Thursday 23 January 2014

The Final Trimester

It appears the blog has become more of a monthly thing now.  I don't intentionally stay away, it just doesn't often come to mind and life is fairly 'normal' now, so there isn't much to write.  I am now almost 32 weeks pregnant and in the awkward and uncomfortable stage.  I'm not a huge fan of pregnancy in general, but the end is my least favourite part.  Thankfully the count down can soon begin and I know it's worth it in the end.

Shawn and I are still debating over two names for our little girl and trying to prepare ourselves for the arrival of a new baby.  Although I'd like to believe I'll be totally fine, I know the arrival of this child will come with a lot of emotions.  I am about to embark on a new relationship with a highly recommended grief counsellor and I'm hoping it's the perfect fit.

The journey of grief is very random at times.  I have sad days, more often just sad moments.  I don't mind talking about Hope or our journey, but I often find it difficult to support others that are grieving over Hope.  If their pain is from another source, I don't find it difficult at all.  When it comes to Hope, I feel that carrying my own pain is enough and at times I'm not strong enough to support someone else that is struggling with her loss.  There are days that I have the strength to walk alongside someone else grieving her loss, but never on a 21st of the month!

Sadie is doing well and still talks about her sister often.  She is quick to correct anyone that suggests she is becoming a big sister for the first time.  She appears to understand that a new baby is coming, but has yet to grasp that her new sister is healthy.  She will often ask questions that relate to the new baby dying or one of her parents dying.  Her brain is still working to process her loss and we work hard to be open and patient with all of her questions.  I can only handle so many suggestions that the new baby will die in a single day though.  There are times that I have to be honest and tell her that if she suggests this baby is going to die again, mommy might cry.

I had planned to leave the nursery alone, but have decided that it would be better for me to add some new touches and make things fresh.  Remembering that this baby is our rainbow baby, and Hope's little sister, I decided on a heart theme in rainbow colours.  I'm still in the ideas stage, but I'm looking forward to giving this baby a beautiful bedroom of her own.  I know that these little steps are progress in my journey with grief and are necessary.

I have also been re-learning how to connect with God when life is not in crisis.  Although our journey with Hope was painful, I felt a deep connection to God and a desperate need for him.  Now that life has transitioned to a more normal routine, I have to be intentional about pursuing a relationship with God.  I now feel that I am more in control of my life, which requires choosing to relinquish that control to God.    As much as walking through crisis is painful, there are beautiful benefits to feeling completely broken.

Tomorrow Shawn, Sadie and I depart on a family vacation.  We hope to enjoy a vacation before the arrival of the new baby.  Sadie is so excited to have both of us around all day and to wear her summer clothes.  She's been talking about this trip for a long time and we look forward to seeing her joy each day.

Please continue to pray for us as we prepare for the arrival of this baby girl.  I need prayer as I walk through the emotions of having a healthy child and mourn all the things I wasn't able to do with Hope.  Thank you for continuing to care and for holding our family up in prayer.
 

7 comments:

  1. Amy, I have been following your blog through some friends and just wanted to say I am praying for you as you continue to walk this road of grief. I am also praying that this new baby brings much healing to all of you, not that she will ever replace your dear Hope, but that she will bring a lightness and joy to you all. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It is really a privilege to see your heart and to walk beside you in prayer. Bless you all.

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  2. I've followed your blog for a while and your comment on the difficulty of supporting others really struck a chord.

    It's perfectly normal and appropriate that carrying your own pain is enough at times. It is admirable that you support others in this loss, but it could be unfair to have that continued expectation of yourself. Consider the "ring theory of comfort" - It's a simple model that mostly describes 2 simple rules for beneficial comforting behaviours of adults - it (appropriately) doesn't account for child-like inquiry.

    Comfort IN, Dump OUT
    In a nutshell, people more removed from a crisis or traumatic event should only comfort those who are closer to it, and may only "dump" and look for their own comfort from others who are themselves more removed. People at the center of shouldn't (be expected to) comfort anyone, and may dump on whomever they like.

    http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/07/opinion/la-oe-0407-silk-ring-theory-20130407

    Wishing all of you the best.

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  3. Congratulations! I am so happy that God has blessed you and your family with another child. We must be due around the same, I am having a girl due March 28th. =)

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  4. I found your blog after reading another fb page I'd been following. Too read about your Hope was tearful and brought back sad memories of our own loss, but to see and read that you are expecting another beautiful baby is a miracle, you'll have many emotions, but as we we're never able to conceive after our own loss, I pray for your family to be wonderfully at peace, in comfort, and surrounded by those you love! Hope will always be waiting for you and her family members. Blessings

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  5. Thank you, Amy, for continuing to share your journey. And as you've revealed, the grieving continues and has different revelations as you journey through it. For sure, the new babe will bring much joy and healing. It seems that we wish for grief to end. And yet God transforms it into something beautiful, which for those of us who have faith, reveals His grace even more. And thank you for sharing Sadie's way of grieving as well. Isn't the child's perspective so fresh and simple? Blessings to you all.

    JoAnne

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  6. Amy, I am continuing to follow your journey, your life. Thank you for sharing with us! I pray that you are feeling well and that the adjustment goes smoothly. I will forever remember your little girl, Hope. Your posts have touched me deeply and your faith in God has been inspiring. Awaiting your next monthly post. :)

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  7. Praying for you & your family Amy. I have been following your blog on Hope from almost the beginning. Through it I have found new found faith in God from the strength you always shared. Understanding the loss of a young child there are many emotions which we each need to go through and each of us are different. I pray that God gives you, Shawn , Sadie & your new little one will have many years of pure happiness in the life of God.I will always remember Hope and the beautiful girl she was that captured the heart of thousands during her time on Earth . Bringing God much closer into our lives through the strength and miracles we seen unfold within her. All the best with your future. Hugs to all of you.
    I also pray for the final stages of your pregnancy and delivery go well for you. Enjoy each new day that God has giving you.

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