loves her to death.

For some reason this week I just want to write about everything, even if it doesn't make sense. I must have the writing bug or something. I still miss Cylas daily and I am continually wishing for one more day with him, knowing that I won't get it.

Cylas, mommy is missing you today and everyday!! Please stay close by!!!
XOXO,

Mommy

August 19, 2008

Remembering


I keep thinking that I didn't have enough time with you. You were here with me for 3 weeks and 1 day, but I carried you for nine months and I know that has to count for something. You and I had a connection long before I layed eyes on you. You knew when mommy was happy or sad, and you knew which parent would be here for you and which one wouldn't. Even though I didn't know your mood or feelings during that time I knew you were there. I could feel every kick, punch, and movement. I only felt one bout with hiccups, but the fact is is that I felt it! My pregnancy was definitely not easy. It wasn't easy because your dad and I separated around the end of my first trimester, and once that happened he didn't seem interested in the pregnancy. He was living his new life and leaving us behind.If I mentioned anything it just ended up being a HUGE fight! I was stressed and hurting from the things that have been said and even now I still feel so hurt. I just feel like I had to go through that time by myself.

In July of 2007 I was able to attend the Soul to Soul Tour which featured Tim and Faith (my favorite country singer). I kept thinking that I didn't share that with anyone special but Cylas you were there for that. You probably didn't like the sound cause it was loud, but you know you were there. You shared an accomplishment with me. For years, I wanted to see Faith Hill in concert and wasn't able to that until that time. I enjoyed the whole show. It was a great show because we were only like 4 rows from the stage. I had to pay alot of money for those tickets, but it was worth it. I was able to hear my all time favorite song "It's Your Love." I guess my emotions got the best of me because I cried the whole time it was being performed. I had just separated from the man I was suppose to spend the rest of my life with and even though we wasn't where we were supposed to be as a couple didn't mean I was ready to completely walk away from that commitment. Could we have gotten help and actually made our marriage work? I guess we will never know because your dad didn't want that, he thinks that he can analyze any situation and it be right. But right for whom? HIM? ME? or US?

I sung to you in Cherokee. I was only able to sing two songs and I sung those over and over again. I think once your sister helped me out, but that was it. I would talk to you and tell you how much I loved you. I couldn't wait to find out if you were a girl or a boy? Once that info. was known I just couldn't wait to meet my little boy! I wanted your sister to be a boy, but as you can see mommy got herself a princess instead of a prince. But mommy was happy with the out come. I didn't know what to think when I learned your due date was a day after Christmas. I kept thinking how am I going to celebrate this child's birthday so close to Christmas. When you were born I still didn't have it figured out and I thought I had more time to plan. Well now that your in heaven I can celebrate it but without you and I don't have to buy any toys. But that thought doesn't make your day any better. I much rather have you here and give you a million toys then not be able to buy you any at all. I am still thinking about your 1st birthday and I know that it's 4 months away but I think it would be best to think about now rather than later.

I look at some of the pictures I have of you and I don't remember taking any of them. I didn't have time to get pictures of you. I thought that I had time to get all the pictures in the world. I wanted to get your pictures made with your sister. Along with all the other regrets I have that just one of them. I have regrets, I place blame on myself for happened to you, and I have a broken heart.

Cylas you mean the world to me and even though I am missing out on seeing you grow, I know that your ok. I just wish you could be here with me.

XOXOXO,
Mommy

August 18, 2008

Your Sister

Last night your sister was having a "Cylas" moment. These moments happen once a month and last until after the 24th of whatever month were in. These moments involve talking about you, wondering what you may be doing , and just to to let me know that she misses her baby brother. There are a million things I wish I could do to ease her pain or to go back in time and bring you back, but that's just not going to happen.

Your sister said that she misses you and then she asked me, "mom, why can't Cylas just come back?" I honestly didn't have a answer for her. All I wantedto do was cry and hold her close. After a few moments, I told her that Cylas wouldn't want to come back because he was having so much fun with the angels and flying around heaven with his new friends. Prairie looked at me and said "mom, Cylas is just a baby he doesn't have wings." With that we both just sat on the bed and loved each other. I have tried so hard to make this easier for her, but sometimes I feel like I fail her in so many ways. I also feel like I have no support from her dad's side of the family. They all want me to get over losing you and get my life back on track. But you know, my grief is a part of my life. It's a part of me just like you were a part of me. I will never forget you, I can't! My pain and heartache will go away eventually, but I need to deal with it in my own time and not on someone else's time.

I do go to talk to doctor's when I am feeling low and down in the dumps, but I never keep the follow up appointments because afterward I feel so much better. But I do believe that you were here for a reason if only for a moment. The fact that it's been seven months is just another way of showing me that time passes by. I still feel so hurt for all the stuff that was said while I was pregnant with you. From your dad saying your weren't his son, to his NEW girlfriend telling everyone the same thing, I am hurt. I am hurt because I lost you and all the apologies in the world will never bring you back. NO one had any right talking about you, because they didn't know. She wasn't there!!!! Your dad can apologize to me all he wants but in reality he really needed to apologize to you. But it's too late to do that.

Cylas please be close to me and your sissy today! Let us feel your angel hugs and heavenly kisses!!!

XOXOXO,
Mommy

August 15, 2008

Seven Months and counting


Seven months today I lost my chubby baby boy. I had to tell my little man bye for the last time. I held him in my arms and rocked him as if he was still alive and needed his mommies touch. The last day Cylas was here I felt like I was walking around in a haze and thinking over and over again "this CAN'T be happening to me, not now, not after all we had gone through just to get him here." After my ordeal in December to bring my baby into this world I prayed to God asking him to be with me and my family and my new little one. I was grateful that he brought us through and I was praying for a smoother road ahead. But I didn't get that smoother road, instead it's filled with bumps and major saddness!!! I would have done anything to keep Cylas here. I would have given my own life in order to keep him here. I continue to blame myself for what happened to him, thinking that I've failed him as a mother. I feel like I totally let him down and that I let those doctors hurt him. Sometimes I just dont' know what to do. I am trying to live my life, but it's hard when you have something so precious missing from it.


He's been gone for seven months and here I am still wishing that it was all a dream. I keep thinking that any moment I will wake up and there he'll be laying in his crib waiting for me to pick him up and give him his first hug of the day. Sometimes I say to myself "I miss the dirty diapers," and you know that could only be coming from a mom whose lost her angel. I miss everything about Cylas. He was the sweestest little boy and he was very handsome. I miss holding his hands in mine and I miss counting his toes. I miss bath time and I even miss his mad screaming time. I miss having a baby to love and cuddle. I miss watching him sleep and listening to him breathing late at night. I miss fixing his bottles and watching him eat like milk was out of style. I miss looking into eyes and wondering what he could possibly be thinking at that moment and time. I miss his cute little grin that he would give while he was asleep. I miss holding him in my arms. I miss seeing him bond with his big sister. I miss seeing him look at her and follow her every movement. I miss everything. I miss the smell of him just after a bath. I miss running my fingers through his hair.


Cylas, you are missed greatly!!! Mommy and Sissy are trying to make it. Mommy often takes some falls into the pit, and Sissy definately has her moments. Seven months have pasted and I still hope it's all been a dream!!!


Love you and miss you everyday 24-7!!!

August 13, 2008

PLANNING

The other morning while I was getting Prairie ready for school and I asked her what we should do about Cylas' birthday. She looked at me and said "well mom he will need a birthday cake and some balloons, but no toys because he won't be able to play with them." I was very surprised by her response and very moved at the same time. I know that she misses her brother dearly and sometimes she comes to me with her head hanging low and tells me "mom, I miss Cylas." And then she'll hug me for a moment and then go about her business. There are times that I handle a conversation with her without breaking down, and there are times she just breaks my heart. I can't imagine what she must be thinking and sometimes I can't imagine her pain she is feeling.

When we were laying Cylas to rest and they started covering his grave, she paid close attention to every detail and watched as they decorated his grave with the flowers. She was able to keep a few of the floral arrangements and even some stuffed animals and she held on to those items until there was nothing left. Once they completed his grave she looked at me and asked "Mom, how will Cylas get to heaven with all that dirt on him? I don't think he can make it and we need to help him." At that point and time I didn't have a answer for her. I told her that Cylas had become a magician and that he could make it all on his own. That day was so hard because she had so many questions. Her little mind was probably racing.

Now that I think and I mean really think about it, what if God gave me Cylas to help me through my separation with my EX. He knew that if I was pregnant then I completely wouldn't let myself go nor would I do harm to a baby. Even though I was hurt and sometimes didn't feel like I could go without my EX, I still had life living inside me, and it was my responsibility to make sure that little life was safe. Then I also think what if that's the reason I have my daughter. What if God gave me my daughter first because he knew that down the road I would have to feel the pain of losing a child, and he knew that my daughter would be that light at the end of tunnel, so to speak. I think God made these plans because he knew that I would need something to keep me going even when I wanted to quit. He knew that my love for my children would keep me going no matter what the situation may be. I have to admit over the last seven months I have found myself wondering why, but no answer had come to me.

And yes, I miss Cylas deeply. I miss him so much and wish every night that he was here with me, but the fact of the matter is I am still making it and the reason for that is because I have my daughter who keeps me grounded and who tells me everyday she loves me with all of her heart! And even though I'll never hear those words coming out of Cylas' mouth I know that he knew I loved him with all my heart, because I told him that every single day he was here on this earth!! It's the love I have for my children and wanting to be here that keeps me going. God's gift to me is Prairie and was Cylas. They were what and will forever keep me going. I'll continue to cry for Cylas and I'll continue to enjoy seeing Prairie grow and I guess that's what is suppose to be happening, whether I like it or not.

August 11, 2008

Cylas' Obituary

Cylas Mychal (Taladu) Toineeta, Infant son of Joseph and Sarah Thompson Toineeta of Cherokee went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, January 15, 2008 in a Buncombe County Hospital.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by one sister, Praire (Iwodi) Toineeta of the home; maternal grandparents, Leroy and Dorothy Thompson of Cherokee; paternal grandmother, Carol Teesateskie and husband Darrell of Cherokee; three uncles, Albert Martin and wife Candy, John Grant, Jr., Jason Shell all of Cherokee; two aunts, Marlena Toineeta of Cherokee, Wahnetah Oocumma and husband James of Cherokee; seven cousins, Carol, Kilyne, Payne, River, Kara, Earl, and Lulu.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Straight Fork Baptist Church. Revs. Charles Ray Ball, James (Bo) Parris, and Denny Crowe will officiate.

Burial will be in the Lossiah Family Cemetery.The body will be placed in the church at 4:00 p.m. Thursday by Crisp Funeral Home to await the hour of service.

Another Day, Another Week

It's so funny how life goes on, no matter how bad you feel or no matter how hurt you are. There is not a day that goes by that I don't wish my baby boy was here in my arms or even in my life. At times it's just so unfair. I am missing out on an entire life, a life that should be here and not in heaven. I'm missing out on all the firsts and all the seconds. I hate my life, I hate being single, and most of all I hate being the mother of two babies and only have one here with me. I should have the perfect family right about now, you know the loving husband, and two children thriving and happy!!!! But I guess it wasn't meant to be and I'll never understand why. Now all that's left is this shell of who I used to be. Right now my life only revolves around my daughter she's all I think about and I live life everyday just to keep her safe. I keep telling myself that I am NOT ready to date or that I don't need anyone in my life. I am so afraid to get back out there again. My Ex was my first love and I spent 10 years of my life with him. And in the end it didn't matter.

On Friday Cylas will be gone for 7 months and it doesn't even feel like it. I've packed away his crib, his clothes, and I've even tried to pack away my pain from losing him and I've gotten no where with that. Because each morning I wake up only to look at a spot where a crib should have been, and I wake up wanting to change a diaper. I still have his diaper bag out and I look at it everyday, but I dare not open it. I have his pictures in a box on the shelf. And when I get in the van I still see his car seat ready and waiting for a baby. I drove around with that car seat in my van for two months before he was born, mainly because I didn't know what was going to happen and now even that has been packed away. His clothes are safe and I've decided that I'm not getting rid of any of it, even though I've decided not to have anymore babies.

I really don't want Christmas to come this year. That's the one day I am dreading the most. Before I had my children I hated Christmas because that meant that New Years was next and I had a cousin who got killed on New Years in 1993, so I was never in a festive mood. Then Prairie came along and gave me a new reason to celebrate Christmas and it's not too bad and now with Cylas being born on Christmas Eve I think I am going to be that same old scrooge I was before. Because I should be celebrating a birthday this time. I should be seeing my little man with cake and Icing all over his face and I should be giving him his first hair cut, because his hair would probably be in his eyes. I don't know there are alot of things that I am missing out on and I don't know how to quit dwelling on it. Just when I think I am doing good everything comes back to me and I am lost in my grief again.

So yes, this is just another day, in another week of my sad empty life. Missing my angel and wanting him here with me.

CYLAS MOMMY LOVES AND MISSES YOU! WHY DON'T YOU JUST COME BACK TO ME?

OXOXOXOXOXOXO
From Mommy

August 6, 2008

To Cylas

Good Morning my precious boy. Today you are in my thoughts more than the days before. I have been working on this blog all week and I think I'm doing pretty good. All I see of you is your smiling face and your fluffy hair. You were my little mad baby duck. I've seen pictures of a mad baby duck and with your hair being so fluffy it just reminded me of you. Your sister's hair was like that too!!

You have a new angel friend up there. His name is Logan, please take some time to show him the ropes. You've been there almost 7 months and I know that you'll be a good boy and help him out. If I close my eyes I can see all you flying around and having so much fun with the angels, as they give you hugs from your mommies. I just wish that I could give you those hugs. I WANT THAT SO BAD!!! I'm sorry I am not there with you!!

Please be with your sissy today. Keep her safe and let her know you are around. She misses you so much and I know that she is dealing with everything the best way she knows how. I dreamed a little about you last night, least I think it was you, I never seen your face or heard anyone call out your name, so I am not sure. But it wasn't a bad dream. Living life here without you is all the bad dreams I need to have.

I am thinking of you as always. I send my love to you each night and I want you to know that I will NEVER stop loving or missing you. You were Momma's boy and it will stay that way forever!!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Mommy

August 4, 2008

Brighter Days Ahead

I can only hope
Losing you has taken it's toll
Some days are good; some days are bad
But I know there must be brighter days ahead

I keep track of time gone by
But yet it's so hard to say Goodbye
I keep thinking this can not be and
There has to be brighter days ahead

Moments have passed by
But not fast enough
I just want to run & hide
But I know brighter days are coming

I can ask why a million times
I can even think of harder times
But none compare to this
Everyone keeps telling me there are brighter days ahead

But I ask for forgiveness
for doubting your words
Because I just don't see any
brighter days ahead

There is a part of my heart gone
And the sorrow still lingers
My sadness is triggered every 15th & 24th
So for now please don't say there are
brighter days ahead.

Empty Arms

Empty arms here below
Arms so full of love
Missing someone tiny & cute

Empty arms here below
Oh why did you have to go
Why did you leave me so alone

Empty arms here below
Wishing for one more day
Wanting to see your smile

Empty arms here below
With no dreams, no baby, & no hope
Just my empty arms missing you

August 1, 2008

It's Me again


Hello, to my precious boy! It's Mommy dropping in to share some thoughts. It's going to be another busy weekend here little man. Your Mommy stays busy most of the time. Sometimes I don't know if I'm just running from my emotions or it it's a good thing to stay busy. But I can only think about what I would be doing if you were here in my arms. I bet you would have been a hand full right about now. Because you know that you would be the boss!!


Tomorrow I have to get up at 4:00 in the morning to go volunteer at the annual Trout Derby and I am dreading that more than ever. Your sissy and I like to sleep in on weekends so be with me and help me make through the day. I am still looking for signs from you, but I just can't see any. I don't even dream about you and that scares me. I hope that one day I will be able to see your little signs your sending.


I am including a picture of your balloon you received from Michelley, she always makes sure you have a present. Your balloon is purple.


I love you son, and miss you dearly!!

XOXOXOXOXO

THREAD OF HOPE

I have completely fallen in love with this song

Honey Is For Bees

I WILL CARRY YOU by SELAH

HELD by NATALIE GRANT

Unredeemed by SELAH

BORROWED ANGELS

Don't Go Away (Buckcherry)

Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)

KNOCKIN ON HEAVEN'S DOOR

EVERY ROSE HAS IT'S THORN

Every Breath You Take

BRING ON THE RAIN

STAND BESIDE ME

TEARS IN HEAVEN

I'll be Missing you

THE CROSS HAS WON AGAIN

WISH YOU WERE HERE

HEALING STREAM

MAMA LIKED THE ROSES

TAKE MY HAND PRECIOUS LORD

ONCE UPON A HILL

In Memory of Those I've Lost

Nelly Furtado

~~IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY~~

I think of you often
and make no outward show,
But what it means to lose you,
no one will ever know
You wished no one farewell,
not even said good-bye,
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.
You are not forgotten
nor will you ever be,
As long as life and memories last,
I will remember thee.
To some you may be forgotten,
to others a part of the past,
But to me who loved you dearly,
your memories will always last.
Nothing can be more beautiful
than the memories I have of you.
To me, you were someone special,
God must have thought so too!
If tears could build a stairway
and memories a lane,
I would walk all the way to Heaven,
and bring you back again.

Shared by Beth on BBC (thanks Beth)

Cylas @ 7 days old

Cylas @ 7 days old

My Sister, I-wo-di

My Sister, I-wo-di
The Princess

I'm Spending Christmas with Jesus this Year

I see the all the beautiful Christmas Trees
Around the world below,
With the all the lights like heaven's stars
Reflecting in the snow..

The sight is so spectacular
Please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year..

I hear the many Christmas songs
That people hold so dear,
But the sounds of music can't compare
With the Christmas choir up here..

For I have no words to tell you
The joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description
To hear as the angels sing..

I know how much you miss me
I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am spending Christmas
With Jesus Christ this year..

I can not tell you of the splendor
Or the peace here in this place,
Can you just imagine Christmas?
With our Savior, face to face?

I will ask HIM to light your spirit
As I tell HIM of your love,
So then pray one for another
As you lift your eyes above..

So please let your hearts be joyful
And let your spirit sing,
For I am spending Christmas in heaven
And I am walking with the King!!!

author unknown

20 Things I wish you would Remember

1. I wish you would not be afraid to mention Cylas. The truth is just because you may never seen him doesn't mean he doesn't deserve your recognition.

2. I wish that if we did talk about Cylas and I cried you didn't think it was because you have hurt me by mentioning him. The truth is I need to (and often want to) cry and talk about Cylas with you. Crying and emotional outbursts help me heal.

3. I wish that you could talk about Cylas more than once. The truth is if you do, it reassures me that you haven't forgotten him and that you do care and understand.

4. I wish you wouldn't think that I don't want to talk about Cylas. The truth is I love him and need to talk about him.

5. I wish you could tell me you are sorry Cylas has died and that you are thinking of me. The truth is that it tells me you care.

6. I wish you wouldn't think what has happened is one big bad memory for me. The truth is the memory of Cylas Mychal, the love I feel for him, the dreams I had and the memories I have created for him are all loving memories. Yes there are bad memories too but please understand that it's not all like that.

7. I wish you wouldn't pretend that Cylas never existed. The truth is we both know I had him growing inside me for 9 months.

8. I wish you wouldn't judge me because I am not acting the way you think I should be. The truth is grief is a very personal thing and we are all different people who deal with things differently.

9. I wish you wouldn't think if I have a good day I'm "over it" or if I have a bad day that I am being unreasonable because you think I should be over it. The truth is there is no "normal" way for me to act and I will never be "over it".

10. I wish you wouldn't stay away from me. The truth is loosing Cylas doesn't mean I'm contagious. By staying away you make me feel isolated, confused and at fault for something I had no control over.

11. I wish you wouldn't expect my grief to be "over and done with" in a few weeks, months, years or ever for that matter. The truth is it may get easier with time but I will never be "over" this.

12. I wish you would think of Cylas as a baby and and not just a neo-natal death. The truth is he was a human life. He had a soul, heart, body, legs, arms, a face and a unique personality. I have seen my baby's body and face, I have heard him cry. My baby was a real person.

13.Cylas' due date, his birthday, the day he died and Mothers Day, are all important and sad days for me. The truth is I wish you could tell me by words or by letter that you are thinking of me (and Cylas) on these days.

14. I wish you understood that losing Cylas has changed me. The truth is I am not the same person I was before nor will I ever be that person again. If you keep waiting for me to get back to ""normal" you will stay frustrated and continue waiting. I am a new person with new thoughts, dreams, beliefs, and values. Please try to get to know the new "me"-maybe you'll still like me.

15. I wish you wouldn't tell me that I can have other babies. The truth is I want the baby I lost and no other baby can replace Cylas Mychal. Babies aren't interchangeable.

16. I wish you wouldn't feel awkward or uncomfortable talking about Cylas or being near me. When you do, I can see it. The truth is it's not fair to make me feel uncomfortable just because you are, I'm dealing with enough as it is.

17. I wish you wouldn't think that you should keep away because all my friends and family will be there for me. The truth is, everyone thinks the same thing and I am often left with no one.

18. I wish you would understand that being around pregnant women is uncomfortable for me. The truth is I feel jealous, angry and sad.

19. I wish you wouldn't say that everything happens for a reason. The truth is as far as I'm concerned no explanation would or could ever be good enough to justify that fact that Cylas is gone.

20. I wish you would understand what you are really saying when you say "the next baby will be fine". The truth is how do you know? Can you gauruntee that my next baby will be healthy? What will you say if it happens to me again?

*adapted and edited from Rainbow Over my Broken Road Thank you Kristi.*

Meet my Sister

Meet my Sister
Hi! I'm Iwodi!!

A Poem for Angel Moms

I thought of you and closed my eyes
And prayed to God today.
I asked what makes a Mother
And I know I heard him say,

A Mother has a baby
This we know is true.
But God, can you be a Mother
When your baby's not with you?

Yes you can, he replied
With confidence in his voice.
I give many women babies
When they leave is not their choice

Some I send for a lifetime
And others for a day.
And some I send to feel your womb.
But there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this,
GodI want my baby here!
He took a breath and cleared His throat
And then I saw a tear

I wish I could show you
What your child is doing today.
If you could see your child smile

With the other children and say,
"We go to earth to learn our lessons
Of love and life and fear.

My Mommy loved me oh so much
I got to come straight here."
"I feel so lucky to have a Mom
Who had so much love for me.

I learned my lesson very quickly
and My Mommy set me free."
"I miss my Mommy oh so much
But I visit her each day.

When she goes to sleep at night
On her pillow is where I lay."
"I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek

And whisper in her ear,
Mommy don't be sad today
I am your baby and I am here.

"So you see my dear sweet one
Your children are okay
Your babies are here in My home

And this is where they'll stay.
They'll wait for you with Me
Until your lesson is through.

And on the day that you come home
They'll be at the gates for you.
So now you see what makes a Mother

It's the feeling in your heart.
It's the love you had so much of
Right from the very start.

It's Cylas!!!

It's Cylas!!!
Taladu @ 2 weeks old

Names In The Sand