Over the past 3 years I have been pushed out of my comfort zone more than ever before. I became a mother, a mother of a critically ill child, a nurse of sorts, a grieving parent and wife, a mother to a healthy child, an advocate, a philanthropist. I’ve cried. I’ve laughed. I’ve experienced a love that is deeper than any I’ve ever felt before. I’ve learned that what I thought were my “limits” were indeed only small hurdles compared to the obstacles I could survive. I’ve questioned my faith and had to surrender myself to the fact that I will never have all of the answers or fully understand the “whys” of this world...and that’s ok.
May is officially upon us, and while I welcome the sunshine, green grass and warmer temperatures, I am also hyper-aware of the BLAH that this month brings with it. Mother's Day without the one who made me a mother. Birthday celebrations without the guest of honor. Angelversaries. Sigh. There will undoubtedly be tears along the way...but I'm going to do my best this month to CELEBRATE Charlotte, to be THANKFUL for the time that we had with her, and to HONOR her memory the best I can.
Today we kick off the Month of Chuck...a challenge I've set for myself to fill these difficult days with beautiful memories of our beautiful girl. When I attempted this last year, I didn't really anticipate how emotionally exhausting 31 days of posting would be. Having said that, I'm giving myself a little bit of a break this time and will only be posting on week days (I like how I'm giving myself permission!)
Month of Chuck Day #1 seemed like the perfect opportunity for me to reveal a brand new look here on the blog. I owe a HUGE thank you to Brielle of Studio Eleven Design for helping me give this space a bit of a face lift. She was amazing to work with and really transformed Little Miss Ritchie into something beautiful that celebrates BOTH of my children. I absolutely love it.May is officially upon us, and while I welcome the sunshine, green grass and warmer temperatures, I am also hyper-aware of the BLAH that this month brings with it. Mother's Day without the one who made me a mother. Birthday celebrations without the guest of honor. Angelversaries. Sigh. There will undoubtedly be tears along the way...but I'm going to do my best this month to CELEBRATE Charlotte, to be THANKFUL for the time that we had with her, and to HONOR her memory the best I can.
Today we kick off the Month of Chuck...a challenge I've set for myself to fill these difficult days with beautiful memories of our beautiful girl. When I attempted this last year, I didn't really anticipate how emotionally exhausting 31 days of posting would be. Having said that, I'm giving myself a little bit of a break this time and will only be posting on week days (I like how I'm giving myself permission!)
Sweet baby girl, I beg you stay close this month. I know that you are always here, always with me...but now more than ever I need to feel your presence by my side.
May is hard.
Most adorable kids ever!!
ReplyDeleteKristen,
ReplyDeleteI love the new look. I love the way it celebrates both of your beautiful children. Your are an amazing mom! I will continue to pray for you, especially during the month of May. I often look at Madilynn's picture with the sock monkey you sent. It warms my heart that she also touched yours. I will never forget Charlotte!
Hugs,
Amy, mom of Madilynn
I love the new look of the blog! Prayers are with you even more this month.
ReplyDelete