Day 4: Legacy #captureyourgrief

Legacy-

I started by asking myself what, exactly, is a legacy?  So, I looked around online and found this:

"Often when you think about legacy, it’s something that is left behind after a person has passed... The requirements of a legacy are that you embrace your uniqueness...so that your gift will be to all and...will have a life beyond that of you, its creator, outliving and outlasting your time on earth."

Hmmmmm...  But how can someone who's life had barely begun possibly leave a legacy??  Well, I think the best way to define Gabriel's legacy is to go the route of how, in his very short time with us, he changed my life.  For starters, I cry more.  I'm not sure how long that will last, but I suspect it's just a new personality trait.  I now live in a new reality where life is a little more fragile and a piece of me is missing.  There are little reminders of what I lost everywhere, and I wear my heart on my sleeve!  Now that the sad stuff has been said, there is a lot of good that Gabriel left behind, too!  From this experience I have learned to more fully trust in the Lord and His plan for me!  I am more convinced than ever that He will not allow more hardship than I can handle.  I also know that, if we will allow it, He will be right there by our side in every step of our trials.  I know now not to take for granted that things will go as they should, because you never know!  What happened with Gabriel has inspired me to get healthier, to try a little harder in everything I do, and to love the ones I love just a little more!  Hopefully the good stuff lasts as long as the sad. ;)

P.S.  I really hope to be able to make some sort of memory box, keepsake, blankets... I don't know, something...to donate to local hospitals or other bereaved parents, I just haven't gotten that far yet ;). One day...

Day 1: Sunrise #captureyourgrief

SUNRISE~

I couldn't get a good picture of the sunrise due to all the trees by our house, so I found one I like taken at our very own Pensacola Beach and added the quote...

The Reunion

The past few days have been hard.  Not sure why, but they have.  I don't think anything's been different!  Well, whatever... It is what it is!  I found this poem yesterday (I know, right? Another poem?! Well, what can I say... there are a bunch of 'em out there!) Anyway, I really like it.  Since there's no credited author I took some liberty and changed a few of the words.

The Reunion

Since Heaven has become your home

I sometimes feel I'm so alone,

And though I know we're not far apart

You hold a sliver of my heart.

I never knew how much I'd grieve

When it was time for you to leave

Or just how much my heart would ache

From that small fragment you would take!

God lets this tender hole remain

Reminding me well meet again,

And when we do my pain will cease

For He'll restore that missing piece!

He'll turn to joy my every tear

The day I hold you oh, so near!

Then together, forever we will stay

Beginning on that Reunion Day!

~Unknown

I can't even begin to tell you how much hope I have looking forward to that day when I get to see my baby again!!
Until then... XOXO to you, my sweet Gabriel!