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

January 30, 2009

I know you were close last night

Cylas, last night was mommy and Sister night. We went to eat at Ryan's, then we went shopping at Walmart. After shopping we enjoyed a night at the movies. Iwodi wanted to watch Inkheart so I took her. One of her friends will be coming home with her tonight so we won't be loafing tomorrow.

Well anyway, after the movie, we came out and she immediately found the Cylas star. Last night the star was right by the moon which amazed Iwodi. Usually, I don't pay much attention to the star, but for some reason last night it just seemed to YELL at me. The whole drive home I could see the star. I was already crying. I listen to "Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)" when I'm missing you and last night was one of those nights. It just really felt like that star was trying to "speak" to me. And I imagine that if I could hear it, it would have said "MOM, PLEASE DON'T CRY! I'M RIGHT HERE & I'M ALRIGHT. I LOVE AND MISS YOU TOO!"

Some days are easier than others. Some days the pain is so hard to bare. I have so much going through my mind right now. I am still terrified about what the outcome of my breast exam might be. All I know is that I can't leave my daughter here without a mommy. I've lost a son, she lost a brother, and she can't lose her mom. I only hope and pray that everything will be alright.

Cylas, thanks for letting me feel you close last night. I was comforted even though it probably didn't look like it. I love you!!!!

Mommy

January 29, 2009

Cylas' Memorial Bracelet

As some of you know I've been trying to find the perfect memorial jewelry for Cylas. I'm still looking for a ring, but I've had my memorial bracelet for a while. I keep it put up and only look at it every once in a while. I am very satisfied with my bracelet. I think it's beautiful.

I was able to carry Cylas on my taxes, but the sad fact is that I wasn't even going to bother with it. I didn't know if I could. I'm waiting on that check to come in and I'm thinking about using the money to buy that ring. I've been looking at rings and I've even got one picked out but I don't know if I want a mother's ring which would have my birthstone, Prairie's birthstone, & Cylas' birthstone or if I want a ring with just Cylas' birthstone. I guess as soon as I make up my mind and actually order it then and only then will it be final.

I can't remember where I ordered my bracelet from, but I am very satisfied with it. It's so pretty and reminds of me of my Cylas. It's very special.

January 27, 2009

Wondering........(thinking)

I haven't had much to write about. Sometimes I feel like I am just repeating myself. I know that no one will forget how much I miss Cylas or how much I wish he were still here, but what if that's all I know. What if in trying to get back to "normal" I am forever stuck with this pain? I've experienced death before but nothing like this. This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me and I can't seem to put it behind me. I can't seem to move forward. It seems like I only know how to fall backwards.

I remember when my cousin got killed in 1993, I had a rough 6 months and even stayed in counseling during that whole period. I had horrible nightmares and slept in my parents room for a year. His death was one the first that I can recall having such an effect on me, but I can actually say that I got over it and was able to move on. So why is it so hard to move on from this death? I know one thing for sure is because this was my baby. This was a baby that I had my heart set on from the moment I knew I wanted kids; I wanted a boy. He grew inside of me. He was a part of me. I felt him move before anyone knew he existed. This was my little prince. He was suppose to live, grow, graduate from college, get married, & then take care of me when old age took over. He was suppose to bury me, not the other way around. He was taken away and no one has the answers I want.

I tell people that I am doing good, but deep down my pain is still so real. I go to work and complete my day with thoughts of Cylas constantly running through my mind. I am constantly wondering about the what if's, the should have's, or what kind of new things would Cylas be doing right now. I think about all that I've missed and all that I'm going to miss. I'm gonna miss sending him to kindergarten. I'm gonna miss comforting him when he falls. I'm gonna miss cheering him on at football games. I'm gonna miss all of his special moments. But the one thing I know is that I'm not going to forget. I won't forget Cylas. He will always be right here in my heart, in my soul, and in my mind.

I no longer try to keep my distance from other babies, but I don't ask questions and I definitely don't offer to hold them like I use to. Sometimes I'd rather act like they're not there. I don't even know if I'll ever have another baby. I'm not in the position to even think about having another baby. I have no husband and I have no desire to date. All of my focus is on my daughter and sometimes I feel like I'm even letting her down. I've prayed to God asking him to send me a baby to adopt. I think I have enough love in my heart for a child who needs a home with a loving family. But I really don't know the laws to follow when trying to adopt. All I know is that native american babies don't leave the reservation or at least that's what I've heard. My daughter always tells me that she wants a sister and I don't have the right answer to give her. She wanted Cylas to be a sister and it's very clear she didn't get her wish. I always tell her to talk to her dad about that, since he's already remarried and has a new woman to be with forever. He's on the fast track and I'm still lagging behind (but I can definitely say I'm in no hurry).

I'm probably just blabbing on and on and this probably doesn't make sense, but I guess I did have something to share. Will I ever find "normal" again? Will it ever get any better? Will I ever actually "move on"? I suppose the answers to these questions will come in time.

(Cylas, Me & your sister miss you always. We will love you forever! Please stay close sweetie!!)

Cylas' Mom

January 23, 2009

13 Months

Cylas, I just realized what the date is for tomorrow. It's the 24th. Which means you will be 13 months old!? Wow, it's so hard to believe. I don't know what happened. I am usually really good with dates. I thought about it earlier in the week but it's just hit me like a ton of bricks. I've been so bogged down since hitting your 1 year angelvarsary. I haven't been able to visit you and you still haven't seen your new flowers I ordered. I feel so bad when I can't make it to your grave on special dates. I wish that I could fly and then I wouldn't have to worry about traffic or anything else. I could just fly to your grave and visit for as long as I wanted and then fly back and get back to regular business. I know it sounds silly, but at least I can be silly.

I am still very concerned about the lump I found. I am really hoping that it turns out to be nothing. I don't want to die. I don't want to leave your sister without a mother. She's already been through so much, I don't know what would happen to her. I know that I need to pray and ask God to take care of me, but it's hard trying not to ask him Why he took you when I pray. I know that he has all the answers. I'm holding my head up and trying to make the best of a bad situation. Please watch over me Cylas. Whisper in God's ear and tell him to heal your mommy. Sometimes I think I sound selfish when I pray, does God like selfish people?

You would probably be talking (very little), I wonder what your voice would have sounded like.

You would probably be walking too! Would you walk like your "daddy"? Don't know.

You and your sister would probably be competing for my attention, I would hope not.

Would I have given you your first haircut or continue letting it grow? I know that I was seriously thinking about giving you a mohawk, how cute would that have been? I see it in my head, and I think it would have been very CUTE!!! But of course a haircut like that tends to make a child mean, but not my sweet Cylas.

I can't even begin to imagine what else you would doing. All I know is that I am missing alot. God's so lucky he gets to see you fly and learn how to be angel everyday, but I don't get to see anything.

The star we call Cylas shines bright everynight, but it goes to "bed" early, I try to use that little fact to get your sister in bed early too, but it doesn't work.

Cylas I hope that you know you are loved!! I love you, Sissy loves you, Nan & Pops love you, Uncle Junebug & his family love you! You are missed so much. We talk about you all the time. I hope that you hear us.

Happy 13 months Cylas!!

Love you Always,
Mommy

January 20, 2009

What else can happen?

I have a new worry on my mind. It's a worry that's been lingering for a while, but I've been avoiding the issue. I was doing a self breast exam and I found a lump on my (L) breast. Cancer doesn't run in my family on either side, so I am hopeful that it's nothing. But there is this HUGE part of me that scared out of my mind. Will I leave my daughter without a mother? Since Cylas died I've been more aware of the bad things that can happen. I know that I need to think positive but it's so hard after the year I've had. I've already had the worse thing happen. I don't need anything else on my plate. I dont' need any more bad luck.

I actually found the lump two months ago, but I've been in denial. But with Cylas' 1 year angelvarsary passing and having all my thoughts on him, I've been able to think of other things. I don't want to leave my daughter mother-less. I don't want to die.

If you are reading my blog, please say a prayer for me. Pass this on and have other bloggers pray for me too!! I am so SCARED!!!! I have an appointment for a breast exam in February, but that's 2 weeks away. 2 weeks for my mind to go crazy with all these negative thoughts.

Cylas be with mommy.

January 15, 2009

1 Year ANGELVARSARY

It's been a year since you passed away and left me for good. Even though I seem to be doing fine, my pain is still so real!!! I still miss you. I still wish you would come back. I still want to hold you. I still listen for you to breath. I still want to hold you in my arms. I still want to kiss your chubby cheeks. I still want to look into your eyes. I still wonder what might have been. I still look at your pictures. I still cry myself to sleep. I still ask myself Why? I still want people to miss you. I never want them to forget that, yes, you were here. I still wish that I could have saved your life. I still wish that I was a better mother. I still wish that I could hold your hand. I still want to count those tiny fingers and toes. I still want YOU...........

I miss you & love you Cylas!!!! Nan, Pops, & Prairie miss you too!! (Please continue to watch over us. Please continue sending us your angel kisses. Please continue to watch for us to send our love to you on angel wings each night. You will forever be missed & always in our hearts!!!!!)

Mommy

January 14, 2009

My thoughts

Cylas, this week has not been easy. I keep re-living your last four days here. I know that I shouldn't do it, but it's going to happen no matter what I do. Those memories are a part of you too! Tomorrow is your one year angelvarsary and I haven't planned anything special. I have ordered you a new floral arrangement. I hope you understand if I don't do anything more. I still feel so "un-recovered" from celebrating your birthday in December. That took alot out of me physically and emotionally. It's been a long hard year with alot of heartache and dread. I've dreaded certain months and holidays and I've felt the heartache over what I am missing out on by not having you here. It is so unfair and I don't know if that opinion will ever change.

The other day I posted another picture that I found. When I seen it I cried. It's a picture that I knew existed, but really haven't seen it since you died. It was taken by your "dad" with his cell phone. It can be considered your last picture so it's hard seeing it. You were in the hospital laying on your bed and you just look so helpless. I am so sorry that I couldn't kiss your boo boo and make it better. I would have done anything to make you better and I hope that you know that. I still feel like I've let you down. I feel like I am a failure as a mother. Everyone keeps telling me that it was beyond my control, but it sure doesn't feel like it.

Last night your sister and I spent some time talking about you. I was telling her about the night you died. Sometimes I regret not letting her have a chance to say goodbye, but I also feel like I did the right thing. She misses you so much and constantly tells me that she wants you to come back. She knows that you can't come back, but I suppose she's like me in a lot of ways, she keeps hoping that if she asks enough that just maybe her wish will come true. Cylas you are missed everyday and I don't see any end in sight. We will continue to miss you and we will always wish for you to come back.

I was really hoping to make it through this month without any deaths and that hope was already cut short. Our cousin in Oklahoma passed away on the 12th, but no one in our family can make it out there. Your nana has a sore foot and I know that if it wasn't for that she would have already been out there. It's so hard, because each year we have to face a different January with the same worries. The whole family practically walks on egg shells. None of us want to lose anyone. So with the passing of our cousin, we have lost 6 family members in January on different days. But the only bad thing about that is we're still right in the middle of the month so I guess we'll remain on egg shells until February comes.

Also, we have our cousin Kirk and his family without a home. Their house burned down over the weekend and they've lost everything. Your cousin Stephanie and her kids (Teela & Shine) have been taken to Florida. She was beat up by her boyfriend last week and her mom wanted her to get away from Cherokee and her boyfriend for a little while. Nana & I kept the kids for her and we all fell in love with Teela (she's two weeks old). Your sister wanted to keep her so it was hard to see her leave. Cylas, please watch over Teela & Shine. They need a good guardian angel to make sure they're alright.

Well, I guess I better go. Please visit us. We really need some angel kisses and heavenly hugs!!!

Love,
Mommy

January 7, 2009

Slideshow Above

The slide show is entitled "Celebrating Cylas". His first birthday was December 24th and I took pictures of all the things that I have. Some of this stuff was kept out of storage, and there are some pictures from the hospital the night he died. I think I promised a slide show of the happenings on his birthday from a previous post, so here it is. I hope everyone enjoys it.

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