Reality

I debated whether to include these pictures, but this is our life -- our reality.

When we near Robbie's birthday, I become stressed and confused about what we are "supposed" to do. As I have said before, there is no rule book on this stuff. So we are learning as we go. I wanted to go to the cemetery and take a new flower arrangement. I put this one together and included a bright yellow butterfly. Eveley loves butterflies, and I thought this would help Robbie's flowers stand out from the others.




It was an unusually cold and rainy day. We tried to keep Eveley from splashing in the puddles - impossible - but were glad that we could teach her about our Hope and Joy even at a morbid and sad place like a cemetery.

We told Eveley and Caleb about their big brother and that he is with Jesus. Eveley then stood proudly and sang "Happy Birthday" to Robbie. (She now thinks that every time you sing this song - no matter who it's to - you are supposed to say "Happy Birthday dear Robbie" but I think that's okay.)



These flowers may look like simple blue irises, but they have a special place in my heart.



For Robbie's 2nd birthday (a few months after he went to heaven), my sweet friend Bridget sent these to us. When I opened the box and saw them, I lost it (but in a good way). For Robbie's 1st birthday, we had stopped on the side of the road and picked some blue irises to use as a centerpiece for the table at his birthday party.



When I told Bridget how wonderful the flowers were and thanked her for being so thoughtful, she sounded a little confused. To make a long story short, she was intending to send a different flower and just changed her mind at the last minute. We decided this was a little hug from the Holy Spirit to both of us. I love the way God works -- and we CANNOT forget these things, even though they seem small. During the dark or difficult days, it is so important to look back and remember where God has brought us from and the ways He has whispered (or even yelled) to us, "I love you."

Bridget and her family have now moved away, but they continue to remember Robbie's birthday. Thank you!!