Skip to main content

Restlessness

Tommy was so sweet on Tuesday (and the rest of the days too). He brought me roses to let me know he was thinking of Levi too and to brighten my day. Some of the conversations surrounding the roses have been interesting. Some have brought deeper connections; I've found out about a few losses that I didn't know of before. Only one poured salt in my wounds; after she inquired the reason for the flowers and I told her it marked 1 1/2 years after Levi's death she informed me that it is now time to have another. I think I made her uncomfortable when I politely told her we're working on it. The majority of the people just admire the roses and don't ask what they're for unless to jokingly ask if Tommy got in trouble for something. Unless they specifically ask, I haven't bothered explaining the occasion behind the gift and just let them be admired by all- a ray of sunshine from Levi.

I've been feeling really good about the place I'm in and can see how far I've come and I'd have to say that most of the day went really well... but... there was one point in the day though that I was fighting to hold back the tears. This Levi came in the store with his mom and sister to get drinks... and of course his sister kept calling out his name... with each cry of Levi I bit my tongue to fight the tears. Afterwards I had to sit and just unwind for a little while but besides that I really can't complain.


I'm feeling restless... I think in part because business has been slow which leaves me with time on my hands. I've been trying to use the time wisely though. Did you know that in our county of 30,000 people there are 100 churches? I've called them all... well all that I could. Some have disconnected phones, and others didn't have a number listed at all. If you've never driven through the rural south you can drive down a country road and easily pass 5-6 tiny little churches. Why do I know this? I'm trying to get the word out about the support group we're starting in town and I figured besides the doctors and hospitals the best way to get the word out would be through the churches. Even if the grieving parents don't go to church I'm hoping that in an area this small co-workers or family members will pass the word along.

I'm nervous about the group. A local hospice will be facilitating the group- I wasn't sure if I was ready for that. I'm nervous that no one will show up, I'm nervous that too many people will show up to really be conducive to really getting to know each other. I'm nervous that I'll miss getting the word to someone who really needs support right now. (I'm also doing a radio plug closer to when we start and my next step is notifying the newspaper for a community spotlight- any other ideas to spread the word?). I know once it gets started I'll be able to relax a little but for now... I'm nervous. We won't be starting until August 17th but I want to make sure I've done all I can do. Please pray that everything will go well & the families that need it will hear about it.

Comments

Bree said…
Wow- I love that you're starting a support group in your area. You're so great! I wish I was in the area, I'd come. I love my time with my support group. It has been more helpful than any of the other treatment I've sought.

I was really worried that I'd have an Ella in one of my classes. So, I can understand how hard it must be when Levi comes into your store.

Hugs to you!
Laura said…
I absolutely love that you are starting a support group in your area- my support group was my counsel for sure- it's been almost 6 years for me and I just got home from a meeting tonight- more as the supporter now than the supported... I think that whatever the outcome it will be perfect- people will come- the need is there- and what a wonderful tribute to Levi that you ar helping so many- through his life and the blessings it gave you! You will certainly be in my prayers!
Hugs-
Laura
Akul's mama said…
One lost baby mother in our support group explained to us that each time she sees or hears her baby's name or date of birth, she knows it's her baby popping in to say hello. Perhaps Levi knew his mom was missing him and he came by to say hello, or maybe be he wanted to see the roses. Perhaps he sent you a sign by sending another Levi there.

Popular posts from this blog

Thankfulness

It's been 6 years since hearing the silence we expected to be a heartbeat. As I think back today, I am filled with thankfulness. I'm thankful for... ... a God who has brought comfort when I mourned. ... His peace that surpasses all understanding. ... the joy that comes in the mourning. ... a faith that weathered the storms. ... a husband that provided and held it together when I couldn't. ... a husband who finds joy in being a daddy to our two blessings. ... our family and friends that mourned with us. ... our family and friends who now rejoice with us. ... the restoration of relationships. ... the two blessings that now call me mama. ... the ability to realize the important things in life aren't things. ... the joy a simple snuggle brings knowing that we aren't guaranteed anything in this life. ... being able to share Levi's story with others. ... healing. I am so grateful that God prepared us in so many ways before Levi's death and he's brought ...

Two worlds

I feel like I’ve got my feet in two worlds and I don’t always know how to handle it or balance it. I don’t always feel like I fit in with the mom group… I’m not a stay at home mom and yet I’m not working full time either. I don’t have the innocence that many of them have and can’t always relate to everything. Yet I feel like I don’t always feel like I fit in the loss community either. It’s not that I’ve forgotten or moved on now that I have a child but joy has come in the morning. I’ve recently met two women who lost their sons almost exactly three years after Levi died… it’s just so strange because at the same time I’m involved with forming a small group of moms through our church. Two worlds and I’m in both… but not really. Where do I fit? What is my role? I feel like I’m not the right person in either case. I don’t know how apparent it is to other people- especially those that know me from the coffee shop- but I’m timid with new people. Inviting people to join in has been a big step...

inevitable

I knew this day was inevitable... but still... to come just before Christmas was heart wrenching. In case I haven't mentioned it, Tommy is working at a funeral home now... the same funeral home we used for Levi. There have been times that dropping in to take him lunch is very much a reminder of Levi's death. Just last week for example I needed a place to nurse Madalyn and one of the funeral directors offered the blue room (called that because of the wall color but fitting for other obvious reasons too). Thank you but no- that would be the room we viewed Levi in- I'm not interested in staring at the last place I saw his face while Madalyn eats. There have been difficult funerals too; most of the people have died after long fulfilling lives but a few young people died unexpectedly. Yesterday though they got the first baby since Tommy started working there. Tommy had taken Madalyn out while I worked on his Christmas present and stopped by work to see about an unfinished p...

Levi Aaron

Levi Aaron