Lending library find
My MIL was looking at a little library in her town and came across this book.
Tag: Shecklet #5
PPFL Banquet 2022
We were invited to attend the 2002 Prenatal Partners for Life banquet this evening. Mary Kellett contacted us to see if we were available to use three of the tickets purchased by a group who was no longer able to attend and wanted to offer them to someone else. We were able to take Shecklet #3 with us. It was her first “fancy” dinner.
During the presentation part of the event, we heard the story of a family who lost their little girl due to a chromosome defect. They were blessed to have a few days with her prior to her passing. It turned out that the little girl is the sweet baby who is buried next to Astrid. I ran into her mom while exiting the restroom and introduced myself. She told me that it is her MIL who will leave flowers at Astrid’s grave when she visits her granddaughter. I have often wondered who is behind the heart-warming gesture – now I know.
Happy birth day, Astrid! 2022
Two years since we said goodbye. It feels like yesterday and forever ago all at the same time. A friend posted this quote from St. Oscar Romero on social media and felt it was a accurate description for what I often feel when I shed tears about not having Astrid physically present with us.
We visited the cemetery tonight after dinner and brought flowers and mini cupcakes to celebrate our sweet little saint. Happy Birth Day, Astrid! We love and miss you so much!
Our citizenship is in heaven
12:20am on Palm Sunday 2022, my godmother and aunt, Deb, took her final breath here on earth and joined her loved ones in heaven – including our sweet Astrid.
My SIL was one of a handful of people who knew that my aunt was in her last days and had been praying for her and our family. After telling Bri of Deb’s passing, she shared the verse from Philippians that clearly God keeps putting in my life.
It’s the same verse we put on Astrid’s marker and that I wrote on our sanctuary floor not once, but twice.
Saying goodbye
I made a trip to Duluth today to spend time with my Aunt Deb who was placed on hospice on this past Monday. The drive was gloomy and wet, which fit the heaviness of the reason behind my visit.
Once at the hospital, I was able to spend about five hours beside Deb’s hospital bed. For most of the afternoon, she rested peacefully. Toward the end of my stay, she began getting restless. The nurses who cared for her were kind and worked to get her comfortable again by administering enough pain meds to calm her down.
Cancer is a horrible disease. It has taken a vibrant, sharp, kind, and confident woman from her friends and family. Her presence in our lives will be missed tremendously.
Before I left, I whispered to my aunt that I loved her and asked her to hug my sweet Astrid when she gets to heaven. I know she will be welcomed by a host of family and friends who are waiting for her when it is her time to pass from this life to the next.
Spring break 2022
We spent the week at home. Jake traveled for work during the beginning of the week.
Shecklet #2 suggested we add some color to the study room, so we pulled down ceiling tiles and primed them for painting.
Three kids used the painter’s tape technique to paint design their designs and one used a sponge technique.
Once the weather warmed up enough, the kids put on their shorts (it was in the 50’s 😆) and went for their first bike ride of 2022.
Update: April 16. I chose to paint a family of gnomes. After painting six, Shecklet #2 asked if I was planning to paint one for Astrid. I found a design that incorporated a halo. I love how it turned out! 💕
Orchids for Astrid
Jake and I took a stained glass class together at The Artery Studio tonight. It was so much fun!
We received three orchid plants after our daughter Astrid died, but I was never able to get them to bloom a second time. We made these to remember our sweet little girl 💗 (and bonus, they don’t need to be watered!)
Standing on the Word of God – 2022
Our parish’s sanctuary has been expanded and part of the remodel involves new flooring. Before the marble is installed, parishioners were given a chance to write a verse on the concrete. (We did this a few years ago prior to the new carpet installed.) Philippians 3: 20, 21 is the verse that is on Astrid’s marker. ❤️ I didn’t realize this until just now when I found my 2017 post, but Phil 3:20 is the verse I chose back then, too.
Remembering Astrid today: 1-4-21
I have been feeling an emptiness inside today. I miss my littlest girl.
A friend of mine posted his on FB. This sums up a lot of what’s on my heart.
PPFL – Astrid’s Story
Prenatal Partners for Life was a huge support to us during our pregnancy with Astrid as well as the time after her death. Mary, the founder of PPFL, asked if I would write about our time with Astrid for her to use in their fall newsletter. I was honored to be able to share about the short life of our little girl and the impact she continues to have on all of us.
