I obviously have some time on my hands this morning so I thought I would share a little about Jeff and I since it is Valentine's day ;)
Jeff and I met in 8th grade, I was actually hanging out with a good friend of his when I realized how cute he was! When you are 14 years old you don't really do the dating thing it's like you hang out with friends and you are labeled boyfriend/girlfriend kinda thing (Silly I know) Jeff asked me to be his girlfriend Sept. 9, 1999 (9/9/99 strange!) We were together for 11 months and went our separate ways going into high school, new school called for all new friends. We spent 2 years apart for many reasons, but I think we both knew we cared for each other. In that time we both dated other people but when we would run into each other that feeling was always there. Our senior year in high school was when we decided enough of this being apart and we have been inseparable since then.
Jeff is my rock, he knows me inside and out. We understand each other for the most part and are still learning. We have the same goals and are on the same page with what we want out of life. I have to give all the credit to our beautiful son Deaken. He was the one that truly taught us about love and life. Before we found out about Deaken, Jeff and I were not sure about our future together to be honest. Yes, we love each other very much but at that time before Deaken we were on a different page in life, Deaken brought us on the same page and I am forever grateful. I love that I can be myself with Jeff and he doesn't judge because he is just as stranger or stranger! I am looking forward to April 30th and celebrating "us" with friends and family.
Today Jeff and I Cheers and Celebrate our 11 years of friendship, 8 years together and a little over a year of marriage! We love our crazy and out of order life! The best part is we have each other on this journey....
Monday, February 14, 2011
Forever Changed....
The past week February 7-14 was Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. How fitting to end CHD week on Valentine's Day! I have some awesome friends and family that have helped to raise awareness with me, Thank You all. I want to shine the spotlight on my cousin Chelsey, she has been such a support to Jeff and I. This past week all her commission earned from her sales with scentsy will go to The Chloe Duyck Memorial Fund in memory of Deaken! She is such a thoughtful person and always finding ways to raise money for CHD and donating what she can. I love you Chelsey very much and so honored to have you as a little cousin :)
I often wonder and worry about Jeff, Wondering if he is grieving at all? and worry that he holds it in.... I know we all grieve differently and I have to remember some guys are more sensitive than others. I saw a change in him last weekend that was a sign for me that he is grieving, he remembers and he does have feelings! He often mentions he wishes we lived closer to friends and feels so left out and distant....His friends are on a total different page or chapter for that matter! Jeff had planned last Saturday to go hang out with friends, he left around 5pm and was calling by 8pm to come home....He missed his girls (me and Maize) What??? I am thinking, this is what you are always missing out on and you want to come home after 3 hours??? My only explanation for this is he is feeling how I do when I go hang out. We are forever changed by all that has happened. We like to be together and "safe" at home. I know this may sound like we are secluding ourselves, we do hang out with others but larger groups are hard without each other. I also think that us being "safe" right now is what we have to do to get by.
One year is approaching fast, I should be saying I can't believe I will have a 1 year old and instead I say or think I should have a 1 year old. To follow the birth date is another dreaded date, 1 year since one of the worst days in my life. How will I make it through these next few months? I know I will, it is going to be hard. What keeps me going is I know I will see Deaken again someday and everyday brings me closer.
I often wonder and worry about Jeff, Wondering if he is grieving at all? and worry that he holds it in.... I know we all grieve differently and I have to remember some guys are more sensitive than others. I saw a change in him last weekend that was a sign for me that he is grieving, he remembers and he does have feelings! He often mentions he wishes we lived closer to friends and feels so left out and distant....His friends are on a total different page or chapter for that matter! Jeff had planned last Saturday to go hang out with friends, he left around 5pm and was calling by 8pm to come home....He missed his girls (me and Maize) What??? I am thinking, this is what you are always missing out on and you want to come home after 3 hours??? My only explanation for this is he is feeling how I do when I go hang out. We are forever changed by all that has happened. We like to be together and "safe" at home. I know this may sound like we are secluding ourselves, we do hang out with others but larger groups are hard without each other. I also think that us being "safe" right now is what we have to do to get by.
One year is approaching fast, I should be saying I can't believe I will have a 1 year old and instead I say or think I should have a 1 year old. To follow the birth date is another dreaded date, 1 year since one of the worst days in my life. How will I make it through these next few months? I know I will, it is going to be hard. What keeps me going is I know I will see Deaken again someday and everyday brings me closer.
Friday, January 28, 2011
A little Overwhelmed!
Tonight sleep isn't coming easily, I just have too much on my mind. I have often wondered what people meant when I heard them say "My heart aches for you." I found out quickly after we lost Deaken that a heart truly does ache for your loss and for others. My heart is aching very much for a family that lost their 6 month old to a heart defect along with a clotting disorder. Reading his caringbridge brought back so many memories, not that I have forgot them but just really hits home knowing a piece of what they have ahead of them.
Life has been very overwhelming lately and I can imagine it will be like this for the next 4 months. For those that don't know, Jeff and I are planning our "wedding celebration" (that's what I like to call it) for April 30Th. Side note: We were married before Deaken was born but didn't get to have our "Dream Wedding" so plan on it now. We both are very excited about the celebration but sometimes I wonder why am I adding this extra stress especially this time of year! It does help a little to keep my mind off of the main milestone that is coming up in March. To add to our plate as if we don't have enough going on Jeff and I have decided it is time to move closer to our family and buy a house! How am I feeling about this??? I am excited to have a house with a yard and won't look back on this townhouse living! I am feeling a little sad in the sense that this is my house that I built and picked the options for and this is where Jeff and I started our life with the hopes and dreams to bring Deaken home to, we made it our home. It will be a good "fresh" start at a new house though, I can't imagine that if I am blessed with another baby and bringing the baby home to the room we had planned for Deaken, I just don't know how I would feel about that. It will be nice to get excited again and put together a nursery, if that makes any sense.
Life has been very overwhelming lately and I can imagine it will be like this for the next 4 months. For those that don't know, Jeff and I are planning our "wedding celebration" (that's what I like to call it) for April 30Th. Side note: We were married before Deaken was born but didn't get to have our "Dream Wedding" so plan on it now. We both are very excited about the celebration but sometimes I wonder why am I adding this extra stress especially this time of year! It does help a little to keep my mind off of the main milestone that is coming up in March. To add to our plate as if we don't have enough going on Jeff and I have decided it is time to move closer to our family and buy a house! How am I feeling about this??? I am excited to have a house with a yard and won't look back on this townhouse living! I am feeling a little sad in the sense that this is my house that I built and picked the options for and this is where Jeff and I started our life with the hopes and dreams to bring Deaken home to, we made it our home. It will be a good "fresh" start at a new house though, I can't imagine that if I am blessed with another baby and bringing the baby home to the room we had planned for Deaken, I just don't know how I would feel about that. It will be nice to get excited again and put together a nursery, if that makes any sense.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Life is a struggle.....
Losing Deaken has been the hardest thing I have ever had to cope with in my short 25 years. I can't imagine going through anything more life altering. Losing your child is not something you can compare, each death holds a different sense of loss.
This past week I was in a rather selfish mood. (Please forgive me for my thoughts) I was drawn to the TV after hearing "THE WORST DAYS OF THEIR LIVES AND THE MIRACULOUS TWIST OF FATE." Not knowing the story I thought to myself, Nothing can be worse then losing your baby, now what is someone complaining about.... Come to find out this couple had loss all three of their children in a horrific car crash.
Yes, Deaken isn't here with us anymore but I could not even begin to imagine in a split second losing all three of my children and the amount of grief that would set in on their hearts, I just cannot compare my story to their's. The thing we had in common is losing our babies and now how do we continue on in life. I didn't get to see the rest of the show and read online that almost a year to the death date of their children they were blesses with triplets! 2 girls and a boy just like the first three children. If that isn't a twist of fate I don't know what is! I so strongly believe those that suffer will be blessed, maybe not today or tomorrow but for sure in the end. I have Hope.
I know I haven't wrote in awhile, things are very crazy and busy. I am just trying to keep my balance on life and taking the steps I need to make it through each day, also with a lot of help from friends and family. Thank you to all those that continue to remember Deaken on his special days. He would be 10 months this coming Monday, with our aching hearts Jeff and I long for what could of been. I have said in a previous post I would do anything to take Deaken's pain away and prayed many times to give the pain to me... God answered that prayer and now Deaken has a whole heart in heaven and mine is here broken. To be honest I wouldn't want it any other way, I can handle this pain even when sometimes I feel I can't. It would of killed me to see him go through what life had in store for him. Keeping that thought is what keeps me going......
This past week I was in a rather selfish mood. (Please forgive me for my thoughts) I was drawn to the TV after hearing "THE WORST DAYS OF THEIR LIVES AND THE MIRACULOUS TWIST OF FATE." Not knowing the story I thought to myself, Nothing can be worse then losing your baby, now what is someone complaining about.... Come to find out this couple had loss all three of their children in a horrific car crash.
Yes, Deaken isn't here with us anymore but I could not even begin to imagine in a split second losing all three of my children and the amount of grief that would set in on their hearts, I just cannot compare my story to their's. The thing we had in common is losing our babies and now how do we continue on in life. I didn't get to see the rest of the show and read online that almost a year to the death date of their children they were blesses with triplets! 2 girls and a boy just like the first three children. If that isn't a twist of fate I don't know what is! I so strongly believe those that suffer will be blessed, maybe not today or tomorrow but for sure in the end. I have Hope.
I know I haven't wrote in awhile, things are very crazy and busy. I am just trying to keep my balance on life and taking the steps I need to make it through each day, also with a lot of help from friends and family. Thank you to all those that continue to remember Deaken on his special days. He would be 10 months this coming Monday, with our aching hearts Jeff and I long for what could of been. I have said in a previous post I would do anything to take Deaken's pain away and prayed many times to give the pain to me... God answered that prayer and now Deaken has a whole heart in heaven and mine is here broken. To be honest I wouldn't want it any other way, I can handle this pain even when sometimes I feel I can't. It would of killed me to see him go through what life had in store for him. Keeping that thought is what keeps me going......
Saturday, January 1, 2011
What a year....
I survived the holiday...Not that it was a surprise or that I had a choice, but I knew I would and knew I would be carried through. Some special things in remembering Deaken at Christmas was each family's Christmas tree had a special ornament for Deaks. My grandma made a special stocking for Deaken with hearts and angel's wings, which was very thoughtful.
I received a very special gift from my cousin Desiree this year. She had a blanket made with 26 pictures of Deaken (26 for his 26 days). It is so special to Jeff and I, we feel so blessed to have such caring family members. With the blanket was a card from the maker of the blanket, I read the card later that night and it brought tears to my eyes reading such sweet and kind words from someone whom I have never met but to know how touched she was by making this blanket and how she will never forget our sweet baby boy. It just makes me think, what a present in itself to know how much Deaken still is touching peoples Lives...He truly is an angel.
2010 sure was a challenging year and not just for me but for so many I know. We had a few friends of the family pass away, my good friend's husband passed away before Christmas and having friends that are struggling has really had me put my grieving on the back burner. There was just so much hurt last year, so much hurt that I have never known. Heaven sure did recieve some amazing angels last year.
Bring on 2011, it has to be up hill from here right? I ended the year with the stomach flu :( it was horrible and I can't remember the last time I was so sick! I wasn't surprised that I would be spending the last day of the year in bed, what luck! Jeff has been taking care of me bringing food, drink or whatever I needed and I have been taking full advantage of it, what a guy!
New Years Day marks a very special angel's 1st birthday this year. Hazel Marie Heidelberger is celebrating her 1st birthday in heaven today. I know I have mentioned my friend Angie (Hazel's mommy) before who I have a special connection with. I believe we have been connected by the grace of God to help one another in this journey we are on. I cannot imagine what it is going to be like to be at the one year mark with Deaken and find myself at a loss of words for Angie today, knowing how heavy her heart is. I ask that whoever is reading please keep the Heidelberger family in their prayers today and the next 14 as they relive all they went through a year ago.
I received a very special gift from my cousin Desiree this year. She had a blanket made with 26 pictures of Deaken (26 for his 26 days). It is so special to Jeff and I, we feel so blessed to have such caring family members. With the blanket was a card from the maker of the blanket, I read the card later that night and it brought tears to my eyes reading such sweet and kind words from someone whom I have never met but to know how touched she was by making this blanket and how she will never forget our sweet baby boy. It just makes me think, what a present in itself to know how much Deaken still is touching peoples Lives...He truly is an angel.
2010 sure was a challenging year and not just for me but for so many I know. We had a few friends of the family pass away, my good friend's husband passed away before Christmas and having friends that are struggling has really had me put my grieving on the back burner. There was just so much hurt last year, so much hurt that I have never known. Heaven sure did recieve some amazing angels last year.
Bring on 2011, it has to be up hill from here right? I ended the year with the stomach flu :( it was horrible and I can't remember the last time I was so sick! I wasn't surprised that I would be spending the last day of the year in bed, what luck! Jeff has been taking care of me bringing food, drink or whatever I needed and I have been taking full advantage of it, what a guy!
New Years Day marks a very special angel's 1st birthday this year. Hazel Marie Heidelberger is celebrating her 1st birthday in heaven today. I know I have mentioned my friend Angie (Hazel's mommy) before who I have a special connection with. I believe we have been connected by the grace of God to help one another in this journey we are on. I cannot imagine what it is going to be like to be at the one year mark with Deaken and find myself at a loss of words for Angie today, knowing how heavy her heart is. I ask that whoever is reading please keep the Heidelberger family in their prayers today and the next 14 as they relive all they went through a year ago.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Bah Hum Bug!
When I don't write for some time it usually means I have so much going on in my head I can't focus enough to sit down and type it out. I am still alive, but barley breathing...That is exactly how I feel. The heaviness and anxiety set in yesterday morning, not that it always isn't lingering, but I sure do know when it is going to be more of a struggle. I knew I had to make it through work Thursday so I pushed it aside as best as I could. It all came apart last night into this morning, I have so much anger....
I really would love just a low key Christmas this year, but that isn't happening. As I have mentioned before I usually am gone over Christmas with my family and that is our Christmas on a white sand beach, what more could I ask for? This year is so different and I am not good with change. We will be celebrating with both families on Christmas eve and Christmas day.... I have anxiety just thinking about it. It isn't that I don't want to be with family, Grief alone is exhausting but just thinking two days full of interacting, needing to be places at this time is just going to be too much.
So why do I do it? I have to, I know I would be letting people down if we weren't there and I do it for Jeff. Jeff and I are grieving so different he likes to keep busy, he is all about Christmas and the shopping. I can't ruin that for him, but I am just not in it this year. Nothing will take this pain away and most importantly nothing will bring Deaken back. So I just keep going with the flow to make others happy. I feel guilty for being like this and feel like the Grinch behind this computer, but really nothing will change the fact that a piece of me is missing, I don't want to pretend I am happy when I am drowning inside.
Deaken would be 9 months today. I remember the day like it was yesterday, waiting for him to arrive with so much Hope. I never thought he would be taken away from us, I really thought he was going to make it. Why oh Why did this happen? We may never know, all I know know is I wouldn't be making through without having faith and knowing that God is carrying me through on this journey...That is what I cling to.
I really would love just a low key Christmas this year, but that isn't happening. As I have mentioned before I usually am gone over Christmas with my family and that is our Christmas on a white sand beach, what more could I ask for? This year is so different and I am not good with change. We will be celebrating with both families on Christmas eve and Christmas day.... I have anxiety just thinking about it. It isn't that I don't want to be with family, Grief alone is exhausting but just thinking two days full of interacting, needing to be places at this time is just going to be too much.
So why do I do it? I have to, I know I would be letting people down if we weren't there and I do it for Jeff. Jeff and I are grieving so different he likes to keep busy, he is all about Christmas and the shopping. I can't ruin that for him, but I am just not in it this year. Nothing will take this pain away and most importantly nothing will bring Deaken back. So I just keep going with the flow to make others happy. I feel guilty for being like this and feel like the Grinch behind this computer, but really nothing will change the fact that a piece of me is missing, I don't want to pretend I am happy when I am drowning inside.
Deaken would be 9 months today. I remember the day like it was yesterday, waiting for him to arrive with so much Hope. I never thought he would be taken away from us, I really thought he was going to make it. Why oh Why did this happen? We may never know, all I know know is I wouldn't be making through without having faith and knowing that God is carrying me through on this journey...That is what I cling to.
Friday, December 3, 2010
In Need....
I may have spoke too soon about feeling a little weight lifted, it was nice while it lasted.... Tonight my good friends grief and anxiety are back.... The heaviness, knots in my stomach and racing mind have consumed me, I can't sleep.
When I got home from work Jeff asked what happened to make you feel this way? This just shows how different we are grieving...Nothing in particular has to happen to change my mood or feelings, I am just beyond empty inside. I am having quite a bit of anxiety for this coming Monday. The U is having a memorial service for those that lost a child from Jan.-April of this year, I am not sure what to expect and not even sure if I will be able to walk in the hospital. Jeff and I don't know if this will be healing to attend or just set us back.
I believe God sends people in our lives in times of struggle and he knew I was struggling yesterday (Thurs.) About a month ago a patient was in and I shared with her that Deaken had passed, she had instant tears and I knew that look to well....She also had a baby boy that passed, it has been 13 years but the pain for her is just like yesterday. She came in last night for an appointment and brought me a very thoughtful gift, she also really wants to get together with me and hear about Deaken and wants to help guide me through this. It has been 13 years since her son passed suddenly and she said it took her a long time to find some peace in her heart. I do believe God has sent her to help me and I do look forward to getting together with her and sharing Deaken's story.
I know I wouldn't make it through without all the prayers. I do have a few requests for those that could really use extra prayers:
Since Deaken I have kind of been wrapped myself in the heart community, keeping up with other heart babies and angel mommies. This time last year there were quite a few heart babies born and unfortunately many that have earned their wings. My heart is going out to all of those families, not only are they grieving the loss of their baby, but also it is the holiday season which makes things more of a challenge to make it through each day. Please lift those families up in prayer...
An urgent prayer request for Jeff's Grampy, who was admitted into the hospital last night for a blood clot in his foot. Jeff's Grampy has been through so much and always has a positive attitude. Please pray for the doctors to have the knowledge to make the right choices and for the comfort and strength for Grampy.
With faith anything is possible!
When I got home from work Jeff asked what happened to make you feel this way? This just shows how different we are grieving...Nothing in particular has to happen to change my mood or feelings, I am just beyond empty inside. I am having quite a bit of anxiety for this coming Monday. The U is having a memorial service for those that lost a child from Jan.-April of this year, I am not sure what to expect and not even sure if I will be able to walk in the hospital. Jeff and I don't know if this will be healing to attend or just set us back.
I believe God sends people in our lives in times of struggle and he knew I was struggling yesterday (Thurs.) About a month ago a patient was in and I shared with her that Deaken had passed, she had instant tears and I knew that look to well....She also had a baby boy that passed, it has been 13 years but the pain for her is just like yesterday. She came in last night for an appointment and brought me a very thoughtful gift, she also really wants to get together with me and hear about Deaken and wants to help guide me through this. It has been 13 years since her son passed suddenly and she said it took her a long time to find some peace in her heart. I do believe God has sent her to help me and I do look forward to getting together with her and sharing Deaken's story.
I know I wouldn't make it through without all the prayers. I do have a few requests for those that could really use extra prayers:
Since Deaken I have kind of been wrapped myself in the heart community, keeping up with other heart babies and angel mommies. This time last year there were quite a few heart babies born and unfortunately many that have earned their wings. My heart is going out to all of those families, not only are they grieving the loss of their baby, but also it is the holiday season which makes things more of a challenge to make it through each day. Please lift those families up in prayer...
An urgent prayer request for Jeff's Grampy, who was admitted into the hospital last night for a blood clot in his foot. Jeff's Grampy has been through so much and always has a positive attitude. Please pray for the doctors to have the knowledge to make the right choices and for the comfort and strength for Grampy.
With faith anything is possible!
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