Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Thanksgiving eve




It's the night before Thanksgiving. I am reminding myself of everything I am thankful for. It seems as time goes on, each day is a little more challenging. Above is a picture of Bridger and I on top of PCMC at sunset, just before we left for Texas and a picture of Danny and Bridger one of the last times they saw each other. I know this seems depressing, but these are the moments I am so thankful for. In the many months at the hospital, there were many families I met that didn't even have half of the memories we were able to share with our sweet boy. Knowing this doesn't make the pain any less intense, but it does remind me that somewhere there is always someone who is suffering more than me. My baby knew whether or not I was even in the room with him, he knew when it was 5:00pm and Daddy should be around to play. When we called Daddy on the phone, Bridger would turn the receiver around to see if Daddy was behind it. And when we were flying to Texas, our nurse had a laptop and Bridger kept grabbing for it because before we left we had set-up Skype to talk to Daddy on the webcam and he knew that when the computer was on we were going to see Daddy. I loved that Bridger didn't even like when I had to go to the bathroom because I was out of his sight. And when he played with Daddy, I couldn't interfere in there business, but I also was not allowed to be out of his line of sight. I loved when he woke up at 4:00 am with a huge smile wondering why Daddy and I weren't quite ready to play. I love that for a couple of months Danny and Bridger got to watch College Game Day together on Saturday mornings. I love that Bridger loved to go on walks anywhere, in the hospital or at home. I love that all he needed for entertainment was a cold, wet washcloth and hospital garbage and maybe his parents or grandparents running around his hospital crib making fools out of themselves. I love that even right before he died, he was talking to me while I brushed my teeth. Although my heart is broken beyond repair, I am grateful that my beautiful boy no longer needs oxygen and tube feeds and continuous IV medication to allow him to be a baby. Now, he can cause all of the mischeif he wants without it taking such a toll on his body. I know I have said this over and over, but I will continue to say it as long as I am alive- not only tommorrow, but everyday PLEASE count your blessings and know what some of us would give for a rebellious teenager, a baby crying in the night, a whiny toddler at family gatherings or even just a child to kiss good night. More than most, we know that life is hard, but if it wasn't how would we know when we got to heaven? For all of you reading this, I am thankful for you. Each and every one of you has touched my heart in ways that you will never know. In losing my son, I have gained a heightened awareness of the blessings I am surrounded by. Thank you.

17 comments:

The Curtis Family said...

Staci,

You are so amazing! I am so blessed to have met you and to experience for myself just how wonderful you are. I can feel just how much you love Bridger and your life has been touched by him. My heart aches for you and the loss that you must feel. Your insight and clarity in the midst of such pain is inspiring. You will be in my thoughts and prayers and will give my little ones and extra squeeze tonight. Thank you.

---Allison

Kaidence's Mommy said...

Thank You so much for coming to see us the other day. It meant a lot. You are an amazing person. Your post was beautifully said. You continue to reach out to others, even when your heart is broken. Thank You for being who you are and for sharing those special and hard moments with us. Have a wonder Thanksgiving.

Becca said...

We are so thankful for you and your kind words. They are so encouraging when you feel like you can't take on one more blow. We lost a baby at birth and I still think about her every day. It's amazing how much love you have for someone you only had a few hours with. Our next daughter has the heart conditions that we are dealing with. We have met so many people through these experiences.

Thank you, Becca-Ellie's mom

Maura said...

Thank you for sharing some of your wonderful memories with us. Even though Bridger's life was much too short for us, and much more difficult than anyone should ever have to deal with, he touched so many people in ways we may never fully see. Bridger had a bigger impact in his short life than many people have in 70 years. Be proud, Danny and Staci, you gave the world an amazing gift. And for that, I thank you. I love you guys!

The Simmons Family said...

That post was amazing!! Happy Thanksgiving!1

Meghan said...

Staci,

Even when Ryan wakes up several times in a night, after I huff and puff to his room out of exhaustion, I often think of you and Bridger. I look at Ryan's sweet face and I AM grateful that he is there to wake me up. I remember your words and the scares that Ryan gave us before his birth. Thank you for reminding the rest of us to be grateful for even the "tough" moments.
I wish you and Danny the best during the next couple of months. I know the holidays will be agonizingly difficult for you. Please know I think of and pray for you often.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for that reminder today. He is such a beautiful boy and I'm certaine he's saying the same prayers of thanks in heaven today for the wonderful and precious time he was able to spend with his parents on earth.

Austin Tolman said...

Hi Staci, you have inspired me to be a better parent, person, and friend more than any one has ever had in my life. I’m beyond thankful for just knowing you. I hope you and Danny have a wonderful thanksgiving!

Cristy said...

Thank you for the beautiful post, Staci. There are no words to describe how much we miss our beautiful blue-eyed boy. I love having Kolten staying with us, because he "see's" Bridger, and plays with him all the time. It's an incredible, magical thing to see. Bridger, I love you. Staci and Danny, thank you for giving us the blessing of this beautiful grandson. He is a part of our family, and will be for eternity. This much I promise you. Dad and I love you both more than you will ever know.
Love, Mom

Traci said...

Thanks for such a sweet post. I do need to take more time enjoying all of the little things that really are the big things.

Maddox is scheduled for his Glenn Dec. 8th, so hopefully we'll see you while we're up at PCMC.

Me said...

Staci, You are such a wonderful example to me. It frustrates me that I still need that constant reminder to enjoy the "moments" but I do, and I thank you for the reminder. I am sorry I was not able to make it to the game last week to help with the bracelets, I was sick. I hope that it went well. I was hoping to see you at Mary O's bali party. I hope to see you soon. You have been a blessing in my life. Thank you! Much love,Hilary Cook

heatherfeather said...

Dear Staci, Thanks so much for the reminder to be grateful for all our many blessings. I am so thankful for your example Staci. I am glad that you are in our family. Your sweet words are always such a wonderful reminder to not take things for granted. Thank-you so much for being such a great aunt and sister. I am truly grateful. Love, Heather

Anonymous said...

Stacy you are an amazing person. God Bless you.
-Nick Stam

Summer said...

Thank you for such a heart felt, honest, and absolutely beautiful post! I ad mire your strength. Thank you also for all your support for our challenges right now. It means a lot to me that you follow Mason's journey.

Loves from Mason's Mommy

Angie said...

Staci,
I admire you so much for your strength! I am so grateful that you had that precious time with Bridger. I can only hope that someday I will have the same opportunity to have a little one of my own, even if it is for a short time. I am happy that you have all those wonderful memories to cherish and know that you will be with your sweet little boy again.

Mike and Nicole said...

I am glad I found your blog! The pictures on it and your post are beautiful! You are such an amazing person. I am glad that I will be seeing you around! Happy Holidays!

Liz Maile said...

That was a wonderful post. Thank you for sharing it with me. Bridger was an amazing little boy and you and Danny are amazing parents. I am thankful to have known Bridger and to have you and Danny in my life now. I am thankful you knew my little angel for the short time she was here. I am thankful for my 1st night in the PICU when you introduced yourself to me. And that I had you there when I needed someone to talk to. You expressed so many things I have been feeling lately. It drives me crazy when people say things like "I wish I could just wring me kids necks b/c they are driving me crazy"...or anything along those lines. People need to be thankful for their kids and everything they are blessed with. Because kids are a blessing. Thanks Staci, I love you!

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