We make a contribution to a non-profit organization.
(Disclaimer: I don’t mean for this to sound self-righteous, but I thought I’d mention it in case any of you are looking for ideas on how to honor a loved one you have lost through monetary gifts.)
Last year, we donated to Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep. They do such amazing work for parents who have lost a baby. We were in such a daze when I delivered Andrew and only managed to get 6 or so pictures on our camera, so we really treasure the pictures taken by the NILMDTS photographer. This year, we decided to donate to the Isaac Delisle Golf Tournament. The funds raised from this event will benefit the Isaac Delisle Foundation, which provides support provides support for bereaved parents who have lost a child through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant death; to parents who have chosen to continue a pregnancy despite a poor or fatal prenatal diagnosis; and to other organizations and institutions who care for such parents. It just so happens that some of the money they raise from this event will be going to NILMDTS as well. If you can, please be praying for the tournament that is coming up on August 19th!
While there’s always part of me that thinks we should do more to celebrate and remember our little boy on his birthday, I have to remember not to be too hard on myself. The reality is that Andrew is missed each and every day. And while his birthday is certainly special to us, celebrating it with him in heaven will never feel “normal,” no matter how we choose to celebrate. But, in the meantime, Savannah gets to enjoy birthday cake at least twice a year!
Sarah
You are doing what is best for your family….it doesn't have to be big and elaborate because you are right…Andrew is missed and remembered every day. Prayers for you as I have heard other moms say the loss doesn't ever fully leave you…you just learn to live in a new kind of normal. Happy Birthday Andrew – what a wonderful and loving mommy you have!!
Blessings, Kristin
Beautiful, Sarah. I love the idea of donating to a charity in your sweet boy's name. I appreciate your honesty in saying it never feels "normal" to celebrate Andrew's birthday with him in Heaven. Thanks for sharing!
My daughter Lynnette lost her daughter Anna over 6 years ago when she was 6 years old. She has 6 living kids and on Anna's Birthday they celebrate kids day every year. It is a special time for all of them. They used to have kids day while Anna was alive too…but they moved it to her Birthday when she went to heaven.
Linda
I think you choose to honor him in such a great way. We do birthday cake too! And I always seem to order too much! lol But that's ok I can just eat it for several days. 😉
Sarah I think the way you choose to celebrate Andrew's birthday is beautiful.