Making Our Memory Poster

I admit. I avoided it. It hurts. It reminds me of the many difficulties my sweet Mercydez had to endure.

I'm so grateful I did it though. I wasn't going to do it this year, because it was a place I was afraid to go to.

But, I did. I'm so glad.

Team ANGEL MERCY!!!

Here are the pictures from this years Intermountain Healing Hearts Fun Run/Walk. Nic and I ran the mile in honor of our little sweetie pie. We know she was running with us. Each angel-family (who was able to and wanted to) made posters of their angels. It was a great blessing to have those in attendance walk around and look at the pictures. It's a blessing to know our children truly will never be forgotten.

Then we had a special "Angel Ceremony" in which we listened to beautiful music by Paul Cardall (who, himself has congenital heart disease and just underwent a heart transplant about a week and a half ago... a true blessing) and we said each angels name. We then release butterflies in their behalf. Of course, it was emotional.

I want to offer my personal thanks to those who so willingly came to offer their support. I'm not one who "begs" for support, but I will be the first to admit, I need it. Thank you to my wonderful family and the Hundley's for coming and showing your love, without my begging. I was so moved. To say "it means the world to me" doesn't even begin to express what it means to me. Thank you for opening your heart and being vulnerable. I know, and I understand, that it hurts. But, I am so grateful for your courage.

We love you baby girl.

Time

It feels like an eternity ago and yet it feels like just yesterday. It feels like a dream and it feels so real.

Did I really have a wonderful, strong, faithful, beautiful, perfect little Mercydez? How did the time escape me?

I'm so grateful. I'm so grateful for her. She has changed me. She has made me more. She has provided me with priceless growth. I don't boast of myself, I boast of my Heavenly Father, His perfect, eternal plan, and the most beautiful gift we've received, our daughter.

Thank you. Oh, thank you so much, for my sweet little girl. I love her with all of my heart. I miss her with my whole soul.

Thank you for confirming to my heart that she is okay. How I have needed this. How I have yearned for this.

So, baby girl, I wish you a happy anniversary. You have been free for six months. I am so happy for you. You are mommy and daddy's perfect angel.

Our Memorable Labor Day

Gardner Village?

Nope.

Swiss Days?

Nope.

Shopping?

Nope.

ANATOMY?

YES!!!! I can tell you where the capitulum of the humeral condyle or the olecranon fossa of the humerous is. I can also tell you where the distal phalanx of the fifth digit is. Are you impressed OR WHAT????!!!

PS Congrats Bryan and Wanda on your new little guy. I'm so happy for you!

Happy First Month of Autumn

Mmmm, I love Fall. It's so beautiful. To me, September is the first real month of Fall. I'm so excited for this Labor Day weekend. I'm planning on doing ALL my homework (ha!) so that I can go to Midway's Swiss Days! I can't wait! I also want to head up to Gardner Village this weekend as well.

I just love Autumn time. I love going to TaylorMaid and checking out all the cool costumes for Halloween (Nic and I are BIG TIME Halloween junkies. We LOVE getting costumes!!!), I love taking the motorcycle for a ride through the beautiful Alpine Loop. I love the crisp air in the early morning and evening.

It all just speaks FAMILY. I love it.

So, here's to the first real month of Autumn Time!!!

Everyone Deserves Love

I am in awe at how horrible people can be. It seems like we all, sometimes, forget the fact that those around us are living, breathing, FEELING creatures.

A person who has endured difficulty... in anyway, never deserves to be mocked for it. And yet, they almost always are.

Why can't we all just defend and protect the weak? Why can't we just love those who NEED LOVE? Why does it always have to be this game of mockery and heartache... "let's see who can make this person cry hardest!!!"? I'm awed, completely. Whether these experiences happen face-to-face, or behind a persons back, it's completely wrong.

No, I'm not the one who was mocked. I was a spectator. I didn't see what happened, but I heard about it... from the "mocker" himself. I'm trying to figure out how to approach the situation. I don't know what to say... how to correct the wrong. But, I know deep down, I have to say or do something.

How about we all set a goal to just cheer each other on! We don't have to compete... we don't have to know who is stronger, who is smarter, who is more capable... let's just love everyone, encourage them to do their best, and then salute them.

Dear Mercydez

Dear Mercydez,

You have inspired Mommy and Daddy. We want to reach out to others, because of you. We want to make a difference in the world, because of you.

Today, we start school. We are starting over: clean, fresh. You have inspired us to return. Will you check in on us from time to time? Will you let us know when you are close by?

We miss you. We want you to know we aren't going back to school to forget you... we are going back to school because we refuse to forget you. We will forever remember you. You are our inspiration to be better, to face each day head-on.

Little Mercy, we want you to know that Mommy and Daddy are doing well. We are surrounded by those who truly care. Their love has carried us. We are finding joy in each day, even the hard days. We are looking for opportunities to laugh, to smile, to serve. We do this, because we know this is what you would want us to do. We know this is how you faced every day. You were a warrior here on earth. We want to be like you....

So, our sweet, silly little angel, know that we love you. And, as we return to school and life gets back to being hectic, know that we never forget to remember.

Love,
Daddy and Mommy