My Story. Not yours.

Grief. This complicated word has a two word definition, "deep sorrow". What does that mean exactly? For each person, grief is different. Just like no two snowflakes are alike, no two individuals grieve the same. One person may shy away from the universe and sulk in silence and demand no other presences while another person may throw themselves into their daily life while maintaining a busy lifestyle to hide the pain. Either way, grief absolutely sucks. It's a never ending process. You grow in your grief and you learn to live with the pain and eventually it becomes numb but it comes back, always.

I'd like to think this post is for those who have judged the bereaved. Who have walked away from those who are suffering because you just couldn't handle the roller coaster of emotions. The waves of the storm. The change in the person you once cared for. But one day, and don't kid yourself, you will be on this side of grief. Watching people who once were there for you, disappear; talk about your story, when it isn't theirs to talk about. Suffer the darkest days of your life, alone, even though there are so many people around you that you could suffocate. You'll watch the universe continually spin and everyone you know go on about their lives while you struggle to figure out what day, month, year you're in. The world won't stop for you either. You can't even begin to prepare yourself for this.

Each grief victim has a story. A story that has changed their entire being. A tragedy that takes your soul into its fists and crushes every strand and then somehow we manage to put the pieces back together, and much differently than before. So when you ask 'what happened' to others besides that person, or talk about their tragedy by adding your opinions, you aren't helping the situation. Those conversations usually get back to the bereaved. Your words hurt but not nearly as bad as the tragedy. Our lives are bigger than your hearsay. Our hearts have more to deal with than your 'well I heard'. In the grand scheme, it doesn't matter what happened, and it doesn't matter what you'll hear. We are broken, isn't that enough? You preach on kindness, and making the world a better place, yet when someone right in front of you is hurting beyond words, you talk. You say things that aren't true and you make guesses that are far fetched from the truth.

My baby died. It's as simple as that. She died. It doesn't matter where, it doesn't matter how, she freaking died. I didn't do anything to deserve losing her, neither did my husband or her brother. This wasn't karma, and yes, I've had someone tell me that. This wasn't a test of my faith - because if truth be told, I would have failed. She died. So before you start talking about the next victim of grief, remind yourself that they are hurting. Dying on the inside. Contemplating how to take their life so the pain will stop. Thinking every tree they drive by looks like the right one to smash their car into. And stop thinking and creating stories by reading this. I'm okay, today, but I am human and I was in "deep sorrow".

People you know are in "deep sorrow". Weather that storm with them. Let them know the world is continuously spinning but you're in the area of stopped time with them. Ride the roller coaster of the five stages of their grief in no order: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Allow them to stay out of work for days, weeks, months, or allow them to get back to work quickly without judgement. Allow them to tell their story. It's their story, not yours.

What's Left of Me

The other day I was using spotify to chose music for me as I ran based on the steps I jogged per minute. If you're a slow jogger, slow songs will play, I'm talking sappy slow songs. I was kind of at that point where I was wearily wondering what in the world was going to come on next and to my disbelief, it was Nick Lachey, What's left of me. If you know me, you know 1) I absolutely despise country music and 2) not a huge pop fan. I prefer alternative rock depending on the mood I'm in, some days heavier than others. However, most of the time I just listen to whatever Si wants to listen to...so do I even have a favorite station at the moment? Anyway, I'm running, okay, jogging. I find myself listening to the words of this song and realize tears are falling from my eyes. I'm sure it's normal to not realize whats occurring in your own skin, but that's kind of a portrait of how this past year for me has been. Partial memories of events that have taken place but it's all left behind in this fog that I can't seem to fight my way through. That fog is called grief, if you've never experienced it, that's some heavy shi fog.  I think back on this past year and it takes me a minute to think back on what all has happened:
1) My girl left me for a greater place
2) Panama City (My daddy got us out of town for a while, best thing he could've ever done for me)
3) My stepson moved in with us
4) I went back to work
5) Si started pre-K
6) Hell sank in
7) Boston, MA
8) Orlando
9) Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg

10) Holidays (HELL)
11) Orlando (again)
12) Finished out the school year
13) Swim Lessons
14) Jekyll/St Simons
15) July 15 - back to HELL again
 
We are about to start another school year and I literally cannot even tell you a thing about this past school year. The hardest thing is, I did all those things above with Si, yet I don't remember much. His entire fourth year is a major blur. That makes me angry because he didn't ask for this life. He doesn't deserve this life, this life of uncertainty and having to swallow death at such a young age. I mean he still asks me when she's coming back. I look into his eyes and don't know what to say. His big brown eyes so full of confusion. Speaking of confusion, there's me. What did I do to deserve this life? How could God allow this considering there are babies out there who need good homes.

Things go quiet for a while, between myself and God. I've read a few books others have recommended. While reading them life kind of made sense, He would never allow this to happen, it's how the world works, and Satan. Then I walk day to day and watch time continuously pass, and others grow farther and farther from what happened to us. Dates come and less and less check in. Others move on. And I become bitter. Bitter towards God. So, I can't really blame him for getting quiet on me. The good thing is He is forgiving. I realize even in my deepest, darkest hole, farthest away from God, that his breath is how I'm still going. The breath from others praying for my family. The breath of strength. The breath of Simons smile. The breath of David and I surviving this past year, together. The breath of co-workers who made sure I got through each day. The breath of a new boss (and his wife) who showed compassion and grace. The breath of family to love on us, and to hurt with us. The breath of a spiritual leader and his wife who show nothing but patience and never ending love. God is always there even when I think i don't want him. He will continue to breath these things in me until my dying moment. If we are just being honest, I didn't know how I was going to survive this past year, or how I will survive the next one, or the next. But I do. I keep surviving, even when I don't want to. So because of that, I know God hasn't forsaken me, yet some days it seems like He has.

So back to the song by Nick Lachey. I realized these words resonated with me. A little over two weeks ago I woke up in the middle of the night (or maybe in the morning - I can't remember) and heard God speak to me, as clear as day. When your child suddenly dies, you're left with a life of wondering, no closure, blame, remorse. But I heard what God had to say to me. I'm still left with guilt, blame, remorse but  he gave me a small piece of closure which I'm sure over the years he will continue to piece me back together, differently. So read the words below. I'm trying here. Really trying. I don't 100% trust you, God, not yet. But I'm trying. So take what's left of me. I can't walk this walk alone anymore.

Here are the words:

Watch my life pass me by
In the rear view mirror
Pictures frozen in time
Are becoming clearer

I don't wanna waste another day
Stuck in the shadow of my mistakes, yeah

Cause I want you and I feel you
Crawling underneath my skin
Like a hunger, like a burning
To find a place I've never been

Now I'm broken and I'm fading
I'm half the man I thought I would be
But you can have what's left of me

I've been dying inside
Little by little
No where to go but going out of my mind
In endless circles

Running from myself until
You gave me a reason for standing still

And I want you and I feel you
Crawling underneath my skin
Like a hunger, like a burning
To find a place I've never been

Now I'm broken and I'm fading
I'm half the man I thought I would be
But you can have what's left of me

Falling faster, barely breathing
Give me something to believe in
Tell me it's not all in my head

Take what's left of this man
Make me whole once again

Cause I want you and I feel you
Crawling underneath my skin
A hunger, like a burning
To find a place I've never been

Now I'm broken and I'm fading
I'm half the man I thought I would be
You can have all that's left, yeah yeah yeah
What's left of me

I've been dying inside, you see
I'm going outta my, outta my mind
I'm just running in circles all the time

Will you take what's left?
Will you take what's left?
Will you take what's left of me?
Just running in circles in my mind

Will you take what's left?
Will you take what's left?
Will you take what's left of me?
Take what's left of me

This is the very last picture I took of Evie before dropping her off to take Si for his four year check up. It's been one year since this picture. My life is forever changed by her. I love you, munchie.

 

Sweet Simon

Simon started pre-k this  past August. I wish  I could say he absolutely LOVES it. He only tolerates it. He's always asking 'Is there no more school' and I cringe when he asks on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesdays. By Wednesday, he will flat out cry when  you tell him he has TWO  more days  of school left. The good news is I don't have to leave him kicking and screaming every morning. He wakes up and we get dressed and eat on the way  to school. He never cries (I'm probably jinxing myself) on the way to school or once we get there. The first two weeks of school are another story entirely but we've gotten over that hump (the Walmart toy section benefited from his tears). His teacher sends me pictures sometimes and  he's always smiling in them so hopefully he is having some fun. Before school let out for the Christmas break I had a conference with his teacher. She only had good things to say about him (she better) so I'm hoping this  means she hasn't picked up on how much he despises her class. Good news is he seems to like her so I don't think this is a reflection on her part whatsoever. Simon is a homebody. He'd rather  be here at home than any where else at any given time. If you say, "Si, do you want to go to Disney World", he will more than likely tell you "No". Just who he is. With all of this said, sometimes he makes entertaining comments about what he'll do so he won't have to go to school. His recent fad is super heroes; Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider Man. I've heard him say things  like he's going to grow up big like Hulk so he can smash the school so he won't have to go. I laugh and tell him how silly he is but deep down I'm wondering if  I should be concerned...I mean he has 12 more years of this, at least. Let's just pray Kindergarten will be  a different experience for him and let's be  thankful there are laws about being  in school up to a certain age. Surely he'll be convinced by a law, right?

I say all of that as background information for a conversation he and I had today. Six months ago Si asked on a more regular basis about Evie. Questions I'll never forget. He asked the same ones within a few days apart but eventually he asked me this, "Will Evie ever come back?". I wish I could say I had this long drawn out,  extravagant answer. I didn't. I couldn't say anything. I shook my head and tears fell down my cheek. That look on his face. I'll never forget it. Disappointment. Simon experienced disappointment and that crushed what was left of my soul. It's hard watching your child grieve. It's  also hard to explain to a four year old where his sister is. She was here and then all of a sudden  she wasn't. He and I dropped her off that morning, July 15, and he never saw her again. We didn't let him be a part of her service or allow him to see her before the service in the casket. I don't regret that decision. He  didn't need to see her like that. But he misses her too. Heaven and God are mostly over his head right now but we've talked about it more in the last six months than he and I ever have before. He knows "baby Ebee" is in Heaven with God. He knows that she's safe and that she's still apart of our family. He will tell anyone he has a baby named Ebee (Evie). That's his baby, she was his from the beginning and to this day, that's still his  baby. It is so sweet watching him continue on her legacy. But its so hard as well. Imagine your precious child asking for  something, knowing you can NEVER give them what they want. My  words don't put a dent in the pain it causes me knowing he doesn't get to have his baby back either. 

So today, Simon had a dentist appointment. This was his second cleaning appointment. His first cleaning was back in June, when Evie was still with us. All three  of us went on that trip and it was one of  those trips that makes you realize life is different with two. That trip consisted of Evie's bottle spilling out all over the place, Simon having an accident, Evie blowing out her diaper,  then spitting up what little I could salvage of her formula. I walked into the Carter's outlet in  commerce with two naked kids that day. I specifically remember laughing so I wouldn't cry. On our drive to commerce today, I was talking to Simon about his first dentist appointment and how they just brushed his teeth and how sweet they were to him. We were talking about the last trip out there and he remembered Evie spitting up. I should have seen this coming but out of no where he says, "Mama, I'm ready to go be with God and Ebee". Ditto, my child. At this point  I can barely see the road through my watery eyes. I clear my throat and ask him "Why do you say that", and he says, "So  I won't have to go to  school anymore!". Literally a laugh out loud moment! This child is desperate for 'NO MORE SCHOOL'.

Most days Si is the reason I keep going, keep getting up, keep pushing forward. Moments like today help me see it a little more clearly. I need constant reminders of why I'm still here and God blesses me with those moments. Sometimes it through Simon, sometimes its through friends, and sometimes its through my kids at school. But I also know I'm not alone in my sadness and grief. My first born is still grieving too. He and I are on different  levels, but he lost his baby sister. He may be 4, but he knows our home is different.

For those of you reading this, I am forever grateful for your thoughts and prayers but I have a favor to ask of you; please pray for Simon as well. As he gets older he will understand a little better but he still misses his baby. When we visit where she is buried, Simon always asks for the key to the church so we can get her. For him, Heaven is a place here on earth where babies are. I'm always praying for the right words to help him understand but I always have a loss for words. Evie dying has affected everyone in our house, not just me, not just David. I'd give anything to have her back and it seems Si feels the same.

6 Months and Counting

I've stared at this screen more than once over the past six months. I get to a point where I feel like I know what I'll write about and I come here and I freeze. I've never been great with words but how do you write about your heart shattering? Your life forever changing? I cry. I grieve. I do things I shouldn't do to help the pain but the truth is, it's always there no matter what. But that pain is also what keeps me alive. If there were no pain, no tears, no feeling of absolute emptiness, that would mean the event that took place didn't bother me. It bothered me. It turned my world completely upside down and inside out and every twist and turn that could happen.

This past Wednesday was the first Wednesday that fell on the 13th, the date of her birth. I chose for her to be born on the 13th because my grandmother and I both were born on the 13th. If you don't know me, my grandmother means the world to me. She has been my rock when no one else cared or seemed to care about me. She's always been there for me, no matter what. No judgment or belittling. But this isn't about her. It's about my daughter, Evie, Evangeline McKenna List. My grandmothers name is Evangeline. Evie would be 10 months old now if she were still here with us. I imagine what she would feel like, smell like. How much hair she would have. If she would still be sleeping through the night. If she would have teeth. Curls? If she would be as attached to me as Simon was. I'm always wondering these things. I doubt that will ever stop.

Today is six months since the day she died. If you haven't said that out loud, you should say it. It doesn't seem real unless you've said it out loud. Go ahead, say it; Evie died. I don't expect it to make your heart shatter as much as it makes mine shatter all over again but I do hope you feel a slight ache in your chest where I have a huge gaping hole. A hole that can never be replaced by another relationship, another child, another life. She went to sleep in this life and woke up in Heaven. A beyond magical place I'm dying to get to now. The hardest part of this is wondering if I'm good enough to get into Heaven. Wondering if I do something could I sacrifice the chance to not be with her again one day. Do you know how intensely scary that is? To wonder if you'll make it into Heaven to be able to see your child again? If you aren't a Christian just move past this part, I won't explain to you my religion or my beliefs. I will tell you one thing though, God is how I've survived six excruciating months without my adorable, sweet, precious baby girl. God has placed so many awesome people into mine and Davids lives that have helped us through this most difficult time. If you don't know God, my prayer is something miraculous happens in your life that helps you find Him. He is the most forgiving, gracious being, without being.

My life hasn't ended. I should take every opportunity to live while I can. But I don't want to. I want to stay in bed every day. I want to dig a hole and stay in there. I want to pack all my things and disappear with Simon. I want to be alone. I don't want to be alone. I want to scream at the top of my lungs and don't have the energy. This life I live now, it's just different. I'm restless for my old life where I had both my babies, my husband, my house, my job. All of that is different. Nothing is the same. Sure, I still have my house, my job, my husband, my Si. And yet it isn't enough. A piece of our puzzle is missing. Evie. Evie is missing. She is gone, but that doesn't mean I've accepted it. I want her back. Every.damn.day. I want her in my arms. I want her back in her bed beside my bed. I want to smell her. I want to see her smile when she sees me, when she sees Simon, David. Her smell is harder to find now around the house. Her bedroom is gone. Her clothes have been made into a quilt. Her blanket is buried with her. All I have are a few things lingering around the house. Pictures, Memories, Her bed, her swing, two pacifiers, and no Evie.

I've not had the easiest life yet I've always found a way to claw my way back up and keep going. I don't know how to claw my way out of this one. I'm broken. Shattered. Misplaced. Restless. Sad. Grateful at times. And then more words I can't even think of. Time will not ever heal this but I'm told over time I'll learn to handle this better. I'll learn to walk again, with a limp of course. But please don't ever think for a second Evie isn't always on my mind. This pain, it may ease up over time but that hole will always be there. When you encounter a blow like that, you never fully recover. Ever.

Evie, if you're listening, I miss you every second. I'm overwhelmed with greatness that God chose me to be your mommy. I cannot wait to see you again on the most glorious day there will be.

Simon Turns 2!!!!

It is unbelievable how quickly this last year has flown by. Seems like yesterday I was stressing over putting the big first birthday party together. It's almost a literal blur...

I didn't go overboard with a HUGE party this year, instead we played it low key and did what I thought he would enjoy the most. We did have a very small party, and by small, I mean oh so small! Simon doesn't like cake, so he had ice cream instead, oh and goldfish :).

July 2, 2013 - I decided the game plan for his big day this year would be a petting zoo. He really enjoys animals and seeing them in their natural state (or close to it). Not too far from where we live is a little petting zoo by the name of Hollywild (http://www.hollywild.com/). My cousin, Anna, joined us on this adventure.

Simon racing to see the animals

 

Have no clue what the name of this is, but the baby birds were adorable!

 

 I can honestly say I've only seen goats on rocks in the movies, never in real life. Check this out! These things jumped to get down to where we were. Oh, did I mention Hollywild provided us with a bag of food (crackers, corn, bread) to feed these sweet things?!?

Please feed me!

 

Sweetest animals! They were so gentle when getting the crackers.

Too bad we couldn't hand feed this thing.

Or this one....

 

Do you see all of these goats climbing the fence for food!

 Hollywild offers a 'safari tour' about every 45 minutes depending on weather. They loaded several crowds of people on a school bus and took us into the 'safari'. At the first stop we were able to feed cow, deer and emu (except they weren't so friendly).

Please notice that tiny baby doe.

Shortly after this I had to move Simon - the bird was trying to eat him

If you're reading this, and have little ones, or know kids that would enjoy this, I highly recommend this place! I think Simons favorite part was running through the puddles and feeding all the random chickens walking around but the animals were pretty cool for him as well. It started pouring  raining shortly after we loaded up for the safari tour but the rain didn't stop this little fellow from trying to get out there with them.

It was so awesome seeing him run around and having so much fun! They are only little once, but these experiences last a lifetime and I can't wait to make more of these with him in the years to come! I am so lucky to have him in my life! Happy 2nd birthday, my sweet Simon!

Funday Friday!

I don't know about you, but my favorite fruit has always been blueberries! Love, love, love them! When I was growing up we had three or four blueberry bushes and I remember picking them and eating them by the handfuls. Sadly my dad no longer lives in that house so I don't have access but leave it to Washington Farms to fulfill my blueberry picking needs. The weekend of the 4th (july), Simon and I met up with my dear friend, Caitlin, for some berry picking. We got a gallon of blueberries and blackberries. Simon ate more than he put in the bucket but he really seemed to enjoy himself!

Don't let this fool you, he was totally putting them in his mouth instead of in the bucket.

He found this stick and all of a sudden that was better than berries.

 

He literally ran through every puddle he could find, until he lost his shoe in this one...

See that juice stain...