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

February 24, 2009

14 MONTHS OLD TODAY

Happy 14 months, Cylas!! I can't believe it! I've tried to find the words to explain how I feel, but none come to mind. All I know is that I miss you and want you here with me. I know it's a selfish thought, but I'm a mom and I am selfish. I wanted more time with you, but didn't get it. I was looking for something to post and I found this poem. It doesn't exacyly make much sense for this post but it's a beautiful poem:

I’ll Lend For You

“I’ll lend you, for a little while, a child of mine,”He said

“For you to love while he lives and mourn when he is dead.

It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three, but will you

till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you and shall his stay be brief,

you’ll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, as all from earth return

but there are lessons taught down there that I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true,

and from the throngs that crown life’s lanes, I have selected YOU.

Now will you give him all your love not think the labor vain

nor hate me when I come to call to take him back again.”

I fancied that I heard them say “Dear Lord, Thy will be done.

For all the joys thy child will bring The risk of grief we’ll run.

We will shelter him with tenderness, We’ll love him while we may—

And for the happiness we’ve known Forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him Much sooner than we’ve planned,

We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes And try to understand.”

Written By: Edgar A. Guest

Cylas, have a happy day in heaven and always remember that mommy and sister love you!

XOXOXOXO,
Mommy

February 20, 2009

Prairie

Last night was hard for me emotionally. Prairie was having a hard time and I felt so lost because I didn't know what to say to make her feel better. I had her ready for bed by 9:00 but we didn't fall asleep until much later. She was upset and crying. She cried for about an hour and a half. She told me that she misses Cylas, she wishes he would come back, she wants to hold him and love him. She told me that her heart was broken. How am I supposed to make her feel better? How can I let her know that it's going to be ok? I can't tell her that's it's going to be ok, when I don't even know myself if it's going to be ok. I hate seeing her hurting.

I told her Cylas will always be in her heart and that he will never be forgotten, but last night those words just didn't seem to help. She wanted her brother and that's all she knew. But I am glad that she's able to express her feelings like that. At least it's not all bottled up. All I know how to do is hug her and tell her that I love her and that Cylas knew that she loved him, too. I've got to wonder if the pain will ever end. When it seems like we've moved forward in our grief, we always fall about 5 steps back.


Cylas, be with your sister. She misses you so much. She only wants you back. She wants to hold you and play with you. She wants to help change your diapers. She wants her heart to stop breaking. Please stay close.

Mommy

February 19, 2009

Saying a Prayer

Last night Prairie was saying her prayer. She usually prays nightly for her family and even her grandma's dog Stewy. She ends her prayer by asking God to let Cylas know that she misses him and loves him. Well last night she ended it almost the same way, but for her, this was very sweet. After praying for me and everyone else, she paused for a moment and then she said "God, please with all the mommies who have lost their babies, just like me and my mom." I just about lost it, but I was able to hold it together. (She also prayed for her grandma's dog. She told God to watch over Stewy because he had the squirts! It was very cute and unexpected.)

Once she finished praying she asked me if her prayer was good, and I told her it was great. I had tears in my eyes and I gave her a big hug and told her that she was very sweet to remember the other mommies. I've never tried to hide death from her. She's experienced it and it's something that I don't want her to be scared of. She's going to be five in March and her understanding of death is surprising. Death is something that no five year old should know about. She remembers me telling her that her brother went to sleep and she remembers looking at him in his casket. It's been hard for her and sometimes I don't know how to make her feel better. I am at a loss for words most of the time. But I am happy that she talks about Cylas. The one thing I didn't want was to make her feel uncomfortable about mentioning his name. Yes it's hard, but it helps with the healing process.

She's been missing her brother and her all her dogs that she's lost. Last night she said "mom, I miss Cylas and all of my dogs. I just wish they could all come back." When Prairie hurts, I hurt. I only hope that I am doing my best with her. I don't want her growing up thinking that her mom doesn't care about her feelings, KWIM?

(Cylas, I hope that God gives you your messages from Prairie. Please stay with her always, I think sometimes she needs you more than I do.)
XOXOXO
Mommy

February 17, 2009

Another Valentine's Day w/out You

On Saturday, your sister and I celebrated Valentine's Day. I've always ordered her a stuffed animal with some balloons, but this year I didn't since it fell on a Saturday. Instead, I took her to Build-A-Bear in Asheville and she picked out a pink bear with flowers all over it. We stuffed it and picked out clothes. Your sister named her new bear Flower. She also wanted to build you one, but we just don't have the space to properly display your things. Once we get our new house I promise you will have a special place for your stuff.

I've stated many times how I hate special occasions that come up. I hate them because you are not here to enjoy them. I try my best to make sure your sister doesn't get left out because of my feelings. I know that life must go on no matter how hard it may be. Valentine's just doesn't mean what it used to. I have no reason to celebrate it. I don't have a SO and I don't have my little boy, so what's the use, KWIM? Iwodi loves each holiday and I wish that I could be the same way. Now that Valentines is over, next is your sister's 5th birthday. It's not until the end of March, but I like to plan early. This will be the second birthday you've missed. All of the things you are missing, it doesn't seem fair.


I know that you have the perfect home in heaven. I know that you are not in pain. I know that you want for nothing. I know that you feel how much you are loved. I know that you hear our thoughts. I know that you watch over us. I know that you send us angel kisses every night. I know that you visit whenever you can. And even though I know all this I still miss you so, so much. Knowing this doesn't bring much comfort, and I don't know if it ever will. All I know is that I want you back. I want you here with me. I want the huge hole in my heart to disappear. It's not fair for you to miss all the birthdays and special occasions. I want to hold you and tell you that I love you, instead of screaming it out in the darkness.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, CYLAS!! Mommy and Iwodi love you and miss you!!!

Love,
Mommy

February 11, 2009

Another Update

On February 5th, I went in for my mammogram & ultrasound. I was told by the radiologist that my mammogram looked fine. The US technician was looking for the cyst, but as she went over my chest with the wand she had a hard time finding it. After a few moments, she gave up. She tried very hard to find the cyst but it could not be found. I am very thankful that everything looked fine, but I am still worried about the cyst. Do I need to worry, or do I need to be thankful that it was not found? I have mixed emotions right now. I am a worrier and worry is what I do best. I am trying to be happy for the results. I am thankful to God for his mercy on me.

However, I still struggle from day to day with the loss of my son. I miss him so much and often wonder what my life would be like if he were here today. His sister misses him and talks about all the time. We are still searching for our normal, and I don't know if we'll have a normal life. We have someone missing from our liives who meant the world to us and we haven't learned to move on. Please continue to pray for me and my daughter, as we struggle with our grief. Thank you for all your prayers during this time. It means the world to me.

Thank you
Sarah (Cylas' Mom)

February 3, 2009

UPDATE

Well, I had my breast exam today. Still no definate answer as to what it is. The doctor thinks it might be a cyst, since it hasn't changed since I first found it. She set up a mammogram for Thursday, February 5th. Then of course the results won't be back until Monday, February 9th. So right now I am still playing the waiting game.

But if you read this entry, please continue to pray for me. This is still a scary situation for me.

Cylas, please stay close to me during this time. I felt the calmness you sent my way this morning, thank you son. I love you and miss you always.

Sarah (Cylas' Mom)

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