tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53481552376526481742024-03-12T19:27:45.052-05:00"EB"ing a MommyThe challenging, yet rewarding journey of caring for my son with EBCourtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.comBlogger266125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-30842430349627507402017-01-14T14:22:00.000-06:002017-01-14T14:22:54.311-06:00Five years. <div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhBxwZMte_GQnLj9qRxdncmTMY2VFsWpuuJYDuabwXLGl69oZd9SOgSbUBn2YvA8Z5Rc9gTzMBhmzrT0D5KXrhzO6n95ywqfJ4cnqDB9luBzt4WBX6aT8CqdMSnafBfkeWf5QLs_mEcw/s1600/IMG_9022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhBxwZMte_GQnLj9qRxdncmTMY2VFsWpuuJYDuabwXLGl69oZd9SOgSbUBn2YvA8Z5Rc9gTzMBhmzrT0D5KXrhzO6n95ywqfJ4cnqDB9luBzt4WBX6aT8CqdMSnafBfkeWf5QLs_mEcw/s400/IMG_9022.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's been FIVE years since my baby took his last breath in my arms.<br />
This has been a tough one to swallow. I'm at a crossroad between being so happy with my 2 sweet boys and being so sad because I am missing one of them. <br />
<br />
I still remember the night before/morning that Tripp died. He was doing so bad. I knew it was coming, I just didn't know how much longer we had. The night before, I put him to bed like normal and fell straight asleep with him. Usually, a typical night would consist of me waking up and having to suction him about every 20 minutes, but the last week or so he had been so exhausted and he's breathing was much more shallow, so we weren't waking as much through the night. But this night, I woke up at about 3am, just out of the blue, looked over at him (he slept right next to me in my bed) and I knew it was close. He was pale, more swollen and breathing so shallow. And for some reason, I never panicked. I was actually very calm. I grabbed his swollen little hand in mine, and I started whispering to him. I told him how very much I loved him. I told him how proud I was to be his mommy and to be able to call him mine. I cried. A lot. And I told him that I didn't know if I could make it without him. But that I wanted him to be free of his pain and never have to hurt again. I made a promise to him that I would try my hardest to get to heaven so that I could be with him again. And I asked him to watch over me, because I was going to need it. I cried and cried and kissed him a million times. Then I started to pray. I started a rosary, and I'm pretty sure I fell asleep before I finished it... with tears in my eyes and his hand in mine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBot_g8CzV6jI-NlmlRK74jzqMpeGT1duKXJXy8qQLUlMeSbB2YrdVfQoxpY6waBEy7ndZpu5ZL0OXFIOPOKtiInTNA4jttz0zGuXXEV9eYNCcPuCmc3VRfOA4t_sovfmPTKR-hoJZrNw/s1600/IMG_1388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBot_g8CzV6jI-NlmlRK74jzqMpeGT1duKXJXy8qQLUlMeSbB2YrdVfQoxpY6waBEy7ndZpu5ZL0OXFIOPOKtiInTNA4jttz0zGuXXEV9eYNCcPuCmc3VRfOA4t_sovfmPTKR-hoJZrNw/s320/IMG_1388.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Then I woke up... on my own, without waking to the sound of his trach. I looked over and I panicked. He was so pale, slightly blue. I jumped out of bed and ran to the other side. I felt and listened closely and he was still breathing, but things were just different. I ran for my mom, who followed me back in the room and we picked him up gently and brought him into the living room into his rocking chair where we spent all of our time. I was panicking. It was nothing like the peaceful feeling I woke up to in the middle of the night. We were both in tears and not sure what to do. But as always, Tripp coached us through and ever so gracefully and peacefully took his final few soft gasps and then stopped breathing. In my arms. In the rocking chair. With my mom kneeling beside us. <br />
<br />
And I didn't imagine it then (because I was hysterical), but I can imagine it now, that he left his tiny, lifeless body and looked down at us and smiled before the angels led him straight up to heaven. I just get chills thinking about his little soul, so mighty and so brave, and finally free of pain, making it's way back to Jesus... and Jesus saying, "well done my child."<br />
<br />
When I think back on his death and the way everything happened, I am so grateful for that peaceful hour I spent with him before he died. I know he could hear me. Even though he didn't move a muscle. I know he knew how much I loved him. I may have been lacking at some things, but I ALWAYS told him and showed him how much I loved him. And he definitely reciprocated that love back to me.<br />
<br />
I'm not sad because Tripp died.<br />
I'm sad simply because I MISS him. <br />
I miss the joy he radiated in the room. I miss the way he made me feel. Even when I had the whole mom thing wrong or when I was stressed to the max, he made me feel like I was the best mom in the world. And I know that sounds silly because he was only a baby, but he knew me. He could read me and my feelings like a book. When I was sad, he was so calm and still. Almost like he was sad too, or like he was trying to calm me down. And when times were happy... he made them oh so extra happy. With that drumming, or "lip" singing or dancing he would do. <br />
Tripp lived a life of suffering. <br />
And he LOVED life. <br />
Gosh, he is my hero.<br />
The times that he cried were few and far between. He only cried at bath time, and rarely ever even cried during dressing changes (until the end). <br />
He was the definition of strength.<br />
And he gave me the strength every day to carry my cross, as I watched him carry his with such grace.<br />
<br />
I see so much of Tripp in Crew and Nash. <br />
It's like he kissed both of them on the forehead before he sent them down to us. <br />
I wish with all my heart he could be here in our arms, in our house, with us and his brothers.<br />
But deep down, I know that was never meant to be. <br />
<br />
I am so grateful for my faith. <br />
I think about parents who are walking in my shoes all the time.<br />
Do they believe in God?<br />
In heaven?<br />
In eternal life?<br />
If they don't, I don't know how they survive.<br />
Literally, like how are they breathing? <br />
I've had ONE dream about Tripp since he died. And I wouldn't call it a dream, it was more like a nightmare. I was driving in my car and someone called me and told me that they saw Tripp (that he wasn't actually dead- he was still alive)... I won't give all of the details of the dream, but it consisted of lots of panic and crying and hysteria. I woke from that dream soaking wet and sobbing. And for that first 5 seconds of waking, I actually thought it was real life. <br />
I imagine this is what every day life is for someone who has lost a loved one and doesn't believe in God and in heaven. Like a constant nightmare of wondering where they are. <br />
Without my faith, I would be in a dark, dark place. <br />
<br />
This five year anniversary of Tripp's death has been hard. <br />
And there is NOT a day that goes by that I don't think of him.<br />
I feel that I've made huge progress in the last 5 years.<br />
But no matter how many children Stephen and I are blessed with, or how many years go by, these anniversaries will always be sad, the holidays will always be bittersweet and I will forever be looking forward to the day when we are ALL together- with no more suffering and no more tears. <br />
But until then, I will obsess over and love and kiss and hug on these 2 little godsend blessings as much as they will physically let me... knowing that their big brother is smiling down on them.<br />
Thank you, Jesus.<br />
<br />
I love you all.<br />
Thank you for loving us back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yqsPKSjwyckYxbBYZ9zIQ7FKBKUdbc-URjIl-EX8I5Y7DHNJnZtgSdATxjeooTcJTSu98j57ES_pdy4LOfdN7T7Jf7JFMulXbllA3csmPngvTwYoeW6SeOz5A5C6c4UvFiA_ndNVIh0/s1600/IMG_3504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yqsPKSjwyckYxbBYZ9zIQ7FKBKUdbc-URjIl-EX8I5Y7DHNJnZtgSdATxjeooTcJTSu98j57ES_pdy4LOfdN7T7Jf7JFMulXbllA3csmPngvTwYoeW6SeOz5A5C6c4UvFiA_ndNVIh0/s640/IMG_3504.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-79651956131126138612016-11-04T07:02:00.000-05:002016-11-04T07:02:41.775-05:00Nash Michael Alexander<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmhyphenhyphenTXq8xwppYbafVb6RDtmmBy2thbJiiB_JtJHzLRewuWQ48vR0J3XwIjC2eA7EbueF48p0AMNHOntoL7iG4mZIoi2yWM8xXBrQlgr92hWBoAFgsO6R4faADsdDNRBhOAMFTQigpRPI/s1600/newborn+pics+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmhyphenhyphenTXq8xwppYbafVb6RDtmmBy2thbJiiB_JtJHzLRewuWQ48vR0J3XwIjC2eA7EbueF48p0AMNHOntoL7iG4mZIoi2yWM8xXBrQlgr92hWBoAFgsO6R4faADsdDNRBhOAMFTQigpRPI/s640/newborn+pics+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMhb1O2OyGI148eKIIUeCH1DHy8roU-oaDvStrlY-U8TTDeOoOjs6YAyHOs7RVEGsutajD7Y411vb8Is_HLgkW9R5jkTrNpCkdy8aZ-oFfP6sI05Y7sadC_UyfC6RDHE8YFFPJLJxIt4/s1600/DSC_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRMhb1O2OyGI148eKIIUeCH1DHy8roU-oaDvStrlY-U8TTDeOoOjs6YAyHOs7RVEGsutajD7Y411vb8Is_HLgkW9R5jkTrNpCkdy8aZ-oFfP6sI05Y7sadC_UyfC6RDHE8YFFPJLJxIt4/s640/DSC_0544.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
We are <i>so very happy</i> to introduce to you our newest little blessing, <b>Nash Michael Alexander</b>. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He was born Wednesday, October 26th at 10:55am. 7 lbs. 11oz. and 19.5 inches long. I was totally convinced at the end that we were having a girl, so when he came out I was shocked and absolutely THRILLED to be having another sweet baby boy. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have totally been on cloud 9 for the past week. I still feel like I'm dreaming. I can't believe that we have been blessed with a THIRD baby boy to love. I cannot wait to watch Crew and Nash grow up together and become best friends. I can not possibly express in words how grateful and blessed I feel. I just keep whispering "Thank you, Jesus." </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My friends, God has been SO good to us. He has answered so many of my prayers. Not on my time, but on His time. We have trusted His will and he has blessed us with more than we deserve. I cannot wait to share our journey with all of you. Thank you to those who have continued to reach out to me and to all of you who still follow our story. It truly means so much. I get teary eyed every day thinking about what I have been through and how far I have come and how CRAZY blessed I am. This world is scary and bad... but it is also holy and good. We just have to keep following what is holy and good. I love you guys! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"He always gives back to them with His right hand, what He has taken away with his left."</div>
<div>
-C.S. Lewis, Screwtape Letters</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqCS8SLYwxTeGEPAaGLeZVsFG0t17A1B4qhPNnMNHymGh19uUwP0NsTymNdIaC87tSJBfEs3-FNEf24GfcBL3MXPMcHO58utuTQV20R80goBHvhMKaD-cJnJCKlN0BrPap4IGPi3V44s/s1600/IMG_9091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsqCS8SLYwxTeGEPAaGLeZVsFG0t17A1B4qhPNnMNHymGh19uUwP0NsTymNdIaC87tSJBfEs3-FNEf24GfcBL3MXPMcHO58utuTQV20R80goBHvhMKaD-cJnJCKlN0BrPap4IGPi3V44s/s640/IMG_9091.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-66691112164451605762016-06-08T09:02:00.000-05:002016-06-08T12:06:54.759-05:00Crew is happy to announce...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkGYuy-tGKZh5ERAgIFP2uUAT72VSkDSNIj8C8g7Eod4XndeP07EB4OcjzLc8cECXyGZR-oG1kFOMX7D5XgbSnRsk3ZPu_ug_KbBP1Cs-nlto_3oHbmy40FdK1Z49yIYVEVF3nQxQAOc/s1600/IMG_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkGYuy-tGKZh5ERAgIFP2uUAT72VSkDSNIj8C8g7Eod4XndeP07EB4OcjzLc8cECXyGZR-oG1kFOMX7D5XgbSnRsk3ZPu_ug_KbBP1Cs-nlto_3oHbmy40FdK1Z49yIYVEVF3nQxQAOc/s640/IMG_0465.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that he and Tripp both get to be big brothers!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stephen and I are expecting another baby at the end of October. We feel so incredibly blessed and are so excited about growing our little family. Though, I don't think Crew is as excited. Every time we ask him if he wants Mama to have another baby, he shakes his head "no." Like a lot. Ha. We had our half-way anatomy scan yesterday and baby looked great. We decided again that we aren't going to find out the sex of the new baby, though it's reeeeallly hard for me this time for some reason. I could have been persuaded to, but Stephen was adamant about waiting. It's definitely more fun on the day of if you wait! Baby is a MOVER again, just like Crew was. I feel it dancing in there just about all day long. I don't remember my sweet Tripp moving as much as these two kiddos. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Life has been going great. We have been keeping super busy chasing after our little non-stop wild child. He loves to climb, dance, and get dirty! He brings us more joy than I could have ever imagined. I see SO much of Tripp in Crew. They have so many of the same mannerisms and Tripp definitely taught Crew all of his dance moves. Stephen and I just sit and laugh and laugh at him in the evenings. He dances to the church bells outside, the washing machine, or just our voice sometimes. Every now and then, Crew will look straight up at the ceiling or at the sky and say "Bubba" just out of the blue. I cry every time. I know Tripp is with us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Crew is a constant reminder to me that God is good. He is my little tender-heart. He loves life and he is the most friendly child I've ever seen. I call him Mr. America because anywhere we go, he waves to everyone he sees. He was hand picked for us. He makes me so happy. I can't believe how he made my heart double in size. I can't wait to see how it triples with the third. God had blessed us more than I could ever imagined.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We can't wait to share our next journey with you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ut4ekNDaVaGy62-mLeIJxTrXEBgw7DG0BPULQqm0W-EbIoUCar4q3dLGdY2U2toGNL_mHYjLTClcntjoOzZvpstJSMdyrDGQJ-_h3o4Ghlc-fNECjQfISmOgxYzRlpV_IwAO6GMXWMI/s1600/DSC_0753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ut4ekNDaVaGy62-mLeIJxTrXEBgw7DG0BPULQqm0W-EbIoUCar4q3dLGdY2U2toGNL_mHYjLTClcntjoOzZvpstJSMdyrDGQJ-_h3o4Ghlc-fNECjQfISmOgxYzRlpV_IwAO6GMXWMI/s640/DSC_0753.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-51638493262000740432016-03-01T20:37:00.000-06:002016-03-01T20:37:19.273-06:00Blog update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17ev0bUOCAoFX3gSmeDOirrp5Ny3eR2KhKO5XbFM4s5J9G6QEB91BBRSqJj1LNqpGrgbKO3-KDLw0De4KlFr2A_SV_xZGDeCplbhTvZpwz824wTMHw0sF8CIMWmQY0fW_iBcxfh-iTuA/s1600/CREW+SWING+%25282+of+4%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17ev0bUOCAoFX3gSmeDOirrp5Ny3eR2KhKO5XbFM4s5J9G6QEB91BBRSqJj1LNqpGrgbKO3-KDLw0De4KlFr2A_SV_xZGDeCplbhTvZpwz824wTMHw0sF8CIMWmQY0fW_iBcxfh-iTuA/s640/CREW+SWING+%25282+of+4%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I decided that it was time for a new, fresh blog update. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have been stuck in a (big) rut, as I'm sure most of you have noticed and I thought that this new update might get my butt back into gear and blogging again. Because I really do miss it. I know it's not the same for everyone, but for me... writing is such a release. It helped me so much when Tripp was alive and I just completely gave it up after he died. But I feel like now could be a good time to get back writing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think I struggled so long with what to write about because my blog was completely about Tripp and his care and our every day lives. And after he was gone, I just didn't feel like there was anything for me to say. 4 years is a long time to step away, I know. But I really think that it was so good for me. It has given me time to really step back and take a look at my life. It's given me time to focus on my husband and my new little family. And now that Crew is <i>finally </i>(gosh, I hope I don't jinx myself) napping during the day pretty good, I feel like I actually have some time to sit and write down my thoughts. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been thinking about "what I want this blog to be" for so long... and I've finally realized that I'm just thinking too much (as always). And I've decided I'm just going to write. Whatever I'm feeling for the day... I'll just go with it. Whether it's just about my day with Crew, or whether I'm missing Tripp and want to remember him, or if I'm thinking about something in particular that I would really love to share with you guys (I certainly have a lot of those things going on in my brain). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But whatever it is, I hope you'll join me on this "continuation" of my life. I'm not sure where God is leading me, but I'm just going to try to hang tight and enjoy the ride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope you'll hang with me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs89jn-X67eS8EwglModrG_AHvKjuoxAD-iLXFRFTTmBkVvTrtXGy4859Tz9sfEKTxaC7afj99KKvHvjw8XL1ErjAoTvk-YCyTRBgYV-tV7YPi6IFyMODdtv_t26qoYCEB6Fr7cWCK3eY/s1600/CREW+SWING+%25284+of+4%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs89jn-X67eS8EwglModrG_AHvKjuoxAD-iLXFRFTTmBkVvTrtXGy4859Tz9sfEKTxaC7afj99KKvHvjw8XL1ErjAoTvk-YCyTRBgYV-tV7YPi6IFyMODdtv_t26qoYCEB6Fr7cWCK3eY/s640/CREW+SWING+%25284+of+4%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-39683076401586527342016-01-19T10:27:00.000-06:002016-02-20T15:00:44.923-06:00Hello my lovely friends... <div style="text-align: center;">
First of all, thank you so much to all of you who have been contacting me about how we are doing. It is really nice to know that you guys truly care about how life has been over here. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This month, on the 14th, made FOUR years since our Tripp has been gone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't believe it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How has that much time gone by? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where did it go? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How in the world have I survived without my son?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is always such a hard time for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Throughout the year, I am always really good about distracting myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And lately, our sweet Crew has been keeping me so busy and exhausted that I don't even have much time to sulk and be sad like I have been every year before now. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But around the time that Thanksgiving hits, no matter what... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I always get a heavy heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My mood always changes... I get anxiety, I just get blah.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This year, when the time came, it was extra hard. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I was having to function as a mommy when I was sad and missing my baby, too. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some people seem to think that having a new baby lessens the pain of losing a child. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I say to those people: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tell me, which one of your children could you live without?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I spent some time recently reading through some of my blogs at the end before Tripp died. <br />
It was absolutely heart-wrenching. <br />
I had to stop reading. <br />
It brought back SO much pain and so many vivid memories about how he suffered at the end. <br />
How in the world did he physically endure that much pain?<br />
It is so heart breaking.<br />
It's a really hard thing to do... to go back through those memories.<br />
Someone once told me that my suffering is greater that Tripp's was. Because his was short-lived and mine is enduring. At first I thought that was ridiculous... but now I am starting to understand. Though Tripp suffered an unbearable amount in his short time on Earth, he is now pain free forever.<br />
I bear the pain of being his mom and not being able to save him. <br />
And having to watch him endure that pain. <br />
And now... the pain of not having him here.<br />
I think I will be in pain until I join him in heaven.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This has been an incredible journey. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I have learned so much.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have learned the importance of really trying to care about myself as much as I care about the people around me. And by doing this, in turn, it will help me to to take care of the people I love even better. My mental health is SO important... because it affects the overall function and health of my family. When I disregard my feelings and I try to cover them up or hide them, it just causes tension in me... therefore causing tension in those around me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is still very much a work in progress. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I think the first step was recognizing this. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Grief is a truly awful thing to try to understand. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it really can bloom beautiful things. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's just the way you handle it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I am slowly learning that being happy and having joy back in my life, does not mean that I am forgetting about Tripp or that I am a bad mom. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I said "slowly" learning. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The road is long. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think the devil tries to put these thoughts in our heads. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Guilt. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Guilt can be good and guilt can be bad. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The guilt that I feel is bad. It puts me in a bad place. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to constantly remind myself that my guilt is not from God. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That Tripp not being here is not my fault. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That my "moving on" (I hate those words)... my "continuation of life?" is not something to feel guilty about. It's something beautiful. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And God has given me another beautiful gift. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A child to raise up in this scary world. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A child to teach about God and about love. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A child that will know what an amazing big brother he has and how much his brother changed people's lives, especially his mama and daddy's. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm sorry I've been away for so long. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Writing was outlet for such a long time when Tripp was alive.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It gave me peace. It healed my broken heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then Tripp died... and I just couldn't write. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was like he took my words with him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I had no clue what to say or what to write about. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And again, I felt guilty about that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I felt guilty for leaving behind my army that had stood behind me for 2.5 years. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Through everything. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I knew you guys would understand. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Life has been amazing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stephen and I trusted God to give us another child. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And he did. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And you know what? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought that my sweet Tripp was high maintenance with all of his bandages and tubes and machines... well, I'll put it like this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Crew knows he's the second child. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He has major second child syndrome. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He's NON-stop, into everything, loves dirt, loves to climb, LOVES your attention, and probably the most nosey child I've ever seen. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But oh my, is he fun. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He keeps us on our toes and he brings us SO much joy. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Watching him grow and seeing him do things that Tripp never got to do is so bittersweet. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know Tripp had a hand in giving us Crew. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He is absolutely everything I knew I needed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I cannot believe that next month, he will be </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ONE YEAR old already. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why can't I just stop time and keep him this little forever?? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tpoHCnWbGIUW54l75VXDzld-uqCPcrqUC8jIHXHXzBK6jgUy5eR4OUmoiFyMVfemrv6VJo-qAkrEaF4IOpsh7eSWIa99uDTkO3f6_xwyxFB1r0HelrMCmaWVCTDsnbhE3-Gc-TVt5zo/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tpoHCnWbGIUW54l75VXDzld-uqCPcrqUC8jIHXHXzBK6jgUy5eR4OUmoiFyMVfemrv6VJo-qAkrEaF4IOpsh7eSWIa99uDTkO3f6_xwyxFB1r0HelrMCmaWVCTDsnbhE3-Gc-TVt5zo/s400/IMG_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6c7Ox_SO04YX_g4BAEW6l8KNyZkTGzg2NV7UbRjBiHBgcx12dNjv-jvj0-jiGdlBx1RH8fuRdUALCL92wrdKy58bAmkleJr7cydQgtjtJo4euoDzSzrr9o6RtkRzC69zYvTmjk6-8a4/s1600/IMG_3444.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6c7Ox_SO04YX_g4BAEW6l8KNyZkTGzg2NV7UbRjBiHBgcx12dNjv-jvj0-jiGdlBx1RH8fuRdUALCL92wrdKy58bAmkleJr7cydQgtjtJo4euoDzSzrr9o6RtkRzC69zYvTmjk6-8a4/s640/IMG_3444.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4zHgBLdhAJZ29JB4btNYPtSkvQEWt8DnVd4b-oTfK5GpHu0RazYYXUnBIPoau_RjzyJGYcIv-E-zOl44FDJl9dagREy5MnQRgXOG3Vb800xIRTK3gyGcy_SZzN4QCe6hzSfJR7DSoFg/s1600/IMG_3638.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio4zHgBLdhAJZ29JB4btNYPtSkvQEWt8DnVd4b-oTfK5GpHu0RazYYXUnBIPoau_RjzyJGYcIv-E-zOl44FDJl9dagREy5MnQRgXOG3Vb800xIRTK3gyGcy_SZzN4QCe6hzSfJR7DSoFg/s400/IMG_3638.JPG" width="368" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyilh7Jvlm1JR5hVLCvdPM6Buf_vJDSihzitlFgMPdh6W-yzOOIKzuM9sDRbAbo21H8NbKnf0Pf6KmlG73sXhpqWk2oWK1Pe6MFtlpgujoo3PHYbOPJoP7CYoDfhkorVtq4W-slVYY_U/s1600/IMG_3425.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyilh7Jvlm1JR5hVLCvdPM6Buf_vJDSihzitlFgMPdh6W-yzOOIKzuM9sDRbAbo21H8NbKnf0Pf6KmlG73sXhpqWk2oWK1Pe6MFtlpgujoo3PHYbOPJoP7CYoDfhkorVtq4W-slVYY_U/s640/IMG_3425.JPG" width="512" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-91243212112205960632015-05-14T15:22:00.000-05:002015-05-14T15:22:46.200-05:00Happy 6th Birthday, Tripp.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My big boy would make 6 years old today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't believe it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's hard to believe that I could be a mom of a 6 year old. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I really try hard not to think of things that way. I feel like God knew exactly where my life was going and this is exactly how He intended it to be. He never intended for me to be the mom of a 6 year old, because He knew that Tripp would only be here with me for 2.5 years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Believing that, helps me to cope. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been through a lot in 6 years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A lot of pain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A lot of anxiety. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went from an oblivious 23 year old girl who was over the moon excited to have her first child... to a mentally exhausted almost 29 year old woman who sometimes feels like she's been put through the wringer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My love at first sight turned into heartache and pain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I watched my only son suffer the cruelest disease known to man. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I watched his little fragile body slowly deteriorate right before my eyes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I watched him struggle to breathe, struggle to eat, and struggle to survive. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I watched him in pain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I couldn't do anything to help him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I watched him die in my arms. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had to place my son (whose side I never left for 2.5 years) on a gurney... for someone to take away. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And when I finally got the courage to stand up again, my feet didn't know where to go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My feet had known the same path for 2.5 years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A path that only involved caring for Tripp. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Feeding him, changing him, doing his dressing changes, giving his medicines, cleaning machines, etc, etc. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When I walked, I had no clue where I was supposed to go. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or what I was supposed to do. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had to survive. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had to go on living my life when all I wanted to do was die. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not sure if I was ever honest with you all here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But for a really long time... I didn't want to be here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And for the first time in my life, I wasn't scared of dying. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wasn't scared of anything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All I wanted was to be with my baby again and to know that he was okay. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was painful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is still painful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm saying all of this, not because I want sympathy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But because for every ounce of pain and suffering that I've endured... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been blessed 10 fold. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a beautiful, beautiful journey. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The hardest, most painful, most rewarding journey I've ever experienced. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First and foremost, I have been blessed with THE most amazing man that I know for a husband. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Together, he and I have prayed and trusted and given all of our worries to God. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God gave me a husband that makes me a better person. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A husband who never questions and always supports me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are the best team. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He takes better care of me than I ever could have asked for. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everything in my life has happened <i>in order</i>, <b>for a reason</b>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't know it then... or when it was happening. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I know it now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I look back and I see all of the beautiful things God did in my life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And all of the beautiful blessings He's given me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The biggest one being my new little family. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxg-ONpZqJIbtLKyqk2wRwyqW5J542leHUv7jBOP_hOKD6YqMRvDi7_IzkftpSNjD2dzhnmVrQSU662Y27oQmd1YfACb5XQiGP9u9-BYx79Gut6LYTi-gQEBgovPC3N__bdeaWY49oxw/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxg-ONpZqJIbtLKyqk2wRwyqW5J542leHUv7jBOP_hOKD6YqMRvDi7_IzkftpSNjD2dzhnmVrQSU662Y27oQmd1YfACb5XQiGP9u9-BYx79Gut6LYTi-gQEBgovPC3N__bdeaWY49oxw/s320/IMG_2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He also gave me hundreds of thousands of strangers who have become like family to me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
People whom I have never met, who send me emails and letters and gifts...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
just to make me smile. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
People who have followed our story and loved my Tripp. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And who, STILL to this day, check on me and my family. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are NO words that I could ever type that would even begin to express my gratitude to all of you who read this, who reach out to me, and who love us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Thank you</b>...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
for every single thought, gift, and especially every prayer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It truly, truly means everything in the world to me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because the pain of losing a child NEVER, ever gets easier. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But every day that I spend here on Earth puts me one day closer to the day I get to see my baby again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, today... on my sweet boy's 6th birthday, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I want to remember everything.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not just the good, sweet moments. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I want to remember all of the hurt and the pain, too. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because all of it- every single suffering, has made me into the person I am today </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and has brought me to this moment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I couldn't be more grateful for what God has given me and for taking care of me </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He has never once left me to question if He is present. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet angel in heaven. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You have left me with so much. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You have made me a better mom. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A better person. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A better Catholic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I will never, ever forget the JOY you brought into my life in the short time that I was blessed to be your mommy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will never stop missing you until you are in my arms and we can make music again together... forever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQwZIc4BCGXgD7qbJCHcQ7s9q4KmeXFJHzDCczdQytMlzN6xZMmPARkdhh8S_LDnvbu1I8s4D1UgEZCrJJWTGg2RkwBls78XA-v6j7DTLXV0qdng-bxZc7LknoXd2-c2em5jCa8BmfTA/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;3-%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34;6363355339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQwZIc4BCGXgD7qbJCHcQ7s9q4KmeXFJHzDCczdQytMlzN6xZMmPARkdhh8S_LDnvbu1I8s4D1UgEZCrJJWTGg2RkwBls78XA-v6j7DTLXV0qdng-bxZc7LknoXd2-c2em5jCa8BmfTA/s320/232323232%7Ffp;3-%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34;6363355339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwKBR2-Lu1aiJ9RSQpRa6tiQkertpZn18V7Qtb6h9IdRIhEXnsAS6iHyP4xc2iItIA6Wmraf__jD0YzleU8Zw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-46394403553079952502015-02-15T16:15:00.000-06:002015-02-15T16:15:29.882-06:00Our newest little blessing... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stephen and I are SO proud to announce the birth of our </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
sweet baby BOY! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Crew Stephen Alexander </span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
was born on 2/5/2015</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7 pounds, 14 ounces and 20 inches long. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are overwhelmed with joy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and we are so grateful for this healthy little miracle </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
that has been given to us straight from God. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't believe he is ours...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuVu-Sjdn2HdufsyPtVImD7t3RIe-ok4XnOZUNXPOTm7axDuag0dNZ8HDkTTazSpKILDWnPBHz10sklDYLCE2ZREtWt7iJNMJb6-j6UYjSKmfraYHV7ZczYWFCWOk0tj5aSM8skwMPUs/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLuVu-Sjdn2HdufsyPtVImD7t3RIe-ok4XnOZUNXPOTm7axDuag0dNZ8HDkTTazSpKILDWnPBHz10sklDYLCE2ZREtWt7iJNMJb6-j6UYjSKmfraYHV7ZczYWFCWOk0tj5aSM8skwMPUs/s1600/DSC_0196.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MUDTHjS5VK7hwRuBrPcmPpGL7JlLRnK7TZlr756-Jche3iolBgoPP3n8Wp0lvJFGVX9cu0aaiH-oTH8ne7-eBSq-PSOtb3IgN4dl8bZYjQeasQter4gVhK7FkgtAOBPHHWpHovJ4qp0/s1600/DSC_0220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7MUDTHjS5VK7hwRuBrPcmPpGL7JlLRnK7TZlr756-Jche3iolBgoPP3n8Wp0lvJFGVX9cu0aaiH-oTH8ne7-eBSq-PSOtb3IgN4dl8bZYjQeasQter4gVhK7FkgtAOBPHHWpHovJ4qp0/s1600/DSC_0220.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu1CSy2zyoBDCRBzlxBsjlBF5H58BUcW4nOqKlbylmIfWlhK-R_qqODYeB2LIceyF8g9kJUW9CsCVOQFziRwmL8tXqMQbtSjVCk_59rwN1XBA27iiN3iwc9etdS4VVgnSy43cPQ5Yyu8/s1600/DSC_0351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu1CSy2zyoBDCRBzlxBsjlBF5H58BUcW4nOqKlbylmIfWlhK-R_qqODYeB2LIceyF8g9kJUW9CsCVOQFziRwmL8tXqMQbtSjVCk_59rwN1XBA27iiN3iwc9etdS4VVgnSy43cPQ5Yyu8/s1600/DSC_0351.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-r10k_5GCFtKXtOYcU6VN6hRsZVsX0SPExQY38GicNB4Rg0xb5aff1KPNEqQ6zrVewRUm-tSfD71JYnvF3MjSoTVA9kqIdGP1f19XaFtzgN9cr0iuFluDfWO878nIjPGXJwZ7EfOkjt0/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-r10k_5GCFtKXtOYcU6VN6hRsZVsX0SPExQY38GicNB4Rg0xb5aff1KPNEqQ6zrVewRUm-tSfD71JYnvF3MjSoTVA9kqIdGP1f19XaFtzgN9cr0iuFluDfWO878nIjPGXJwZ7EfOkjt0/s1600/DSC_0214.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvfiz_HF_uI4Vak8PY6JoYSTNBsWSxK7DH6ZFB6hfF-ChJUtaU8o8DB8S9L6y4iq4ynh442KAdTreS2VRPxb-wEospFDkNmZgJ2X1h1PtOyv35R5gKzoD1OXC0G40kuF5Gg6POMoTs_k/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbvfiz_HF_uI4Vak8PY6JoYSTNBsWSxK7DH6ZFB6hfF-ChJUtaU8o8DB8S9L6y4iq4ynh442KAdTreS2VRPxb-wEospFDkNmZgJ2X1h1PtOyv35R5gKzoD1OXC0G40kuF5Gg6POMoTs_k/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eGqvX9H6qP0EgzU3CEq4TBFRqCBU4Ou9AhiNOkD_INim0uGzp-7X4nOhEDxqOtOkq9SIt1I3MDnahyphenhyphenXl2dQecpF3yHVRpBJ-7J-wPGs6H6KsP_88MrA-kJQOHuBSA5Q43BRSE8X9B98/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4eGqvX9H6qP0EgzU3CEq4TBFRqCBU4Ou9AhiNOkD_INim0uGzp-7X4nOhEDxqOtOkq9SIt1I3MDnahyphenhyphenXl2dQecpF3yHVRpBJ-7J-wPGs6H6KsP_88MrA-kJQOHuBSA5Q43BRSE8X9B98/s1600/DSC_0395.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlX9EUMI7NBTMX0UByHsfdWnhfWP1C9tqx1mJaoDcK6BR5OC7Qinv34tWaAtfJSrXAmrp19mDoDnjLiijBBFKzuEuQWAa_fgdgKeCZAH6KbtPrza79E_HEv7imj8QAXzd0oZ3eGEseKvo/s1600/IMG_9356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlX9EUMI7NBTMX0UByHsfdWnhfWP1C9tqx1mJaoDcK6BR5OC7Qinv34tWaAtfJSrXAmrp19mDoDnjLiijBBFKzuEuQWAa_fgdgKeCZAH6KbtPrza79E_HEv7imj8QAXzd0oZ3eGEseKvo/s1600/IMG_9356.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh8kD0KNxkoE4N6_YdnJ7AUBFQk1dAE4l70jJ8FNIcVGivdRfSUBfIzNTlYcnyDBaSSkZe5HLH8gz_FJei1KwBX-d5cuPgPFej-ISX_DQ7Z5hxhHg0m77C-QBaMlroW32jAPvJjx8_Po/s1600/DSC_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh8kD0KNxkoE4N6_YdnJ7AUBFQk1dAE4l70jJ8FNIcVGivdRfSUBfIzNTlYcnyDBaSSkZe5HLH8gz_FJei1KwBX-d5cuPgPFej-ISX_DQ7Z5hxhHg0m77C-QBaMlroW32jAPvJjx8_Po/s1600/DSC_0558.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3HrqCxZEDczBSpipAX867TTS_D84LaAapn_2oRSHuXITZEUkpK2C0n54JjQQ7pADkQJ9C9xdVNfRV0AOUK52fLxFxbDFhlZe4rbosCMeweod8XQISbQ1trkVG4KFWu4iKx1cJ70VPec/s1600/IMG_9694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3HrqCxZEDczBSpipAX867TTS_D84LaAapn_2oRSHuXITZEUkpK2C0n54JjQQ7pADkQJ9C9xdVNfRV0AOUK52fLxFxbDFhlZe4rbosCMeweod8XQISbQ1trkVG4KFWu4iKx1cJ70VPec/s1600/IMG_9694.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for your prayers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They have been answered. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am certain that Tripp sent this precious boy to us. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I know he is a proud big brother in heaven. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God is so good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We are SO blessed. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com110tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-60941954330847661602015-01-14T17:43:00.000-06:002015-01-14T17:43:49.530-06:003 years... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">"Child loss is not an event,</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> it is an <i>indescribable</i> journey of survival."<i> </i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so grateful today and every day for the 2.5 years of joy this little angel brought into my life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can hardly believe it's been 3 full years since he's been gone. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know how my heart does it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am broken-hearted that Tripp won't be here to meet his new brother or sister soon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That we won't get to buy "big brother" shirts and take pictures plenty of pictures together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's not fair. And it hurts. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I realize this is not something I can change and that God had a different plan for our lives.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I am hopeful that this new baby will have the greatest big brother guardian angel in heaven. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mommy misses you so much, sweet boy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm so thankful for all of the pictures and videos I captured of </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
you so that I can keep your memory close in my heart...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every day, but especially on days like today, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
when the bad memories and the pain try to sneak in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From the day you were born, until the day you took your last breath in my arms,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
you filled my life with so much happiness. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had never felt more complete. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I dream about the day me, you, Stephen and your new sibling are together again as one big family. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And until then, I will never, ever stop missing you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not for one day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTB1vpNKBt30XXnrwWCBZwoZBMfNTSJ0t5w3sbL86rU7-JecAtxGUWkoUXKJd_J1s0rCcQDTVzHJjSyMJZMQmGqKMTmVy7DHvT4mwZfMy9Bc6TenpKoYab0j7y_cDojJxqql5CKOdw48/s1600/232323232_fp88_nu_3233_8_5_864_WSNRCG_325399_268339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnTB1vpNKBt30XXnrwWCBZwoZBMfNTSJ0t5w3sbL86rU7-JecAtxGUWkoUXKJd_J1s0rCcQDTVzHJjSyMJZMQmGqKMTmVy7DHvT4mwZfMy9Bc6TenpKoYab0j7y_cDojJxqql5CKOdw48/s1600/232323232_fp88_nu_3233_8_5_864_WSNRCG_325399_268339nu0mrj.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTxCxsS1t7ch2b4KJsLvbrvfs6bNskHlGoBdemI-NW2uyRDU9zotChQAr4ne5N5M2isGoG-QneSChM1VTvYCL3766eYMb_6cqzAuLGdcpGtQv3n4rkQ1foh8iojKS2d27-imljFRWX6Y/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-85%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335795%3C;4-339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTxCxsS1t7ch2b4KJsLvbrvfs6bNskHlGoBdemI-NW2uyRDU9zotChQAr4ne5N5M2isGoG-QneSChM1VTvYCL3766eYMb_6cqzAuLGdcpGtQv3n4rkQ1foh8iojKS2d27-imljFRWX6Y/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-85%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335795%3C;4-339nu0mrj.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfsGnYZENg33-jtGEsb0yLdx7jfO6NU8Fd3koKHvZ1FoaI1FevFlGPAceA7MKHZVHg3wl1HunTyOfkcBgd-ILustMNJYfRzk4vf9U-s4I8uKeLRUr9dqDhGiJLNNxxk1lpOqJADbUqZ0/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-%3C6%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34;6545894339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfsGnYZENg33-jtGEsb0yLdx7jfO6NU8Fd3koKHvZ1FoaI1FevFlGPAceA7MKHZVHg3wl1HunTyOfkcBgd-ILustMNJYfRzk4vf9U-s4I8uKeLRUr9dqDhGiJLNNxxk1lpOqJADbUqZ0/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-%3C6%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34;6545894339nu0mrj.jpeg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-3178143259815409892014-12-24T09:39:00.000-06:002014-12-24T09:39:15.588-06:00Merry Christmas and pictures <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When Stephen and I got engaged, I received the sweetest email from Corine at <a href="http://www.studiotran.com/">Studio Tran Photography</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But a little back story first- I've been drooling over her and her husband's photography for years. They are so good. I love their style and I love their pictures. Not to mention, they are just the cutest couple with the cutest little family! The email said that she and her husband wanted to offer to photograph our wedding for us. At no cost. I was in awe. It was such a humbling offer after I had spent years admiring their work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But our wedding date that we had in mind had gotten postponed due to some issues with my annulment through the church, so when we had finally set a date (kind of last minute), I let Corine know and they were already booked. I was so bummed. But being the kind heart she is, she instead offered to take engagement pictures for us because she said she wanted to do something. It had been a little over 2 years since Tripp had passed away... and here were two people, still offering to do something to make me happy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was humbling, to say the least. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofqPZy4hazZvpk_6dnvSkeXZVCDPwZd1ieiyce49ePAfUw7nP8I8BN0okQGLO4oxNIZBdZFr3JhiUNs-FpTZdrwuTU0_AtfvP044Q7YHP_i98Jovzy9LX11k5j0vy2bQFkPGeDIS69ec/s1600/sc_eng_041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofqPZy4hazZvpk_6dnvSkeXZVCDPwZd1ieiyce49ePAfUw7nP8I8BN0okQGLO4oxNIZBdZFr3JhiUNs-FpTZdrwuTU0_AtfvP044Q7YHP_i98Jovzy9LX11k5j0vy2bQFkPGeDIS69ec/s1600/sc_eng_041.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXbsejUJnjvflZeFxPcBEpNhbpHBwzsiysvjjRck67ChmX8P8i-PBeXf09zX7vzVzqUyO-D-i8GGHeef38YHYo7o1DaE9Y0HI9SkR9urAOIZ8TtB0X4j8iRf89xioOUgZw2JdqeIbADQ/s1600/sc_eng_006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXbsejUJnjvflZeFxPcBEpNhbpHBwzsiysvjjRck67ChmX8P8i-PBeXf09zX7vzVzqUyO-D-i8GGHeef38YHYo7o1DaE9Y0HI9SkR9urAOIZ8TtB0X4j8iRf89xioOUgZw2JdqeIbADQ/s1600/sc_eng_006.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUFt-QU4M3YLo0lgu0khbbbWUX0zkcBr5_8X4f5lcozpjIySjl8Kk7VoFYD-0JDFwDHEaHR_pKp0CX41hWj8PYfAoX1fK9bH5XdCCwpg8Jt23F3MpnfZV7LBvasXsPGSMSLII1ZawxwM/s1600/sc_eng_024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUUFt-QU4M3YLo0lgu0khbbbWUX0zkcBr5_8X4f5lcozpjIySjl8Kk7VoFYD-0JDFwDHEaHR_pKp0CX41hWj8PYfAoX1fK9bH5XdCCwpg8Jt23F3MpnfZV7LBvasXsPGSMSLII1ZawxwM/s1600/sc_eng_024.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PWbLRVFtCDjpq0jTo_JPluubE16TJia2Ph0K4hrqyKdlJFHsaf7h16aQ4IDEHcpyY04ykiH4swx1_0U357MLCPRtRArn3nVippgx48hUEuPCvgIaz_zls6rfGb6HSMVTMc1rc0pIB40/s1600/sc_eng_027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PWbLRVFtCDjpq0jTo_JPluubE16TJia2Ph0K4hrqyKdlJFHsaf7h16aQ4IDEHcpyY04ykiH4swx1_0U357MLCPRtRArn3nVippgx48hUEuPCvgIaz_zls6rfGb6HSMVTMc1rc0pIB40/s1600/sc_eng_027.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZiDXN5LhvHQJJtcZ6xSo7dYCbxIN8zUL74XhadkYLWDcLj6NigF5n1FjzN7fhSkHzhjSbtkO82BRFk1K3xiHEEF_eqSrokozSoh1K0IL0gF8A8Hm5y24ly8oFSfT_aLg-5JQ-jwYHaE/s1600/sc_eng_035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZiDXN5LhvHQJJtcZ6xSo7dYCbxIN8zUL74XhadkYLWDcLj6NigF5n1FjzN7fhSkHzhjSbtkO82BRFk1K3xiHEEF_eqSrokozSoh1K0IL0gF8A8Hm5y24ly8oFSfT_aLg-5JQ-jwYHaE/s1600/sc_eng_035.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvj5AFCkvCscnY9O9CUIG9YwaWqGXgEGI1e0U5P2jJa_SjDtqLrKOrqAxzumwt6CBRwlB-HHVR7_6mPt7ns6ioTMgOyaB_K7sdZW7Yte6WC3tVF5D471oLb5sQj2leB8rrbfYPvBa4vc/s1600/sc_eng_049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtvj5AFCkvCscnY9O9CUIG9YwaWqGXgEGI1e0U5P2jJa_SjDtqLrKOrqAxzumwt6CBRwlB-HHVR7_6mPt7ns6ioTMgOyaB_K7sdZW7Yte6WC3tVF5D471oLb5sQj2leB8rrbfYPvBa4vc/s1600/sc_eng_049.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44AKb0FPSKq9QzLMfzndEV4qyCQXZ-UpIX6nen3QELV7WY1iC0beoHKjPk_1AREXX9N78Rl3d8EpGevKoxRZWaofcaJnn6hCQjC6ILr8Slq8rbqd-3c4ou_zPf6p6LO8ttSrLQRTpCac/s1600/sc_eng_071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44AKb0FPSKq9QzLMfzndEV4qyCQXZ-UpIX6nen3QELV7WY1iC0beoHKjPk_1AREXX9N78Rl3d8EpGevKoxRZWaofcaJnn6hCQjC6ILr8Slq8rbqd-3c4ou_zPf6p6LO8ttSrLQRTpCac/s1600/sc_eng_071.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFAAnguD3nDC0Cy3lVBQo4mG1NqOHouMJFaxROiMJw9cWw3nemyt7iwnRw9CGQAzoKGePK8N8AgL-crnUmCozDvFlTsPuPa19Mj6k4HU7I5vuSltr4deXVwzqKTWia1hQH3i4-tcBqR0/s1600/sc_eng_073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFAAnguD3nDC0Cy3lVBQo4mG1NqOHouMJFaxROiMJw9cWw3nemyt7iwnRw9CGQAzoKGePK8N8AgL-crnUmCozDvFlTsPuPa19Mj6k4HU7I5vuSltr4deXVwzqKTWia1hQH3i4-tcBqR0/s1600/sc_eng_073.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDb9sJfs704pu58vVsS0RQzHs42x4yt3Kyg2SJy4rPccVAfGw8f584x-BznkmBCVjqhhHF3a0YR9VBE_M9HQO0UCjLEQmfGuUEPxupuml7y_Bz0Ra4t8GfbdEaSGQVzBQFVlwy1N2_8I/s1600/sc_eng_072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJDb9sJfs704pu58vVsS0RQzHs42x4yt3Kyg2SJy4rPccVAfGw8f584x-BznkmBCVjqhhHF3a0YR9VBE_M9HQO0UCjLEQmfGuUEPxupuml7y_Bz0Ra4t8GfbdEaSGQVzBQFVlwy1N2_8I/s1600/sc_eng_072.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I LOVED how our pictures came out and I am so grateful that we have them to look back on (especially since our wedding photos turned out to be a disaster!) But Corine and Beebe at Studio Tran are not just good at what they do, they are an amazing couple with such kind and generous hearts. Because about 3 months after our wedding, when we found out we were going to to be parents again, I anxiously awaited my 20 week U/S so I could share the news with all of you here, who have so wholeheartedly loved us and our story... and as soon as I did, I received another email. Corine again offered to take my maternity pictures. I was in shock and just felt so grateful. Especially since I probably wouldn't have taken them otherwise. She told me to bring Tripp's special toys and pictures of him so that we could include him in our session. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just can't tell you how much these pictures mean to me... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will treasure them forever. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszKUCAmWo_6fY1HKLl6Msf7p6_bBT11iaMNjZj3urMWKLfO2dWwv6OCh9NRfRFO_tHhC3nFvUv9QnXMhF85s8YRXyRWGyuz0tPusMIU9KiSp1myftjId2wfT8N9KI_jwF6UPKl5oyDP0/s1600/sc_maternity_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszKUCAmWo_6fY1HKLl6Msf7p6_bBT11iaMNjZj3urMWKLfO2dWwv6OCh9NRfRFO_tHhC3nFvUv9QnXMhF85s8YRXyRWGyuz0tPusMIU9KiSp1myftjId2wfT8N9KI_jwF6UPKl5oyDP0/s1600/sc_maternity_0002.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMVPKNaLBVxJBLJIKRNld4-ADClmbRbiAcqaJdOc-7ZTh0snwPWUVCo00gccvt6xkz-Zl8AREqUc4LAbBYalAaWOyZNXO2a3jny_5vAAcDbcAmpYRsC5Ms4ZG99geyPvLGwjA-IGr9sY/s1600/sc_maternity_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMVPKNaLBVxJBLJIKRNld4-ADClmbRbiAcqaJdOc-7ZTh0snwPWUVCo00gccvt6xkz-Zl8AREqUc4LAbBYalAaWOyZNXO2a3jny_5vAAcDbcAmpYRsC5Ms4ZG99geyPvLGwjA-IGr9sY/s1600/sc_maternity_0014.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ir0fzhj6K-HNYENm4LBdLj6eG-fR_Thcqkk01hf_z-Vbkn-xJFeyykAqOhPTgykzDmU7f3pRv7lK79pMQblmDDo2HIi70bdjmYEl8ekFHN-IvGQfrryVSdWkOYGIe5wgkox-Bffo3rU/s1600/sc_maternity_0021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Ir0fzhj6K-HNYENm4LBdLj6eG-fR_Thcqkk01hf_z-Vbkn-xJFeyykAqOhPTgykzDmU7f3pRv7lK79pMQblmDDo2HIi70bdjmYEl8ekFHN-IvGQfrryVSdWkOYGIe5wgkox-Bffo3rU/s1600/sc_maternity_0021.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_eP5uZ7VwXoX08LpcVdnzt-Mod__2GmZIbWhJUCmOC5F5taoU50c0KVcbOUrSHVmWf3idXB3y0e3UNjSQhCBGyNVCjlWimSbJvMGiN5a-NqX1Dp-9KNDWfOsGkTtqxcsyaUzUCHRjwo/s1600/sc_maternity_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_eP5uZ7VwXoX08LpcVdnzt-Mod__2GmZIbWhJUCmOC5F5taoU50c0KVcbOUrSHVmWf3idXB3y0e3UNjSQhCBGyNVCjlWimSbJvMGiN5a-NqX1Dp-9KNDWfOsGkTtqxcsyaUzUCHRjwo/s1600/sc_maternity_0034.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I44IEZzxK_jB28uDVq3k-24NQGiRWfQbS8JNP0wyFxTAWXRUMQlhbJnl33yjylXSC0YYVsdC8bxYCgZQAVMv9W1GyA7NdpejYcEMC8Ug7AhJ7SV9aKZoH-Q4jXgYw4GUefjfcqjSFrI/s1600/sc_maternity_0040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I44IEZzxK_jB28uDVq3k-24NQGiRWfQbS8JNP0wyFxTAWXRUMQlhbJnl33yjylXSC0YYVsdC8bxYCgZQAVMv9W1GyA7NdpejYcEMC8Ug7AhJ7SV9aKZoH-Q4jXgYw4GUefjfcqjSFrI/s1600/sc_maternity_0040.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4kNqLuCjJNbl5wFtKHNubZhZhRXW-m1XOrqXKnx2n4ax02rQlqLFPeebnlUfGP7mm0IxAflIPIfmD_muppwBcPESQ0w8frTGQlZo3EUDO8ESEVfe3g2SWeUh-5OmVxcAiyYajMOikq8/s1600/sc_maternity_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4kNqLuCjJNbl5wFtKHNubZhZhRXW-m1XOrqXKnx2n4ax02rQlqLFPeebnlUfGP7mm0IxAflIPIfmD_muppwBcPESQ0w8frTGQlZo3EUDO8ESEVfe3g2SWeUh-5OmVxcAiyYajMOikq8/s1600/sc_maternity_0047.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M5qmwjbji6mavKkjtLWNpkpO2uhQy3gHzW1vKOGHYSmxGKCR4I-fQtfby0v6dFKKnKzE5Zgz_YTW3YKAy69j0hjEwsebDx2Yur1Dsq-mp_7oxeYGin8qX5B7FWn4u7If28p1SypGI34/s1600/sc_maternity_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5M5qmwjbji6mavKkjtLWNpkpO2uhQy3gHzW1vKOGHYSmxGKCR4I-fQtfby0v6dFKKnKzE5Zgz_YTW3YKAy69j0hjEwsebDx2Yur1Dsq-mp_7oxeYGin8qX5B7FWn4u7If28p1SypGI34/s1600/sc_maternity_0051.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECuDLg3567dyYek2_W4dIwIEO8_qS67K7zWLm9NFTnGdnOrKU43ckc9XV21h8V5ND3mq2-oaq8iz2KaKoqgYxu_LnA22KnFFmVfbjvPdKi9p2jfOQQqH8y6eVNhXN4Mzv4l5JG-Kk4i4/s1600/sc_maternity_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECuDLg3567dyYek2_W4dIwIEO8_qS67K7zWLm9NFTnGdnOrKU43ckc9XV21h8V5ND3mq2-oaq8iz2KaKoqgYxu_LnA22KnFFmVfbjvPdKi9p2jfOQQqH8y6eVNhXN4Mzv4l5JG-Kk4i4/s1600/sc_maternity_0053.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2R3kY6bPQCu5gGwx7cfr5zaP5uzONcMZ9IMvgIkT0FQQ7hFz8LOMfgT1jX53fq8twQ17bKzLrgKvQwh6mAqIwn2iXEKdb8Mnk7UXw4OAy8lKg0U8qDtHc0I3TU8_2trXRlPSQWf9LIGk/s1600/sc_maternity_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2R3kY6bPQCu5gGwx7cfr5zaP5uzONcMZ9IMvgIkT0FQQ7hFz8LOMfgT1jX53fq8twQ17bKzLrgKvQwh6mAqIwn2iXEKdb8Mnk7UXw4OAy8lKg0U8qDtHc0I3TU8_2trXRlPSQWf9LIGk/s1600/sc_maternity_0059.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgag1MkzsX8BqG1Hrv-48wxGTi7ARCxKIRiENtvMmVGf4RdU5cHaEve-CNjZm60a5KQAF4W3UzWz1RDAjfsPubiZZ1_9LI87rWbPxNv4eXCgrAxEOJEOi5bnwnZ8TBnaFBYKL4A4kyUgiU/s1600/sc_maternity_0062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgag1MkzsX8BqG1Hrv-48wxGTi7ARCxKIRiENtvMmVGf4RdU5cHaEve-CNjZm60a5KQAF4W3UzWz1RDAjfsPubiZZ1_9LI87rWbPxNv4eXCgrAxEOJEOi5bnwnZ8TBnaFBYKL4A4kyUgiU/s1600/sc_maternity_0062.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAqBeEl1rszuo8C_3T7bgfnuyZShfsqDzV6iFSmld7shIJQRj06Epu9lUdo6dj7PFnwPA-hkJi9r5-0EJEy6zJqOjCOcPEzyWirrxc2I93O58dL2ONHOwO51zmLsonm1yUxO4UQZe6MA/s1600/sc_maternity_0065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAqBeEl1rszuo8C_3T7bgfnuyZShfsqDzV6iFSmld7shIJQRj06Epu9lUdo6dj7PFnwPA-hkJi9r5-0EJEy6zJqOjCOcPEzyWirrxc2I93O58dL2ONHOwO51zmLsonm1yUxO4UQZe6MA/s1600/sc_maternity_0065.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMZbKZREajp97Iofahft3MVkBqmonQ2jzgaWUFeDx8BZ3MWd0_18VhEj_XuAMng2NShj1x00CeXcE54dbqaJWzuvz3wIT35nZlUceXBTI8suGQlSTxUk6IQ5KIFSulAXScN9qx200jHk/s1600/sc_maternity_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMZbKZREajp97Iofahft3MVkBqmonQ2jzgaWUFeDx8BZ3MWd0_18VhEj_XuAMng2NShj1x00CeXcE54dbqaJWzuvz3wIT35nZlUceXBTI8suGQlSTxUk6IQ5KIFSulAXScN9qx200jHk/s1600/sc_maternity_0068.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgFh4PcrMmggt1AUM2iTk32LlvT8-et_zPaHexX3bgDID6lowZqy0vTnzVUoCivGysXb_5LvTVBw0Xo-eL23rWjUjSkqmHq2OEHjLqVwHsUVuPcnXXEkUnA7_frn6K7FltBO63Fky25M/s1600/sc_maternity_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgFh4PcrMmggt1AUM2iTk32LlvT8-et_zPaHexX3bgDID6lowZqy0vTnzVUoCivGysXb_5LvTVBw0Xo-eL23rWjUjSkqmHq2OEHjLqVwHsUVuPcnXXEkUnA7_frn6K7FltBO63Fky25M/s1600/sc_maternity_0074.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMEAN7Zjgt8EpF3Tv7exIhS4zX1EKmK7z5dosGg08WJt6M2r03NXX7CviR_CnY7YORRN4OBnkDTvyuapZbxq7bBbQkFG3SAc6BQ1BYI0BVw5PNec-jh0sxwiUCAquvXpQ_NKg2idMEZM/s1600/sc_maternity_0093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMEAN7Zjgt8EpF3Tv7exIhS4zX1EKmK7z5dosGg08WJt6M2r03NXX7CviR_CnY7YORRN4OBnkDTvyuapZbxq7bBbQkFG3SAc6BQ1BYI0BVw5PNec-jh0sxwiUCAquvXpQ_NKg2idMEZM/s1600/sc_maternity_0093.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp139LP_kbTiyx_wlONupb889ybtnWW8uD04VEAtB5yMoHR5Zy2uUTXXFa5e_oGDgOQh7gQIbt-kgb0ATVdzictiJIQ5epTn8zgQhRCGCKwY0dH5BpAwh3vIVDbLxq5joYjpKpXKi8a0/s1600/sc_maternity_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp139LP_kbTiyx_wlONupb889ybtnWW8uD04VEAtB5yMoHR5Zy2uUTXXFa5e_oGDgOQh7gQIbt-kgb0ATVdzictiJIQ5epTn8zgQhRCGCKwY0dH5BpAwh3vIVDbLxq5joYjpKpXKi8a0/s1600/sc_maternity_0105.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Corine and Beebe, I know you guys wanted to do something special for us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But you really did SO much more than that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you for capturing the love, the sadness, and the new joy all together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You guys are incredible people. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As Christmas approaches, I am feeling so many emotions. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm feeling really sad that another holiday is passing and my sweet boy is not here with me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm feeling sad for my fellow mommies and daddies who have lost babies like I have. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm feeling some expected guilt over being happy about becoming a mommy again soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I am also feeling grateful for what God has given me and for the amazing people who have come into my life. The friendships I've made and the love I've been shown reminds me every day that Tripp's life was not in vain. His 2.5 years here on Earth was successful and fruitful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He did so much more than I even realize. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas to you and your families. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope aside from all the gifts, that everyone remembers the "true" meaning of Christmas while being able to spend special time with the people you love the most. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And again, thank you all so SO much for loving us and for loving my sweet Tripp.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXkwyRq46X4xDreqf88zN6rsRAmgtygocSx230XYMa_nh7JOcy1CViQy27VxE47r3mlYhpMOFe9JLsU8-csKBlfTcCLqBWa484ciSLgA5sJpygOAZWz6Sz6UkG76_96He4YRmAT5mhHI/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDXkwyRq46X4xDreqf88zN6rsRAmgtygocSx230XYMa_nh7JOcy1CViQy27VxE47r3mlYhpMOFe9JLsU8-csKBlfTcCLqBWa484ciSLgA5sJpygOAZWz6Sz6UkG76_96He4YRmAT5mhHI/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRIQYRLXzwm7rg15G9bvm3cg7sbcZrJxJ3WnjvMaCFXyZYWio_LmbqeDTN1bzMBX3d62sz0PSdJFeejQODd59lm9L1-3e3U9KXOtfswNbbEntbK7yxS99f1_RZUd7nxbUyfwmFKTyynU/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCRIQYRLXzwm7rg15G9bvm3cg7sbcZrJxJ3WnjvMaCFXyZYWio_LmbqeDTN1bzMBX3d62sz0PSdJFeejQODd59lm9L1-3e3U9KXOtfswNbbEntbK7yxS99f1_RZUd7nxbUyfwmFKTyynU/s1600/IMG_0327.JPG" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-943948977595160862014-09-12T23:24:00.000-05:002014-09-12T23:24:00.084-05:00Hi there! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I know it's been a while... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but I thought I would try this blogging thing again :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other day I was going through my emails from around the time that Tripp passed away. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's almost been 3 years. Time plays such tricks on me. Sometimes I feel like it's been a lifetime and other times I can't believe it's been so long ago. But thing thing that I really found so incredible was the insane amount of support that I received just in the 3 days after Tripp passed away. I was in such a state of shock for so long after everything happened, that even reading those emails at that time, it didn't really hit me actually HOW many people had reached out to me at that time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking back recently, it's been so humbling and incredible to see. It's even made me feel pretty guilty about stepping away for a while. Re-reading the letters brought back so much pain, but also so much joy... knowing how loved my sweet boy was even after he passed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The missing him sure just doesn't get easier. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I know that I've said thank you before, but you can't say thank you enough. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So thank you... all of you who would reach out to me and who still reach out to me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You have each played a role in this very long healing process.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You are wonderful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And for that, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am <b><i>thrilled </i></b>to share some very exciting news with you..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stephen and I are expecting a baby!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He or she is due on February 2nd of next year. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gender will be a surprise! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will be 20 weeks on Monday and we got to see it's little face again today! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was <b><i>incredible. </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLeQd5M0d0gdE4mdeqolEm4t1fQ2tczkOqiy3YuAUVQTRyoAfHNUGRWGfpyoPmpBnwM4oq3EvRe77mdQetMWHAN71R29Z009xm3UPJ5B4fd8cN81VJGc1NI4ThoaIX4qOrosFrNteZXc/s1600/615_0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpLeQd5M0d0gdE4mdeqolEm4t1fQ2tczkOqiy3YuAUVQTRyoAfHNUGRWGfpyoPmpBnwM4oq3EvRe77mdQetMWHAN71R29Z009xm3UPJ5B4fd8cN81VJGc1NI4ThoaIX4qOrosFrNteZXc/s1600/615_0007.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We feel so blessed and so very excited to be able to share this special event in our lives with all of you, who have supported us and walked this journey with us through these years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know that Tripp has had a <b>HUGE</b> hand in this special gift to us. (I even think he has his adorably cute round shaped head!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are nervous but excited and very grateful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It has NOT been an easy road. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But easy does not challenge your faith. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God has been SO good to us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
SO so good, that I don't even have the words yet to share them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We cannot wait to continue our journey with you but to also share the story...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
in posts to come... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
little by little..,. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of how we have made it this far. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And how we have grown in our faith and in our lives. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We <i>love</i> you guys. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>-James 1:2-3</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God Bless, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com121tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-46584872627719590122014-05-14T09:28:00.000-05:002014-05-14T09:28:10.860-05:00Happy 5th Birthday, Tripp. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Dearest Tripp,</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>You would be FIVE years old today. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I remember writing the post about your 1st birthday. It was so bittersweet. Those doctors didn't think you would make it... but your mommy knew you would. I wanted you to be able to enjoy your 1st birthday party so badly. Because honestly, I knew that every day, you were only getting more sick and more weak. On the day of your birthday, we had such a fun day at home. I put your 1st birthday outfit on. We played, ate some cake, and the family came over. It felt somewhat normal that day. And then the next morning... you woke up with a corneal abrasion and couldn't open your eyes. That day ripped mommy's heart out. It was kind of a slap in the face and brought me back to the reality of what we were really dealing with. Oh, how sad I was for you. We had to bring the rocking chair to your party, so you could just rock with one of us the whole time. My mommy heart gets sad just thinking about it. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I wrote you this letter on your first birthday:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>My sweet Tripp, </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Today you turn ONE YEAR OLD. I can't believe it. Sometimes it feels like only yesterday when they placed you in my arms... and then other days it feels like you should be 5 years old! You have been through SO much in one short year. As I write this I am lying next to you while you sleep... and good thing I'm not writing it on paper because I can't hold back the tears. I have tears of joy and tears of sadness... but mostly I just have tears of LOVE. I <b>LOVE</b> you so much that I don't even know how to say it. Every single second of the day I just want to hold you and squeeze you. And if you could talk, I know you're first words would be "I love you" because I tell you that at least 100 times a day. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You are so special, my little man. I know that it will be really hard for you to understand at first, but because you have endured so much pain and suffering... God has a very very special plan for you. I just know it. I can look at you and tell that you are an angel here on Earth. Mommy is so lucky and so blessed to have you for a baby. You have made me a better person in every way possible. I will never take another day for granted... especially a day that I have with YOU. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You are overflowing with personality. You have a mind of your own. You are completely 100% spoiled rotten. And I'm not going to lie... (almost) anything you want, you will get. Because you deserve it. Right now you are clapping, banging your toys, smiling like crazy, rolling your eyes (precious), pushing backwards in your walker, turning the pages of your books, and lots of other fun things. You are getting to be so much fun and Mommy thinks you are such a smart little boy. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Right now, my heart doesn't know what to feel. I feel so proud of you for fighting this horrible disease for a whole year. But my heart is aching to watch you suffer everyday. I have so many mixed feelings. I wish I could take every single bo-bo away from you... from your eyeballs to the tips of your toes. But what I think I'm really trying to say, my angel, is that I wouldn't trade you for any other baby in the whole wide world. Because YOU are the most special baby in the whole wide world. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>My goodness, I love you. I love you so much that it hurts. And I hope and pray that you are with me for many more years so that I can SHOW you how very much I love you. Have a wonderful day, sweet boy. Mommy is SO SO proud of you. And I am honored to be your Mommy. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I love you, </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Mommy</span> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfj6VRGQ6JQANn19vcE7tXmnWDZDKNJXwbwy4tiWgBdPUyCqdby8N6Ea0JSiDqSCr4PR4WVAB9bDp9ZYD4eNsN8lcxblGwJlNzd_lN0hPFk5DKF60FR2MzjlyKhCEgYE1Y08FOCU1NtOQ/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfj6VRGQ6JQANn19vcE7tXmnWDZDKNJXwbwy4tiWgBdPUyCqdby8N6Ea0JSiDqSCr4PR4WVAB9bDp9ZYD4eNsN8lcxblGwJlNzd_lN0hPFk5DKF60FR2MzjlyKhCEgYE1Y08FOCU1NtOQ/s1600/IMG_0251.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>You're second birthday was also bittersweet. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>But we enjoyed the heck out of this day together. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>You were such a trooper considering all you had going on... </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>drumming a little, then rocking a little. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Aunt Mary made you a huge duck cake. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>You weren't all that interested...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b> but Mommy dug in. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>You made me so happy just by being alive. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Your spirit, through all your pain, was enough to bring anyone to tears. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I wrote you this on your 2nd birthday: </b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Dearest Tripp, </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Happy, Happy 2nd Birthday my sweet boy. Where in the world shall I begin? Let me start off my telling you just how exctied I was about you when you were in my belly. You were already the best little boy (though Mommy didn't know you were a boy then). You never once made Mommy feel sick, and you didn't even move around much while you were in my tummy. But you did make me eat a whole whole lot. While you were in there, I used to think about all the fun stuff we were going to do together... like going to the park, taking walks, going shopping... stuff like that. I couldn't wait to show you off to the world. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>When the time came for you to come out and meet everyone, you took a little longer than expected (Mommy thinks it's because of your big head), but whatever the reason, you finally arrived on this day- May 14, 2009. You were absolutely perfect. No kidding- as beautiful as they come. But very slowly we realized that the road ahead of you wouldn't be so perfect. In these past 2 years, you have had to face obstacles and challenges that no human being should ever have to face in a lifetime. Since the first day of your life, you have had to deal with pain. And within the first few months, you starting struggling for each breath you would take. Before you were 6 months old, you had a feeding tube, a tracheostomy, were covered in bandaging to protect your skin from blisters from the neck down, and had been in and out of the hospital so often that all the doctors and nurses knew your name. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Each month, week, day... always brought on something new. Either a new blister, a new infection, another corneal abrasion, a plug in your trach... I could go on and on. But you, little man, took every new issue like a complete champ. A lot of times you would have to put Mommy back in her place. I would be so sad and down about something that you were going through, but you would always show me that things were going to be okay by either showing off a new trick you learned or just flashing that "melt my heart" smile of yours. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You got your trach put in before you could even speak your first word. I dream about the day that I get to hear you speak for the first time... whether it is when we are in Heaven together or whether it's here. I wish you knew how many lives you have touched just by being you. You have already spoken to so many people and taught them so much about life- without even saying a word. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>This year's birthday is definitely another milestone. As will every other birthday from here on out, since the doctors said you wouldn't live past your first birthday. But as your Mommy, I must say that times like these are bittersweet for me. Of couse I am overjoyed that you have turned 2 years old... but I'm also the one who has watched you turn blue and lose conciousness struggling to breathe. I'm the one who pops each blister as they form and grow, the one who places you in the bathtub and cleans your sores while you scream, the one who has to put pressure on a raw finger or toe to stop it from bleeding, or the one who lifts your head off the pillow in the morning when it was stuck and starts bleeding. I'm the one who sees every ounce of pain and witnesses every minute of suffering on a daily basis. So while it's easy for me to say that this is a great and happy day for me- it's also a very sad day. I wish so desperately that you could have a normal little boy life. I wish you had your eyesight. I wish you could speak. I wish you could wear normal clothes without bandages. I wish you would lay next to me and cuddle without me worrying about giving you a blister. I wish you could wear shoes. I wish you could go outside, ride your bike, go to the park and slide down the slide. I wish I could throw you in the car and go get a snowball together. I know all of these things don't matter to you, because you don't know any better... but I can't help think about these things every day when I look at you. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You know what gets me through? You. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You are my HERO. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You cry when I pop a blister, and then in the next second... without missing a beat, you are smiling and "clicking your tongue" to the music. You are more than satisfied in your own little world. You take what you've been given- and you deal with it. And some people may say, "Well, he's only two... he doesn't have a choice." But I don't believe that for one second. I do believe that you have a choice to fight or give up. And I know that you are a fighter. That's the reason that you turned two years old today. You make me want to be a better person. You make me a stronger person. You make me a kinder person, a more thoughtful and selfless person. The way I live my life changed when you came into this world two years ago today. I owe my life to you. And without a thought, I would give my life to take all of your pain away. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I want to tell you some of the things that you are doing right now. You are nothing short of musical genius (I'm a little partial... but I think so:). You LOVE music or anything that sings or makes noise. You have every drum and musical instrument ever made and you can listen to a song once- and beat to the tune of it perfectly on your drum. Though plenty of times, you get aggravated with us and you "fuss" us when we try and get you to show off. If it's not YOUR idea, you don't want to do it. You can't stand the word "love." You don't "love" your Mommy, Grammy, MeMe, your shaker, your drum, or ANYthing. You shake your head "no" the second you hear the word. But you will say that you "like" your Mommy or your toys, etc. Just don't mention "love." You have three rectangular storage ottomans that are shaped in an "L" that you walk back and forth on. There are two baskets full of toys at each end. You're a pro at finding what you want in those baskets, even without being able to see. You know exactly what each toy is the second you touch it. And if you find something you don't want, you just throw it. Some of your favorite songs right now are: Elmo's ducks (and you make the sign for "duck" each time the ducks quack... it's the cutest thing ever), Rubber Ducky, Shoo-Fly, Don't Bother Me, She'll be Coming 'Round the Mountain, Rise and Shine... and plenty more. You either want us to be singing to you or your cd's on singing almost all the time. Right now when you are rocking or laying in your bed, you either want to hold your duckie or a "shaker." And when you're really tired, you usually drop one toy and hold your blankie. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>There is absolutely NO diciplinary action whatsoever in this house. You do whatever you want, whenever you want, however you want and with whoever you want. And that is the God-honest truth. I love every minute of it. And you deserve every minute of being as spoiled rotten as you are. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>There are big big plans in store for you, my boy. And each day that you are here, I believe in my heart that you touch another life. You have so many people across the world who are praying for you- people who have never even met you but write me and tell me that you inspire them. You wear some big shoes, buddy... shoes that many of us could never dream of walking in. And you sure wear them well. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You are what I live for. What I started living for 2 years and 9 months ago... and what I will live for the rest of my life. What in the world was my life like without you in it? I'm so blessed because when I think my day was rough or that I have it bad... I have you right in front of me every day to remind me that I need to count my blessings and that I need to step up my game. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I love you more today than I did yesterday- </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>and I will love you more tomorrow than I do today. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Happy Birthday my little miracle. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Love, Mommy </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSZ2SVKPfwHRfP565b2tNcijm5xoRlv7u1fW40ijsvBKgUoFnMn6QOOZ_stCc030aXVduooJVh6djPS_HaPnKtpObTZZsa8uUShyphenhyphencb9OZhtO2stduzDDbJEfbwpL3UD7AcKw-fsb_Fww/s1600/SBP_9680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSZ2SVKPfwHRfP565b2tNcijm5xoRlv7u1fW40ijsvBKgUoFnMn6QOOZ_stCc030aXVduooJVh6djPS_HaPnKtpObTZZsa8uUShyphenhyphencb9OZhtO2stduzDDbJEfbwpL3UD7AcKw-fsb_Fww/s1600/SBP_9680.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>And your 3rd birthday... ugh. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>You're first birthday spent in heaven. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I'm sure it's the only birthday you remember and I'm sure it blew your other birthdays out of the water. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>But it was REALLY, really hard on Mommy. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>This is what I wrote you:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dearest Tripp, </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Help me to find the words to say to you today. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I'm so sad. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I know you wouldn't want me to be sad, baby, but I am. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I can't help it. I wish you were here. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wish I were decorating the entire house so that it looked like it "threw up" Elmo. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I know that's what kind of birthday party you would have wanted- Elmo everywhere. And maybe even a little Bert and Ernie mixed in there. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>This is the hardest post I've had to write. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I think it's even harder than the post I had to write on January 14th. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Because now the shock is wearing off, and reality is setting in. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You would be THREE years old today, baby boy. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wish we were rocking in your favorite spot and I wish we were singing songs together. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>And then maybe if you felt okay, you would play "Happy Birthday" for me on the drums like you did last year on this day. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wish we were beating the odds again this year. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wish we could chalk up another year of beating EB. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>But this is reality, I guess. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>You don't even get to see your THIRD birthday. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;" /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Bubba, I need your help in convincing me that EB didn't win. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I want to say it, but saying it and feeling it are two different things. Right now I feel like it won. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Because it took you from me. EB took away the most precious gift I've ever received... You. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>But I know you aren't having the same feelings as me. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I know you are up there in Heaven, soaking up the Living Water and the light of Jesus. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I know you aren't wishing that you were back here... suffering. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I know deep in my heart that you are in the best place possible. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>But it's without me. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Baby, you've never been ANYWHERE without me. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>That's why it's so hard. I'm supposed to be with you. We go everywhere together. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I remember the day you were born...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Oh, how beautiful you were.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You were the most amazing baby from the second you came out of Mommy's belly. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You were SO good. So quiet, so patient, so perfect. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>The day you turned a year old was such an incredible milestone for us. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Boy, had you been through a rough year... a feeding tube, over 10 teeth, a breathing tube, practically living in the hospital... and then starting to have sores in your eyes. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You were so beautiful. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You were SO good. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Nothing ever bothered you. You never cried. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I can't tell you how proud I was the day you turned ONE.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I don't think the doctors thought you would live to be TWO. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>By this time, you had surely been through the ropes. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Infections, losing your eyesight, the sores that kept coming and wouldn't heal. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>The pain... </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You were such a trooper on that day. You smiled, you played, you entertained everyone. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Even though I know you were hurting. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You make me so proud, baby. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>For you to turn TWO years old was a blessing. We all knew that.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>It showed the power of love, prayer, and perseverance.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>But we don't get to see THREE. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You are spending your third birthday in the lap of Jesus. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I'm not sure that any Elmo party can top that... </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>But oh, how I wish we could try. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>The day before you left me was torture... the day that you left me was torture...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>The days after you left me were torture... </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>And today, living without you in my arms is torture... </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>And now, decorating your gravesite, is what I have to do to honor your birthday. It was pouring down raining and was supposed to rain all weekend, so I knew I didn't have a choice but to put something out there in the rain. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Well, it didn't work, of course. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>The balloons didn't stay. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>(I can't wait until your monument is made so it can be pretty out there). </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I guess I'm just new at the "decorating the cemetery" stuff. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>No Mommy should have to do that. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I sat in my car, soaking wet.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>And I cried... and cried... and cried. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>It's so unfair. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I sure hope God is throwing you the best Third, Elmo Birthday party EVER. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You deserve to be able to finally get to stick your little fingers in your cake and pig out. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wonder if God has a camera to take pictures so I can see one day, too. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Because Lord knows Mommy took lots and lots of pictures of everything. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Could you ask him that for me, baby? </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I'm devastated. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I miss you. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>It's not fair that I'm not with you. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>It's not fair that I have to stay behind and try to breathe without you. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Sometimes, it literally is hard to breathe without you. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I'm so proud of you. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I don't think I could possibly be able to FEEL any more proud of you. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You are the greatest gift and the most precious blessing that I've ever received. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wish we would have had more years together. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wish I could have seen you take your first steps forward without holding on. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Or maybe even learn how to play your first set of "big boy" drums. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wish we could have eaten an ice cream cone together. Or taken a boat ride. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Or gone to the beach together. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wish I could have watched your first t-ball game. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wish we could have gone to get a snowball on the hottest day of the year. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I wish I could have taken your picture for your first day of kindergarden. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I was walking through target the other day. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>That's where I bought almost every single one of your toys (we pretty much bought out the store).</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>And I passed by the toy section. My eyes welled with tears as I saw SO many new toys that were on the shelves that if you were still here, I know I would have bought them all. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I saw a really cute toy that I knew you would have loved. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I hope Jesus has it for you in Heaven. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Today also makes 4 months since you've left my arms. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>But it seems like an eternity ago.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i> I want you back in my arms. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Happy, Happy THIRD Birthday, in heaven, my sweet boy. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I know it's not a happy day for me... but I sure hope it is for you. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I hope you know that Mommy would be there with you if I could.... </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>lighting your candles and letting you open SO many presents. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>My heart is aching. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>I miss your face, the touch of your fingers, your smile, your fusses, and your smell. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>I miss rocking with you all day long, listening to our favorite songs. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>I would give my life up in a second to be with you again.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>No question about it. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>You were, are, and always will be the most important person in my life. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /> I love you Bubba. </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I miss you with all of the heart I have left :(</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Love,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i> Mommy</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlLeIAqDlIA7zJEi2JeAQ0orHhc2sWrFlFVoUH_oULJrF4ZW2Ze33Gy-azihtqliIOSWC9o4iYx7iw5q4cIH5vCVVOnnLtXcem7l4Ze10RCfWzLApxCh71DCvKwDSFPJ6nx2qEc24u6g/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJlLeIAqDlIA7zJEi2JeAQ0orHhc2sWrFlFVoUH_oULJrF4ZW2Ze33Gy-azihtqliIOSWC9o4iYx7iw5q4cIH5vCVVOnnLtXcem7l4Ze10RCfWzLApxCh71DCvKwDSFPJ6nx2qEc24u6g/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>On your 4th birthday... </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Stephen and I planted a tree in our back yard in your honor. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>It is a 4 year old cypress tree. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>That tree makes me think of you </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>every single time I look at it. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>It just started sprouting again this year. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>It's so cute and tiny. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Do you send me all the birdies that land on it? </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Cause, if so, you can slack off a little if you want... </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I seriously can't afford to feed all of them, </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>they're like little heathens ;)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I'm not sure why I didn't address my letter to you on the 4th year. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>It seems like it was a ongoing pattern. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Instead, I wrote it to everyone who loved you. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I guess I was just pulling at straws for some type of peace. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Reading this letter again today made me sad. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I really let my feelings rip on this one:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Once again, I am blown away and humbled by all of the support for my baby boy.<br />It means SO much to me.<br />I'm sorry I've been away for so long. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I honestly don't even know if I can still write. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I've sat down so many times in these past few months, but I just couldn't find any words to write. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>At least not any positive ones. It just feels so wrong not to write about Tripp... and how his day was and the new things he learned or how he is doing. I would give anything to be writing about those things again... and to be sharing new videos of his little spoiled rotten personality.<br /><br />This Mother's Day was harder than last year. To be honest, I feel like I was in such a dense fog last year that I don't even remember it. Sometimes I impress myself at how strong I am. But it's dangerous. It's unhealthy for me to be so strong. Because now, it's been a year and a half... and I'm flat-out exhausted from being strong. It's tiring to act like you're okay when you're dying inside. It's exhausting to smile on the outside when you are crying and screaming and kicking like a baby on the inside. And the worst thing that I've done is pretend with the people closest to me, that I'm strong and I'm okay. Because the people closest to me are the people that I should be the most honest with. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>My baby would be 4 years old today. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I don't even know how to grasp that.<br />Today, 4 years ago, was the day that made me the happiest woman alive. That's no lie. I had waited my entire life for the day I would have a child. And now, it's so wrong that this day makes me so sad. I know there's no better place for my baby to be, than with Jesus in heaven... but I want him here, with me. In my arms, blowing out candles, and opening presents. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Moms, can you imagine only getting 2 birthdays with your baby and then never being able to see them again? </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i> I'm heartbroken. I'm nauseous. I'm sad. I'm empty. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I'm all of those things and more.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>In the back of my mind, I thought there would be a chance that I wouldn't get to spend his 3rd birthday with him.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>But I didn't want to believe it. So I refused to believe it. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>We lived for the day... actually, we lived for the minute. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i> </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I'm haunted by the fact that my baby suffered so much. It haunts me every day and it's so hard to cope with. I know in my heart that I did everything I could... but did he know that? Did he think I was a good Mommy or did he look at me as someone who would inflict pain by bathing him and bandaging him and suctioning him? I just think how wrong and unfair it was that I lost my child and had to hold him as he took his last breaths... but also that our time together was interrupted by so much pain and suffering. This is what I'm struggling to get past now that the shock has worn off and reality is pounding at my door. As a mom, I did what I had to do to make my child happy and comfortable. But as a mom, it also weighs SO heavily on me that Tripp had to endure all of the pain that he did. And the fact that I could do nothing... just wears and tears at my poor (already broken) Mommy heart.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I sometimes try and picture what our life would be like if he were still here with us. Stephen and I trying to decide what to get him for his birthday... and trying to decide where to have his party and what theme it would be. But then I remember that he would be 4 years old. We wouldn't have to decide those things... he'd be able to tell us exactly what he wanted and where he wanted to go.<br />God, how I long for that. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>It's hard to comprehend that I <b>should</b> have a 4 year old.... here, with me... every day.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>That we should be starting pre-school and t-ball practices. I should be washing little dirty boy-clothes. I should be hearing the pitter-patter of little feet during the day instead of a dead silence. I should be teaching him how to ride a bike. I should be listening to my baby tell silly jokes that don't make sense, I should be waking up in the middle of the night because he's afraid of monsters, I should be having to wake up at the crack of dawn to fix my baby breakfast instead of opening my eyes every morning, holding back the tears, realizing that it's true... it's not just a bad dream, that my baby really is gone. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>And EB took all of those things away from him, and away from us.<br />And the reality is... that maybe one day I will get to do some of these things with another child, but I will never get to do them with Tripp. And as much as people try to tell me that it's okay- that I'll get to be a mom again one day- it's not okay for me. Maybe one day it won't be the first thing I think about when I wake up, or the last thing I think about when I go to sleep... but it will never stop hurting. It might hurt less... but that aching, empty feeling of missing my baby... will never go away completely. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You cannot replace the loss of a child with ANYTHING... ever. No matter what anyone says. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Another baby will never replace Tripp. Ever. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>And even though Stephen was already the <b>most amazing</b> "non-official" step-dad to my baby boy that I could have ever asked for, knowing that Tripp will never get to officially know Stephen as his step-dad, breaks my heart. How is it fair that I finally meet the perfect man and someone who will one day be an extraordinary dad, and I don't get to share him with my very own child?</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You know, I've been thinking hard about what I could say to help people understand. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>How could I possibly put into words what a bereaved mother goes through, just to simply try and help others even just for a minute... try to comprehend the pain. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I don't think I can... but that doesn't mean I won't try. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I've suffered a lot in the past few months with seeing other kids and other moms with their kids. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>And I really, really hope that no one gets offended by this, because I'm truly not trying to offend anyone, I'm just simply trying to explain how I feel.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Someone who has never had a baby of their own or who has healthy babies, or has never experienced the loss of a child... will never fully appreciate what a blessing it is to have a child. I'm sorry, they just won't. No matter how much they try, no matter how much they say they do... It's just human nature.<br />Of course they love their children and appreciate them when bad things happen to other people, but you can't fully appreciate someone until they are gone. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>For an example, I will never fully appreciate what it means to be a healthy human being- because I've never been seriously ill, or disabled, or paralyzed, or had a disease or been in a bad accident, etc. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Or I will never fully appreciate what it means to have my eyesight... because I've never known what it's like not to be able to see. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i> However, I believe that I fully appreciate what it would be like to have a perfectly healthy child, because not only have I experienced having a child who suffered a cruel and debilitating disease... I've also experienced the loss of my child. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>It's just a fact. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>You don't appreciate something or someone until they are gone.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>And I'm not going to lie, it hurts to be around other moms and their children. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Especially ones who aren't sensitive to your feelings. Who (figuratively) dangle their children in your face ...or feel the need to talk about their children constantly in our conversations.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i> It's just not appropriate. I'm sorry.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>And no matter how much someone thinks I should be over it... like I already said... </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>I will never be over it. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>And I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable, but I'm uncomfortable every day. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>Sometimes I just wish that people would be a little bit more aware of their surroundings and the people that they are associating with. If you are hanging around someone who recently lost a child, you wouldn't gripe or complain about having to do something for your child or talk about how bad they are. You wouldn't talk about how much you miss your child who's been away for the weekend (when the person who lost their child has missed them every day since they have been gone and will miss them for the rest of their life). That's like being around someone who is blind and asking them to look at something you see. It's inappropriate. That's common sense... or at least to the mother who lost her child or the person who is visually impaired, it seems like common sense. I know It's hard for people to understand, because the fact that I have lost my son and that I'm sad all the time, is not something that is constantly on other people's minds (like it is on mine). And like I've said, I know that before I lost Tripp, I was also oblivious to other people's feelings. But now that the unimaginable has happened to me... it's hard sometimes to think how people can be so oblivious, especially people who have children and KNOW what that type of love it is. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i> Imagining having that love and then losing it.<br />That's a hard thing to imagine. And trust me, it's a hard life to live.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>My goal lately has been to try to be more open about my feelings. To try and let other people know when I'm upset or when something they say is inappropriate to say to someone who has lost their child... to be HONEST... but I'm failing miserably. It's hard. It seemed so easy to tell other people how I felt when Tripp was still alive. It was so easy because all I cared about was what was best for him... and if someone didn't like that, well then too bad for them. But it's not as easy when you're trying to take care of yourself and what's best for you. At least not for me, it's not. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i>So as I celebrate my son today (with an aching pain in my heart and in my arms), I ask you to celebrate him, too. By hugging your children extra tight, or telling someone you love them, or just being extra nice to someone today.<br />Stephen and I, along with my parents and his parents... will plant a 4 year old cypress tree in the back yard today, in honor of my baby's 4th birthday. And I will watch it grow.<br />And then we will watch his videos... and laugh and cry.<br />And I will wish -so desperately- that I was able to watch my baby grow.<br /><br />I'm so sad that I will never have new videos or pictures.<br />Even though I took thousands, it will still never be enough.<br />Oh, how my heart aches to hold him again.<br /><br />Happy<b> 4th</b> Birthday, my Bubba.<br />Mommy can't wait until I see you again.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb2IKGEHTW6T0lFFt3wkHTggFitOBENHGY_-tJ9S3_DXlGbAv1J9xn2wvbXVWs9JDZ-DucuOh0JBWk0-Q2HOxLR3wCn_r0iYRMwjFmA5KSyUWD8zAd1FsMm_LPORwSScMNzoQr8LcvZw/s1600/DSC_0707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgb2IKGEHTW6T0lFFt3wkHTggFitOBENHGY_-tJ9S3_DXlGbAv1J9xn2wvbXVWs9JDZ-DucuOh0JBWk0-Q2HOxLR3wCn_r0iYRMwjFmA5KSyUWD8zAd1FsMm_LPORwSScMNzoQr8LcvZw/s1600/DSC_0707.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>So, maybe I'm just writing this long post so that I can reminisce. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Because I want to remember what it was like 5 years ago when I held you in my arms for the first time. And I want to remember what it was like to celebrate such a huge milestone like your first birthday. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I want to remember all the little things you used to do. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Our songs we used to sing and our stories we used to tell. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I want to remember you. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I don't want those things to fade. It's terrifying that I might forget something that we used to do together. I know you hated when I took all those pictures and videos of you... but I'm not sorry- because I need them now more than ever. I need to be able to see you and remember the things we did together. They are all I have left and I wish I had more of them. I would have videoed your entire life, I think, if I knew 2 years and 8 months was all I was going to have with you. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I'm trying to hard to heal, Tripp. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I tell myself every day that you are in heaven with God and that you don't need me anymore. And I know that is true. I know you are pain free and happy... and your little hard-headed self probably never once looked back to check on me. I know that I was the best Mommy that I could be for you and I know that my job was short, hard, and so rewarding.. and that now it is over. I know that God sent you to me because He knew that I would give my whole heart and soul into taking care of you. I just wish my whole heart and soul didn't HURT so much right now. I know that is the price you pay for loving this much- so I'll take it. I'll take the pain because the more pain I feel, means the more that I loved you. I'm certain that I loved you with "all of me." And I guess that is why "all of me" hurts now that you're gone. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Buddy, </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I know you're in a better place rather than this mean ole' world we still live in. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>There have been SO many days that I have wanted to leave this world and come be with you. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>But I know that my time isn't over and that I have other duties left to fulfill here. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Can you do me a favor, though? </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Can you keep sending me those little signs to tell me you love me? </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>All those little signs that come up when I'm having the WORST of days. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Like little butterflies that randomly fly over my head. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Or people who recognize me out of the blue and tell me that you changed their lives. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Or all those little signs you send that I know are just between me and you. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I love them so much. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>They help me survive. Honestly, they do. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>They stop me in my tracks and help me to remember that even if you aren't the one watching over me every day... surely the big guy is. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I know that I will see you again one day. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I CANNOT imagine what that day will feel like.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>And I can't imagine that anything in the world could make me happier. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I hope we are both dancing like this.</b><b> </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jCoRwBVHAM8" width="420"></iframe>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>I love you, you sweet <i>sweet</i> boy. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>And I miss you with every fiber of my being.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Every single day of my life. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Love, </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Mommy</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-52611934475872482852014-05-11T20:39:00.000-05:002014-05-11T20:39:11.043-05:00Mother's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today is my 3rd Mother's Day without Tripp. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't believe it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gosh, how I miss everything about him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But mostly just <b><i>being </i></b>with him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It just doesn't get easier. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Mother's Day to all the Mommies out there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Moms who get to hold and kiss their babies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Moms who's babies are grown.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Moms who adopt babies without mommies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Moms who never got to meet their babies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Moms who are watching their babies suffer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And Moms who are trying to survive every single day</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
without their babies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My love goes out to you all. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Especially to my very own Mother- who taught me everything I needed to know to be the very best mom I could be. Who stood beside me though it all... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and who still prays for my peace every single night. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love you, mom. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I would <i>never</i> still be standing if it weren't for you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESm-xDeEzr0uoX9UZlSYNAuryU45WxzLHEvVeNy731_M6-z1c0M5X_uRHDoQ1slzLzz6h8pBx2ZaP3WWolGliMShlNakARZ170Y1LxuR-emTZJMvu9tTFDtJo5vKafVEnsFzPrplw5HU/s1600/232323232%257Ffp-%253C8%253Enu%253D3233%253E8-5%253E864%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253C39%253B%253B54%253B339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjESm-xDeEzr0uoX9UZlSYNAuryU45WxzLHEvVeNy731_M6-z1c0M5X_uRHDoQ1slzLzz6h8pBx2ZaP3WWolGliMShlNakARZ170Y1LxuR-emTZJMvu9tTFDtJo5vKafVEnsFzPrplw5HU/s1600/232323232%257Ffp-%253C8%253Enu%253D3233%253E8-5%253E864%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253C39%253B%253B54%253B339nu0mrj.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7JCIt21SLLTs8XriJwphp85_pbA83y8CxCVPwSlImHwgAiZkQreZ5reZGDEbegCGbHmLL1vz8NL6GASdhjXoBfsqnLDHACqctKVtnRSuWPHLC2ua7w62xnKVxOMaRmW7K9KypUTy1mI/s1600/232323232%257Ffp9-5%253Enu%253D3233%253E8-5%253E864%253EWSNRCG%253D32%253C3%253C-7388339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7JCIt21SLLTs8XriJwphp85_pbA83y8CxCVPwSlImHwgAiZkQreZ5reZGDEbegCGbHmLL1vz8NL6GASdhjXoBfsqnLDHACqctKVtnRSuWPHLC2ua7w62xnKVxOMaRmW7K9KypUTy1mI/s1600/232323232%257Ffp9-5%253Enu%253D3233%253E8-5%253E864%253EWSNRCG%253D32%253C3%253C-7388339nu0mrj.jpeg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9Qn7R7qXyB1V0mBzflYyYP85aTluu4nNyeqjL8DpE7W38KM3Ag-_yeHNdTjoKQ_f5WMW6xShxYBSU6lrrnUsxMtQ2CTwu8UanLdUUmHagQyK5DD-yK-KyJR5aXD9xIR9kDP7X5rfRPo/s1600/DSCN7438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9Qn7R7qXyB1V0mBzflYyYP85aTluu4nNyeqjL8DpE7W38KM3Ag-_yeHNdTjoKQ_f5WMW6xShxYBSU6lrrnUsxMtQ2CTwu8UanLdUUmHagQyK5DD-yK-KyJR5aXD9xIR9kDP7X5rfRPo/s1600/DSCN7438.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK8PYY4nH-a5bivjnj_mIqBCH2cBMb6fGx-4Ibly2Q94c_L3qdC204Hz6nKuweyUM5MXIaaZIXa6qyj4BHQBtxDSdolFikV_kSOMDXk_9-hEdgpygg47ZdQcAUfVpjyUjvCBbxuxvjS0/s1600/DSC_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK8PYY4nH-a5bivjnj_mIqBCH2cBMb6fGx-4Ibly2Q94c_L3qdC204Hz6nKuweyUM5MXIaaZIXa6qyj4BHQBtxDSdolFikV_kSOMDXk_9-hEdgpygg47ZdQcAUfVpjyUjvCBbxuxvjS0/s1600/DSC_0724.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfsGnYZENg33-jtGEsb0yLdx7jfO6NU8Fd3koKHvZ1FoaI1FevFlGPAceA7MKHZVHg3wl1HunTyOfkcBgd-ILustMNJYfRzk4vf9U-s4I8uKeLRUr9dqDhGiJLNNxxk1lpOqJADbUqZ0/s1600/232323232%257Ffp-%253C6%253Enu%253D3233%253E8-5%253E864%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B6545894339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfsGnYZENg33-jtGEsb0yLdx7jfO6NU8Fd3koKHvZ1FoaI1FevFlGPAceA7MKHZVHg3wl1HunTyOfkcBgd-ILustMNJYfRzk4vf9U-s4I8uKeLRUr9dqDhGiJLNNxxk1lpOqJADbUqZ0/s1600/232323232%257Ffp-%253C6%253Enu%253D3233%253E8-5%253E864%253EWSNRCG%253D34%253B6545894339nu0mrj.jpeg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-67869902581995087222014-04-09T13:17:00.000-05:002014-04-09T13:17:44.422-05:00Introducing... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Alexander :)</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finally got to marry the man of my dreams!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrOLGLugRZ5ypkhuy4w7xSuBOiwphGrzfQyKVxGx3kDhlcknl1A5mraQl-KutpcVZwvyul0mZoE0QA0QN1RwIfYdJ04vmCHp1dJRnsiv8FYAmHPCFB2WMV7q1eJR8KCAOVV0_3WJoH48/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkrOLGLugRZ5ypkhuy4w7xSuBOiwphGrzfQyKVxGx3kDhlcknl1A5mraQl-KutpcVZwvyul0mZoE0QA0QN1RwIfYdJ04vmCHp1dJRnsiv8FYAmHPCFB2WMV7q1eJR8KCAOVV0_3WJoH48/s1600/IMG_4057.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(picture courtesy of our talented friend, Aly Ragan:)</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On February 8, Stephen and I got married in the church. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was beautiful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It wasn't about flowers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It wasn't about dresses or about music... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was about the LOVE that I have had for this man for 3 years </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and the love that he has shown me back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A love that I honestly feel makes me more giddy every day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were married by Fr. Mark Beard at St. Helena Church in Amite, LA. Then, we celebrated at my (very generous) Aunt and Uncle's house in Slidell. (who I cannot thank enough for such a beautiful reception) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Everything was perfect and exactly what we have been wishing for. Then, we honeymooned in the beautiful Imperial Valentin resort in Rivieria Maya. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was perfect and beautiful and we never wanted to come home!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You know that cheesy saying? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite. </b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, I'm here to say that as cheesy as that might be- </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
our love story is by far my favorite.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This man came into my life when my world was crumbling down around me. He came in, stepped up to the plate, no questions asked. He treated my son like he was his son, too. He loved him. He wiped my tears and he treated me with the utmost respect. There were many times when I would think to myself, "There is no way this guy is going to follow through with this... it's just too much drama for one person." But he stayed... and not only stayed, but went above and beyond my expectations.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I knew I had struck gold. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He shows me every day the definition of unconditional love. He's taught me how to be a better person and a better spouse. He has given me another reason to live. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I think I have my sweet boy to thank for that... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know I haven't written much in these past 2 years... and I apologize. It's been one heck of a roller coaster ride. There are things I've shared with you guys and things that I have had to keep personal. And trust me, it's not easy because I've shared SO much with all of you already. But I can tell you that God has not only been present in mine and Stephen's life, but He has been adamant about gaining our love and trust. He is not finished presenting us with suffering that brings forth perseverance. It's been a bumpy road full of surprises... but never once have we questioned if God has been present. He has strengthened our relationship with Him and our relationship with each other. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been pretty incredible to witness...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(along with being a little unfair :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
BUT... I have many many things to be thankful for. The most important being that I have a spouse who I am certain will be by my side through whatever it is we encounter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If we have survived this, we can survive anything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(God, please do not take that the wrong way, I'm not saying I want to be the next Job).</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So my path of grief has been an uphill battle. Especially at my age, when all my friends around me have families or are just beginning their families. It's like a little pinch of my heart when I'm around other babies or pregnant mommies... STILL, after 2 years. I can't believe it's been 2 years. But I think like any other grieving parent would say... It gets a little easier to "function" with time. But is it "functioning" or is it being "fake" so that people don't think "Gosh, it's been 2 years, how long is she going to be such a miserable person?" I feel like sometimes it's both.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't think (well, actually <i>I know</i>) that I'll never be the same person that I was before Tripp was born. That person is gone. There's a new person... and I <b>love</b> her and I <b>hate</b> her. I love her because she is more faithful. She has opened up every crack and crevice of her faith and discovered things that she has never known... it's helped her and her husband to be better Christians. I love her because she is more sensitive to others feelings. I love her because of the magnitude of love and patience she had with her son. I hate her now because she has no patience... and because she has a hard time having fun. I hate her because she feels guilty about every single thing she does because she's doing it without her baby. I hate her because she has a different mindset around people- because the loss of her child is ALWAYS on her mind, even when it's not on someone else's. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's difficult trying to live the life of two emotions. One being so incredibly happy, with an amazing husband who supports me and loves me and two incredible families who love the both of us... and another being so sad that I don't have my baby to hold in my arms.... my baby who would be FIVE years old this year. FIVE. I would have a 5 year old. He would be going to school... playing sports... talking back... telling jokes. It's nauseating to think about. What would he look like? What would he act like? All I can picture are those big brown eyes... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMpcB7Iay-rl7Y6UsrYPH-bNVKkkyl0S5BqLA0CkxvqwPTzLKLoP-RE9sR8YjdXsypcShPmi7cLAHyAVwWW_vIeYa-KVuOVOpMCpzAco632yXuuKJCEvUJXH7JcEyCc1AAvuS1y541_I/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMpcB7Iay-rl7Y6UsrYPH-bNVKkkyl0S5BqLA0CkxvqwPTzLKLoP-RE9sR8YjdXsypcShPmi7cLAHyAVwWW_vIeYa-KVuOVOpMCpzAco632yXuuKJCEvUJXH7JcEyCc1AAvuS1y541_I/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To say I miss him, is such a huge understatement. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But to say that God has blessed Stephen and I, is also a big understatement. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are just trucking along, learning new things every single day and trying to stay on the narrow path. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't wait to continue sharing our journey with all of you, who have stood by us, loved us, and supported us unconditionally. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you all SO much! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-57243665421433689802013-10-31T21:39:00.000-05:002013-10-31T21:51:47.095-05:00Another holiday comes and goes... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I woke up this morning with such a heavy heart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I open Facebook (like a dummy) and see all the pictures of kids in their Halloween costumes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Halloween at school, field trips to the pumpkin patches, dressing up for Trick-or-Treat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's a very rare occasion for me to cry. I think my heart is a little cold and hardened.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But this morning (well most of the day) was that rare occasion. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't get dressed today. I didn't brush my hair. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't put makeup on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I woke up, sat at my desk and started looking through old pictures and videos... And I swear the weight of a ton of bricks felt like it was sitting on my chest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was hard to breathe. It was hard to catch my breath between the wails and the sobbing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How in the world has it almost been 2 whole years since I've been without my baby? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And how in the heck am I still alive? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I realize now why I avoid doing what I did today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why I try to avoid talking about it, or looking at pictures and videos. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because it hurts like hell.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's like sitting down to slit my wrist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not my idea of fun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But today, I just needed it. I needed the reminder of what my days, hours and minutes used to consist of. I needed to hear the sound of that little drumstick banging on his drum. I needed to see that sweet smile. I needed the reminder that I was a good mom. That I tried as hard as I could. Because, honestly, sometimes I feel like a flat out failure. I watch his videos and look at his pictures and think about how much pain he was in. How he was ever able to muster up a smile is beyond me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Y'all, those videos were his happy moments. The moments where he felt good enough to play or to smile. And in the end, they were the moments when he had enough pain medicine in him to be able to sit up and function. He was so strong. So brave. I tried to record all that I could because I knew one day, even the 40,000+ pictures (literally) that I had, weren't going to be enough. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And they aren't. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But beyond the videos and pictures was real life pain. I say "real life," but it was still nothing like I've ever witnessed before. Something unexplainable. Unimaginable. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can honestly say that that for the 2 years and 8 months that Tripp was alive, I was living in a super-human body that was held together by the grace of God. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking back on these videos and pictures now, I just can't comprehend how I didn't just sit and cry and cry and cry. I know that I did what I had to do for my baby. I had blinders on and I was focused on one thing and one thing only... the health, happiness and comfort of my baby boy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But now... as I look back on pictures and videos, I swear I feel like you might as well take a butcher knife to my heart and twist it a few hundred times. How could one child live through so much pain? And how did I witness it knowing I couldn't stop it? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How are there precious children and adults still living right now through this type of pain? For years? With no relief? It makes me SO sad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The other day I was sitting, thinking about these same things... the pain that Tripp suffered through and the pain that other children and adults with EB suffer through. And I thought of something (I wish I could say God spoke to me, but I've been begging Him to do that for years and I've never heard anything... maybe He speaks to me in ways I don't realize.) ... but anyway, I thought, "You know, I'm so sad about the pain that Tripp suffered and the cross that he had to bear, along with the one I'm bearing as well... but Jesus went through this same pain (was it worse, equal, less? I don't know) but He was beaten, cruely tortured and nailed to the cross? But do I get sad about that? Do I cry about that? If I love Jesus as much as I love Tripp, shouldn't it make me sad that He suffered like He did? All because He wanted us to be able to spend eternity with Him?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Is that how much we are supposed to love Jesus? Is that why He keeps telling us He wants a personal relationship with us? So that we can love Him like we love our own kids? Or the unimaginable... even MORE than our own kids?? I think so. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was a pretty cool epiphany moment. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok, sorry, sermon over. I'm all over the place. Back to what I was talking about... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've tried to tell myself for over 4 years now, that God has control over Tripp's pain. That God had to have been taking some of the pain away from him. Faith is hard. That is a hard thing to believe. It's like you believe it because you absolutely HAVE to believe it to survive. Because what if God didn't? What if Tripp felt every little bo-bo? Every blister that felt like a 3rd degree burn? Every bath when water hit his sores, and he screamed and screamed uncontrollably... who was helping him out with his pain then? The thought of how much pain he was in has haunted me for these past 2 years. And only for the past 2 years, because I'll say it again... when he was alive- I was in survival mode. Doing what I absolutely had to do to get through each minute with a smile on my face. For him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have no clue what I'm trying to say, really. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm just trying to let out my sadness and my pain. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In some kind of way. By being real... and honest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I spent all day yesterday with my mom cleaning out my storage unit and going through the rest of Tripp's things. Deciding what to keep and what not to keep. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was heart-wrenching. Completely just wrong. And sad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Needless to say, there wasn't much that we could part with. Unless he just absolutely never played with it, or wore it, or touched it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How does one part with the most precious memories they have... really, the only things this mommy has left? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I would give up my life this very second if I could be doing this again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLqha6r12XYlOMCEr1CrEy0wyJOQvoA9zXHB3kTzhYjawyIVeLHQR0hZHkGAYdhodtlTjQc9kadn5g8UJrNjhpk_dtLIQAduSBjicD2eLCCrKL0QHkpEfkJh84RrEvgDLsUaRTvahb2g/s1600/B0067222.AVI" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLLqha6r12XYlOMCEr1CrEy0wyJOQvoA9zXHB3kTzhYjawyIVeLHQR0hZHkGAYdhodtlTjQc9kadn5g8UJrNjhpk_dtLIQAduSBjicD2eLCCrKL0QHkpEfkJh84RrEvgDLsUaRTvahb2g/s320/B0067222.AVI" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was the happiest I'd ever been. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Despite the pain of watching my child suffer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Despite the compete and utter exhaustion from literally no sleep. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Despite the mental torture of not being able to help my own child. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tripp made me the happiest girl in the world. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I lived for him. Literally every move I made was for him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I put 110% into it... and I guess that's why I feel like I'm grieving 110%. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's hard. It sucks. There's no way to describe this feeling.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I <i>certainly</i> would not say that I don't have anything left to live for... because that is very untrue. I have THE most amazing man in my life... who was, is and will be by my side through the good and the bad (and the really really bad). Stephen has saved my life. Given me reasons to smile and to love again. He has taken care of me better than I ever thought possible. He has picked my up from my lowest place and taught me how to trust in love again. I'm very, very grateful for him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's a man who shares my faith, shares in my pain, shares in my happiness, loves me for me... and also puts me in my place when it's needed. He was made perfectly for me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I of course have my incredible family and friends who put up with my good days, my emotional days and my terrible-I-don't-want-to-be-around-anyone days. They love me unconditionally. I have my sweet momma who was by my side every minute of this journey, who hurts on her own AND when I hurt. But I was surely born into my family for a reason. There's just no way that anyone could survive without the support that I've been given. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But... I AM saying, that my life will never, ever be the same.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I know my fellow mommies who have lost their precious babies can relate- </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will never have that "same" happiness again. Yes, I will have happiness again... I <i>have</i> happiness and I will be given <i>more</i> happiness. But not happiness like that. Not the pure bliss I had for 2 years and 8 months. Nothing will be able to replace that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My heart is aching and broken. It may heal in places over time, but it will never be whole again... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
until I'm reunited with my baby. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a glorious day that will be. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHSCmOo2sJG3Nd3qfxRkHE4LlxPzhwK78l0XxaOQJlr2gvJwZaqkDzUEn-VPKliokVnCAcvLRokw-ZXbI5xDujpYuRDovcg0Ql98mRMfw88v5Cg9tHH2tAQ4rudrrkQuHxXUG25eIpLg/s1600/B0067319.MOV" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTHSCmOo2sJG3Nd3qfxRkHE4LlxPzhwK78l0XxaOQJlr2gvJwZaqkDzUEn-VPKliokVnCAcvLRokw-ZXbI5xDujpYuRDovcg0Ql98mRMfw88v5Cg9tHH2tAQ4rudrrkQuHxXUG25eIpLg/s1600/B0067319.MOV" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com53tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-9076170941519011252013-10-15T11:27:00.001-05:002013-10-15T11:27:51.296-05:00 Good. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok. I can take a hint. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You guys are seriously amazing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Your comments after I've been away from blogging for so long were unexpected and very humbling.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I never anticipated getting that type of response to a blog that I thought was so pointless. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was truly encouraging.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And it made me realize something important... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What helped me through the hardest times of my life, was you- </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All of you who care and continue to care. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So thank you... again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Someone mentioned my sister and her new baby. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then it hit me... I haven't posted about them since I told you guys she was pregnant! I've been in a little hole for so long that I haven't even shared my new nephew with you guys. Well, I guess he's not really new anymore... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
he is already 10 months old! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And he surely has my heart... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjTyhXpKdpHDmUAOCmELrB_A3_E2741CpPb0WbMTU3hUGLsRAROxXyEfGEknzGNkt2Sy4PbFdcQax1EnXwUP-H01BrZWeLTCZeiFvm-ZyN2HL1sagtLEOvc2ccXKv92MsO97gKjZi9f4/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjTyhXpKdpHDmUAOCmELrB_A3_E2741CpPb0WbMTU3hUGLsRAROxXyEfGEknzGNkt2Sy4PbFdcQax1EnXwUP-H01BrZWeLTCZeiFvm-ZyN2HL1sagtLEOvc2ccXKv92MsO97gKjZi9f4/s320/IMG_1241.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Samuel Lawton Welt was born on December 14, 2012.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He has the prettiest blue eyes you'll ever see. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He lives exactly 7.5 hours too far away from his Nanny. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nanny, Grammy, and Papa try to visit as often as we can, and Samuel, Mommy and Daddy try to come visit here in Louisiana, too. But when we aren't with each other, we try to FaceTime a couple of times a week (so he remembers us!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Samuel's Daddy just came back from his deployment of 4.5 months overseas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm sure you can imagine the joy when they were all reunited again :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlhEyCYzzRvD0MNcMYvc6zbDb5ak9_poEQDXEt9xir4D3uzbFCffqu5ocXpqgpHhwhc3-gM6WJ97okj91yHEZtuSu5ak6dNCXWlC9Q4n9CGDDGwr4FKz3PfewlGHuhZGuceeoMxkpU3M/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlhEyCYzzRvD0MNcMYvc6zbDb5ak9_poEQDXEt9xir4D3uzbFCffqu5ocXpqgpHhwhc3-gM6WJ97okj91yHEZtuSu5ak6dNCXWlC9Q4n9CGDDGwr4FKz3PfewlGHuhZGuceeoMxkpU3M/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Watching my sister become a mom was bittersweet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Only because, I had always imagined us being moms <i>together</i>- taking the cousins on adventures <i>together</i>, dressing them up and taking pictures <i>together, </i>doing almost everything <i>together</i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And when Samuel was born, and I didn't have my Tripp there to meet him... well, I was sad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not going to lie and say that it was easy, because it wasn't. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was jealous she had her baby and I didn't have mine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I went through many phases-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
the really sad one and the "it's not fair" one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I know now, those feelings were normal- and they were something that I had to go through to get where I am today... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A proud sister and a proud aunt. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because I'll tell you one thing... my sister is one hell of a mom. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
To watch her be a mommy to Samuel is simply a joy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm in awe.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She's so patient. So loving. And so completely <i><b>selfless</b></i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A true definition of the word mother. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My sweet Samuel loves to read books. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's going to be a bookworm just like his Mommy and Daddy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He loves being outside. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And most importantly (in my eyes of course),</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
he <i><b>loves</b></i> his Nanny. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think a certain little angel might have had something to do with this love connection. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
:) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3k4s1sNNNo8mf-1LvJtT6jMfOSihLFrKwvHVPJ-MN44s68BsKTvRRNtPjrAk1zY2EBOUZGfXEZn16Yab34g48c9_k4E8eW8HhcSWtv5MxqPytllfuXlN1Nwbl2G3hS_LePJ89KsjCgg/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3k4s1sNNNo8mf-1LvJtT6jMfOSihLFrKwvHVPJ-MN44s68BsKTvRRNtPjrAk1zY2EBOUZGfXEZn16Yab34g48c9_k4E8eW8HhcSWtv5MxqPytllfuXlN1Nwbl2G3hS_LePJ89KsjCgg/s320/IMG_1138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But the comment that got me was this one: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>I think in a world of crazy, people look for that shining example of good. That's why I come back. You are so good.</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Seriously? That's probably the greatest compliment I could ever receive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Because in the past 2 years, that is what I have strived for and it is what I am still striving for every day... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
to be <i>a good person.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Just as I'm sure that it's something most people strive for. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But what are my reasons for striving to be <i><b>good</b></i>? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>1.</b> I have to get to heaven. No <i>ifs</i>, <i>ands</i> or <i>buts</i> about it. And I'm not knocking anyone's beliefs here, (I totally respect everyone's beliefs and hope you all will also respect mine :) but I don't think that just because I believe in Jesus Christ that I will get to spend eternity with Him. It's easy to "say" you believe. What's <i><b>not</b></i> easy, is to live your life for Jesus, in prayer, living the sacraments, doing good deeds, and loving your neighbor. That is not easy. But I don't believe it's meant to be easy. If it was easy, He wouldn't be warning us over and over again that this is what we need to be doing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>2.</b> I spent most of my life (before becoming Tripp's mom), judging people without even knowing it. That person talks funny, that person dresses weird, acts weird... instead of judging from the inside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If someone looked or did something differently than I did, I thought it was okay to just casually talk about them. Or maybe I didn't think it was okay- I knew better- but that didn't stop me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But when God gave me a child that was different, it was like He slapped me in the face, trying to open my eyes. And though it's still very hard (it's human nature) I'm trying not to be so judgmental. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have no idea what's going on in someone's life. Or why we think someone looks funny or acts funny. Every single person is fighting their own battle, whether it's internal or external- whether we can see it or can't see it. I try to remember that. Because God knows I'm still fighting a battle of my own. It's not nice to hurt other people- we are all in this together. We are supposed to be helping each other. No matter what or who <i><b>you think</b></i> the other person is. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>3.</b> The world needs it. I struggle with this. I struggle with the examples kids are getting these days (I know, I'm only 28... I'm still a kid myself... yada yada... but I feel like my mind is a lot older, ok?). The things on TV that anyone has access to watch, are appalling. The movies in the theater that kids are watching, are disturbing. I will never forget being 12 years old and my parents not letting me go to my best friend's birthday party because they were going to be watching a PG-13 movie. I thought they were the worst parents ever. But now I get it. There has to be <i>rules</i>. There has to be <i>boundaries</i>. And most of all, there has to be an <i>EXAMPLE</i>. Kids these days don't have good examples. Just watching a football game or a baseball game, when the camera is put on the players (these "supposed to be" role models for kids) and they show them mouthing the F bomb... Seriously, you make a bajillion dollars a year- show some respect. And I won't even get into Miley Cyrus... you get the point. Kids are searching for good examples. How do we expect the next generation to be good if we don't show them what <i>good</i> is??? If you think it's okay, your child will. If you settle for it, your child will. If you curse every other word, your child will. If you gossip and talk about people, your child will. If you skip church, your child will. They watch you. They look up to you. You are all they have. Be a <i>good</i> example. I want to be a good example. Even if it's to just one person. It has to start somewhere. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Being good is a choice. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You aren't born good. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You don't just <i>become</i> good. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's how we handle our life experiences and how we use what God gives us. And we are all human... so we can never be good enough- there will always be room for improvement (no matter how good we think we already are). But you know what the best part is? God is always on our side and He always wants us to try. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We all mess up, and we will continue to mess up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But God always forgives us and lets us try again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As long as we continue to try... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6V1zkYbW2XgUONrk1sTYigCTcM-9x8OizT1nyETcjR3XpkLDa3_JCLWGwDeJStBjggQ57zEpGtPuJDdFmcshHQNKxdKkGO9Gfot29ka2jmWE-oghV8f0JanCNaVNiIuh1sGOVVFN7RHU/s1600/DSCN7438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6V1zkYbW2XgUONrk1sTYigCTcM-9x8OizT1nyETcjR3XpkLDa3_JCLWGwDeJStBjggQ57zEpGtPuJDdFmcshHQNKxdKkGO9Gfot29ka2jmWE-oghV8f0JanCNaVNiIuh1sGOVVFN7RHU/s400/DSCN7438.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-18597758984054484822013-10-09T12:46:00.001-05:002013-10-09T12:46:16.540-05:00:)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I often sit down and write a paragraph or two... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
thinking that it's time to start blogging again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then I erase them, get up, and continue on with my day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What is there to write about anymore? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I realize no one is interested in my boring day-to-day life. You guys read and grew to love this blog looking at pictures, watching videos, and learning about the life of my Tripp. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I guess there are plenty things I could say. Honestly, there has been so much that has happened since I stopped blogging that there's no way I could squeeze everything into one post (at least not one that anyone would read)... maybe that's another day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I could surely preach on about what terrible shape our world is in and beg everyone to pray and go to church so we can turn it around before it's too late- but you might call me a holy roller and quit reading. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I could write about being sad and missing my baby and how hard it is to go on about my day-to-day life watching everyone else with their kids. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But seriously, who wants to hear about that? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maybe I'll talk about the weather and how beautiful it's been around here? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bored yet? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I <i><b>have</b></i> been receiving emails and letters from a lot of you... and that's what makes my heart smile. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And what also makes me want to start writing again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But it's pretty difficult when you write on a particular subject for so long... and then you have to change your tune. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What do people like to hear about? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What makes people read blogs? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did you gravitate towards a love story </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
between a mother and son? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did you crave the inspiration from a small </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
angel who was fighting his battle? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did you fall in love with the drumming skills </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
of a little boy who couldn't see? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Or was it trying to understand <i>faith</i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
with such a difficult cross to bear? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I do wonder that... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wonder what made our support system grow SO big in such a short time? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What made a community step up so beautifully and get involved? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What made hundreds of thousands of strangers all over the <i>world</i> send us kind words and encouragement?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maybe I'll never truly know. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I'm starting to realize a little more every day that God had a reason for all of this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm, of course, not yet sure of what it is... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and I'm not sure what I'm supposed to do about it...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but I'm hopeful that I will find out soon. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I do know, that as I look out of my window right now, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I see a precious little orange butterfly...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and when I turn my head the other way, I see this... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCJFcftjiv7-ASY53m3x9jmpshMNLjwrKhWKg0ymAXsLyoEBUTlalUIyx_Asjdq6xq-URdSfImzAEHpja33EzQTlBBq1WJS80fOCrKwXHYSC8b2mroeHxraOEihmmZMxpoGt31567HYs/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCJFcftjiv7-ASY53m3x9jmpshMNLjwrKhWKg0ymAXsLyoEBUTlalUIyx_Asjdq6xq-URdSfImzAEHpja33EzQTlBBq1WJS80fOCrKwXHYSC8b2mroeHxraOEihmmZMxpoGt31567HYs/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God is always talking to me... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just have to learn to stop and listen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbCggiYn8yK_d7iefBUQcZSDXZObrg10Uei1Xgt_zeeNjPlYM0GRctJwg7J5w8ig-kWPIzEnVR1pJQ2NdggM66_54cPGJeMhwwFt_pMWKwhABbzPEvmPmIDuGqcnnfAnsymcVFG7Kc04/s1600/IMG_0773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbCggiYn8yK_d7iefBUQcZSDXZObrg10Uei1Xgt_zeeNjPlYM0GRctJwg7J5w8ig-kWPIzEnVR1pJQ2NdggM66_54cPGJeMhwwFt_pMWKwhABbzPEvmPmIDuGqcnnfAnsymcVFG7Kc04/s320/IMG_0773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com73tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-64072364820919228902013-05-14T10:56:00.000-05:002013-05-14T10:56:23.984-05:00My baby turns 4 in Heaven<div style="text-align: center;">
Once again, I am blown away and humbled by all of the support for my baby boy.<br />
It means SO much to me.<br />
I'm sorry I've been away for so long. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I honestly don't even know if I can still write. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've sat down so many times in these past few months, but I just couldn't find any words to write. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At least not any positive ones. It just feels so wrong not to write about Tripp... and how his day was and the new things he learned or how he is doing. I would give anything to be writing about those things again... and to be sharing new videos of his little spoiled rotten personality. <br />
<br />
This Mother's Day was harder than last year. To be honest, I feel like I was in such a dense fog last year that I don't even remember it. Sometimes I impress myself at how strong I am. But it's dangerous. It's unhealthy for me to be so strong. Because now, it's been a year and a half... and I'm flat-out exhausted from being strong. It's tiring to act like you're okay when you're dying inside. It's exhausting to smile on the outside when you are crying and screaming and kicking like a baby on the inside. And the worst thing that I've done is pretend with the people closest to me, that I'm strong and I'm okay. Because the people closest to me are the people that I should be the most honest with. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My baby would be 4 years old today. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't even know how to grasp that.<br />
Today, 4 years ago, was the day that made me the happiest woman alive. That's no lie. I had waited my entire life for the day I would have a child. And now, it's so wrong that this day makes me so sad. I know there's no better place for my baby to be, than with Jesus in heaven... but I want him here, with me. In my arms, blowing out candles, and opening presents. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Moms, can you imagine only getting 2 birthdays with your baby and then never being able to see them again? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm heartbroken. I'm nauseous. I'm sad. I'm empty. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm all of those things and more.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This video was his second birthday. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the back of my mind, I thought there would be a chance that I wouldn't get to spend his 3rd birthday with him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I didn't want to believe it. So I refused to believe it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We lived for the day... actually, we lived for the minute. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fim0Yq6WpW8" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm haunted by the fact that my baby suffered so much. It haunts me every day and it's so hard to cope with. I know in my heart that I did everything I could... but did he know that? Did he think I was a good Mommy or did he look at me as someone who would inflict pain by bathing him and bandaging him and suctioning him? I just think how wrong and unfair it was that I lost my child and had to hold him as he took his last breaths... but also that our time together was interrupted by so much pain and suffering. This is what I'm struggling to get past now that the shock has worn off and reality is pounding at my door. As a mom, I did what I had to do to make my child happy and comfortable. But as a mom, it also weighs SO heavily on me that Tripp had to endure all of the pain that he did. And the fact that I could do nothing... just wears and tears at my poor (already broken) Mommy heart.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I sometimes try and picture what our life would be like if he were still here with us. Stephen and I trying to decide what to get him for his birthday... and trying to decide where to have his party and what theme it would be. But then I remember that he would be 4 years old. We wouldn't have to decide those things... he'd be able to tell us exactly what he wanted and where he wanted to go. <br />
God, how I long for that. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's hard to comprehend that I <b>should</b> have a 4 year old.... here, with me... every day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That we should be starting pre-school and t-ball practices. I should be washing little dirty boy-clothes. I should be hearing the pitter-patter of little feet during the day instead of a dead silence. I should be teaching him how to ride a bike. I should be listening to my baby tell silly jokes that don't make sense, I should be waking up in the middle of the night because he's afraid of monsters, I should be having to wake up at the crack of dawn to fix my baby breakfast instead of opening my eyes every morning, holding back the tears, realizing that it's true... it's not just a bad dream, that my baby really is gone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And EB took all of those things away from him, and away from us.<br />
And the reality is... that maybe one day I will get to do some of these things with another child, but I will never get to do them with Tripp. And as much as people try to tell me that it's okay- that I'll get to be a mom again one day- it's not okay for me. Maybe one day it won't be the first thing I think about when I wake up, or the last thing I think about when I go to sleep... but it will never stop hurting. It might hurt less... but that aching, empty feeling of missing my baby... will never go away completely. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You cannot replace the loss of a child with ANYTHING... ever. No matter what anyone says. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another baby will never replace Tripp. Ever. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And even though Stephen was already the <i><b>most amazing</b></i> "non-official" step-dad to my baby boy that I could have ever asked for, knowing that Tripp will never get to officially know Stephen as his step-dad, breaks my heart. How is it fair that I finally meet the perfect man and someone who will one day be an extraordinary dad, and I don't get to share him with my very own child?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You know, I've been thinking hard about what I could say to help people understand. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How could I possibly put into words what a bereaved mother goes through, just to simply try and help others even just for a minute... try to comprehend the pain. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't think I can... but that doesn't mean I won't try. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've suffered a lot in the past few months with seeing other kids and other moms with their kids. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I really, really hope that no one gets offended by this, because I'm truly not trying to offend anyone, I'm just simply trying to explain how I feel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Someone who has never had a baby of their own or who has healthy babies, or has never experienced the loss of a child... will never <i>fully</i> appreciate what a blessing it is to have a child. I'm sorry, they just won't. No matter how much they try, no matter how much they <i>say</i> they do... It's just human nature.<br />
Of course they love their children and appreciate them when bad things happen to other people, but you can't fully appreciate someone until they are gone. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For an example, I will never fully appreciate what it means to be a healthy human being- because I've never been seriously ill, or disabled, or paralyzed, or had a disease or been in a bad accident, etc. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or I will never fully appreciate what it means to have my eyesight... because I've never known what it's like not to be able to see. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
However, I believe that I fully appreciate what it would be like to have a perfectly healthy child, because not only have I experienced having a child who suffered a cruel and debilitating disease... I've also experienced the loss of my child. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's just a fact. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You don't appreciate something or someone until they are gone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I'm not going to lie, it hurts to be around other moms and their children. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Especially ones who aren't sensitive to your feelings. Who (figuratively) dangle their children in your face ...or feel the need to talk about their children constantly in our conversations.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's just not appropriate. I'm sorry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And no matter how much someone thinks I should be over it... like I already said... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will never be over it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable, but I'm uncomfortable every day. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sometimes I just wish that people would be a little bit more aware of their surroundings and the people that they are associating with. If you are hanging around someone who recently lost a child, you wouldn't gripe or complain about having to do something for your child or talk about how bad they are. You wouldn't talk about how much you miss your child who's been away for the weekend (when the person who lost their child has missed them every day since they have been gone and will miss them for the rest of their life). That's like being around someone who is blind and asking them to look at something you see. It's inappropriate. That's common sense... or at least to the mother who lost her child or the person who is visually impaired, it seems like common sense. I know It's hard for people to understand, because the fact that I have lost my son and that I'm sad all the time, is not something that is constantly on other people's minds (like it is on mine). And like I've said, I know that before I lost Tripp, I was also oblivious to other people's feelings. But now that the unimaginable has happened to me... it's hard sometimes to think how people can be so oblivious, especially people who have children and KNOW what that type of love it is. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Imagining having that love and then losing it.<br />
That's a hard thing to imagine. And trust me, it's a hard life to live.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My goal lately has been to try to be more open about my feelings. To try and let other people know when I'm upset or when something they say is inappropriate to say to someone who has lost their child... to be HONEST... but I'm failing miserably. It's hard. It seemed so easy to tell other people how I felt when Tripp was still alive. It was so easy because all I cared about was what was best for him... and if someone didn't like that, well then too bad for them. But it's not as easy when you're trying to take care of yourself and what's best for you. At least not for me, it's not. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So as I celebrate my son today (with an aching pain in my heart and in my arms), I ask you to celebrate him, too. By hugging your children extra tight, or telling someone you love them, or just being extra nice to someone today. <br />
Stephen and I, along with my parents and his parents... will plant a 4 year old cypress tree in the back yard today, in honor of my baby's 4th birthday. And I will watch it grow.<br />
And then we will watch his videos... and laugh and cry. <br />
And I will wish -so desperately- that I was able to watch my baby grow. <br />
<br />
I'm so sad that I will never have new videos or pictures. <br />
Even though I took thousands, it will still never be enough.<br />
Oh, how my heart aches to hold him again.<br />
<br />
Happy<b> 4th</b> Birthday, my Bubba. <br />
Mommy can't wait until I see you again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK8PYY4nH-a5bivjnj_mIqBCH2cBMb6fGx-4Ibly2Q94c_L3qdC204Hz6nKuweyUM5MXIaaZIXa6qyj4BHQBtxDSdolFikV_kSOMDXk_9-hEdgpygg47ZdQcAUfVpjyUjvCBbxuxvjS0/s1600/DSC_0724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK8PYY4nH-a5bivjnj_mIqBCH2cBMb6fGx-4Ibly2Q94c_L3qdC204Hz6nKuweyUM5MXIaaZIXa6qyj4BHQBtxDSdolFikV_kSOMDXk_9-hEdgpygg47ZdQcAUfVpjyUjvCBbxuxvjS0/s400/DSC_0724.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com88tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-63172428178343497352013-01-14T00:00:00.000-06:002013-01-14T08:50:37.102-06:00One Year... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today cannot be real. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish it were a bad dream. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today was the day that I never actually thought would get here. It's a day that that has haunted me since the day he left my arms. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I told myself (and countless others who asked) that I was going to give myself a year after Tripp passed away to organize my thoughts, and then decide what I was going to do with my life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A year seemed like an eternity... that's why I said that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now today makes one year... and if it's possible, I think my heart may be more broken <i>today</i> than on the day he actually went to be with Jesus. The shock has faded and reality is BANGING at my door. That's what I get for always trying to be in control... for giving myself a timeline to heal the loss of my child. A timeline is not possible. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a whole year since I've held him in my arms. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A whole year since I've kissed his lips.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A whole year since I leaned close and told him I loved him.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's been a whole year and I still don't understand why he's gone. I still can't comprehend why other people get to keep their babies and I didn't get to keep mine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He was my world. My heart. My everything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now he's been gone a whole year. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Where did it go? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't kiss those big beautiful, plump lips... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRllfSkQw-qQP0c8P7spSvZ2ayVOOUUG-IubPAjUJqD2awK1saqZLIYOSoeOMsbsIhGhKHF4eNm9LkBkcJ_X3usEyn3gElA4USHfqp2oKL6E9pcO-WHDzjvYJZxL3Qdkew6AB1-Eehp40/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-8-%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3357955634339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRllfSkQw-qQP0c8P7spSvZ2ayVOOUUG-IubPAjUJqD2awK1saqZLIYOSoeOMsbsIhGhKHF4eNm9LkBkcJ_X3usEyn3gElA4USHfqp2oKL6E9pcO-WHDzjvYJZxL3Qdkew6AB1-Eehp40/s400/232323232%7Ffp-8-%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3357955634339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2MInWeN5a8JEAoGGxZlXg9Ut52ChV3pRbmvgZq_rT-OWeWyiXagxWakVwSMk1TBc0bjaQBRQMQYpcgJGIcZTH57KDDTJ62iyg-WUNfq8F7rArJeCTAJ0dK1DLOTm9buxRi6brUMP97ZR/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;3-%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34;6363355339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2MInWeN5a8JEAoGGxZlXg9Ut52ChV3pRbmvgZq_rT-OWeWyiXagxWakVwSMk1TBc0bjaQBRQMQYpcgJGIcZTH57KDDTJ62iyg-WUNfq8F7rArJeCTAJ0dK1DLOTm9buxRi6brUMP97ZR/s400/232323232%7Ffp;3-%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34;6363355339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9N398X0wWFrDtqzIk-IQTMZpAw1Qi2BUz__MqdXb9p4P4DRdCpKra-raFY9lVnMy530sC42alfy-sKOLqHMJgLZ_JIgC7pgfgYkgf_w5-_fDmP40fQQq6QHjiXsI-aZnyFq8qi-NF4m1/s1600/232323232%7Ffp9-2%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=33656883%3C;339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9N398X0wWFrDtqzIk-IQTMZpAw1Qi2BUz__MqdXb9p4P4DRdCpKra-raFY9lVnMy530sC42alfy-sKOLqHMJgLZ_JIgC7pgfgYkgf_w5-_fDmP40fQQq6QHjiXsI-aZnyFq8qi-NF4m1/s400/232323232%7Ffp9-2%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=33656883%3C;339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmmMRgLsqVGAn6J0w-VeWI4l8Fir0ea812sVfMM93JzJ8bhn70JNsjU3C3KcCxnIu0dFhCEpoAi32HKIaAZTnFJrn9B7hPxXVdgYD1U8kXZ4eWzUPU111eBVb4OMkM1rVD8h8LE0Js65A/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;54%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552395448339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmmMRgLsqVGAn6J0w-VeWI4l8Fir0ea812sVfMM93JzJ8bhn70JNsjU3C3KcCxnIu0dFhCEpoAi32HKIaAZTnFJrn9B7hPxXVdgYD1U8kXZ4eWzUPU111eBVb4OMkM1rVD8h8LE0Js65A/s400/232323232%7Ffp;54%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552395448339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't look into those big gorgeous brown eyes... </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsHsI086KmV3-bhLpp2wFAgoFl4CwVz9Mr1MDlVdZ6CJiig2Tn8-g2n6VLEEqB1dN0yDhEdsuHtM4KLvpxNj0CFSNXhN35EDS4OQri_E7lXWbrde9SaAS0MvdSJTIEG0QKM3F34ZtV-Pb/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;94%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552%3C;6443339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcsHsI086KmV3-bhLpp2wFAgoFl4CwVz9Mr1MDlVdZ6CJiig2Tn8-g2n6VLEEqB1dN0yDhEdsuHtM4KLvpxNj0CFSNXhN35EDS4OQri_E7lXWbrde9SaAS0MvdSJTIEG0QKM3F34ZtV-Pb/s400/232323232%7Ffp;94%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552%3C;6443339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzn4n9UNnj6uABYkBkdyPUO33cvd4HD9qicT_SG1XpJziQjaBx9S6CrWI_8eo2Sk0U4dPnDCf6dmYeBbg3imecUmQaJinqocQvNlb5K6oO0a14bf9oZQKpf-Y1M2MqNtImZDou6B7T5TS-/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;-9%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355333-275339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzn4n9UNnj6uABYkBkdyPUO33cvd4HD9qicT_SG1XpJziQjaBx9S6CrWI_8eo2Sk0U4dPnDCf6dmYeBbg3imecUmQaJinqocQvNlb5K6oO0a14bf9oZQKpf-Y1M2MqNtImZDou6B7T5TS-/s400/232323232%7Ffp;-9%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355333-275339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71WeXnATeTTMDvDaMTdAZ-IxnoCRuI5NL6htYIcX-hcgM6_3pUz6Bp-KOuqJ2RIB1Oe-nzcLri3r8geDbzdLvKmRBtQDyz8s6N3QCM1zyMLVLZi6jYg15g0WIT3Hiv1bnXRFJqjGjgSG7/s1600/232323232%7Ffp8%3C6%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335794%3C667339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71WeXnATeTTMDvDaMTdAZ-IxnoCRuI5NL6htYIcX-hcgM6_3pUz6Bp-KOuqJ2RIB1Oe-nzcLri3r8geDbzdLvKmRBtQDyz8s6N3QCM1zyMLVLZi6jYg15g0WIT3Hiv1bnXRFJqjGjgSG7/s400/232323232%7Ffp8%3C6%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335794%3C667339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkp2WrTcLM0GsoDLP3AzV1eKFEzVESTOQ29jQPR_5LMctstKUZeVV0xhqdOwGc8C-o8oJxP1WXuwh_ZtqqoQjjuw6U2MVf3BvhIABrhmsvfKE5Rqc98tpEQT5kFMn8awFB4wwxMxPB4-sN/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;-9%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=35528-4;65339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkp2WrTcLM0GsoDLP3AzV1eKFEzVESTOQ29jQPR_5LMctstKUZeVV0xhqdOwGc8C-o8oJxP1WXuwh_ZtqqoQjjuw6U2MVf3BvhIABrhmsvfKE5Rqc98tpEQT5kFMn8awFB4wwxMxPB4-sN/s400/232323232%7Ffp;-9%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=35528-4;65339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginsJi2RI3FGNADVhnniOgxIZHx-MPZGc94CPBjSdtA30qLU-Cu9gvh2XANqWUlo46Jk_YqA2XqTCKR0O-UIvT5GAau_NEdiofZ6WmLWA6GadCYiJAcj7J9VR4ZIQjekbPh-BX90LIJvkn/s1600/232323232%7Ffp--5%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34575;-28;339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginsJi2RI3FGNADVhnniOgxIZHx-MPZGc94CPBjSdtA30qLU-Cu9gvh2XANqWUlo46Jk_YqA2XqTCKR0O-UIvT5GAau_NEdiofZ6WmLWA6GadCYiJAcj7J9VR4ZIQjekbPh-BX90LIJvkn/s400/232323232%7Ffp--5%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34575;-28;339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't hold that sweet hand, or rub and kiss my favorite little feet...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOsCAZtXml-saydzQ8KeGDU7NO_4Dd3l09cHvESd8xYacBmOLs4wrDCdetmNKH86Ebpxr_L2KedQXwCYs-sdOxOwXix5Stb-yDKapW-e0J3QtivHledoTHmRqowwFZBFEUnbkhGt-i64J/s1600/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335793-6%3C2339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOsCAZtXml-saydzQ8KeGDU7NO_4Dd3l09cHvESd8xYacBmOLs4wrDCdetmNKH86Ebpxr_L2KedQXwCYs-sdOxOwXix5Stb-yDKapW-e0J3QtivHledoTHmRqowwFZBFEUnbkhGt-i64J/s400/232323232%7Ffp997%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335793-6%3C2339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1plC96ol2MPnRC0uel3X7lLzvSfBtI7cLfMQqImXA3e1SkaKaffqDzqp6msf94DJmQyY8sN8I7xiRftU9Lht5SUZIP_ceyGCllW6gG9MZ8u1sHQKXfVfVi4kckJj-7aHMVskBaKiWsumu/s1600/232323232%7Ffp99-%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=32%3C3%3C;72%3C8339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1plC96ol2MPnRC0uel3X7lLzvSfBtI7cLfMQqImXA3e1SkaKaffqDzqp6msf94DJmQyY8sN8I7xiRftU9Lht5SUZIP_ceyGCllW6gG9MZ8u1sHQKXfVfVi4kckJj-7aHMVskBaKiWsumu/s400/232323232%7Ffp99-%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=32%3C3%3C;72%3C8339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx27tXvFQusDQNsr9okVIXlygy0oppnuUWhpaR6SDLeH_15zB8yqs7B2hysJlI-dR5wHIbGbCm2Ozd3WVskZjdlLrSED9Y08LrrCnFh8nMyJWLNnLDHFNj-kL_-RcTzJlf5jWxWltLIaFs/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-94%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=33579469;7339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx27tXvFQusDQNsr9okVIXlygy0oppnuUWhpaR6SDLeH_15zB8yqs7B2hysJlI-dR5wHIbGbCm2Ozd3WVskZjdlLrSED9Y08LrrCnFh8nMyJWLNnLDHFNj-kL_-RcTzJlf5jWxWltLIaFs/s400/232323232%7Ffp-94%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=33579469;7339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And what breaks my heart the most of all, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is that I can't see that beaming, glowing, amazing SMILE</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
that he gave me for 2 years and 8 months. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpobzAwmPaB6LNy_ZufQJHi4Jk5v-Dz0KNTFzfm-P7Pc-f1Pq6VArvFQAbmbW_VExm467f2S0eooSjBH2d38Fd41anQUjoBfLwQZ4iN1b78NUhAbaw5gmfv27kTYfZvNdcuGcJi3Jt-FBx/s1600/232323232%7Ffp---%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=345762-45;339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpobzAwmPaB6LNy_ZufQJHi4Jk5v-Dz0KNTFzfm-P7Pc-f1Pq6VArvFQAbmbW_VExm467f2S0eooSjBH2d38Fd41anQUjoBfLwQZ4iN1b78NUhAbaw5gmfv27kTYfZvNdcuGcJi3Jt-FBx/s400/232323232%7Ffp---%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=345762-45;339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i8AEb4byPRq-LFpRm_7okgCxPhkBWWIs5TV1l6Zs86X0975vlQ-wv7qtBqX68YlG3GT1LtXnzuJyDjCX0isf4A9jHI-huny39VgGIWWqnMV_dasx3RffihvcqZTVAQOaM-WhVA649xWl/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-%3C2%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34%3C39;%3C24-339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i8AEb4byPRq-LFpRm_7okgCxPhkBWWIs5TV1l6Zs86X0975vlQ-wv7qtBqX68YlG3GT1LtXnzuJyDjCX0isf4A9jHI-huny39VgGIWWqnMV_dasx3RffihvcqZTVAQOaM-WhVA649xWl/s400/232323232%7Ffp-%3C2%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34%3C39;%3C24-339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN2-1tx5lV6PGmy0Orh_zNhdfTst7au-AfNgwiofFllN95PKPUUTIw43DmICLWEt6U8IQO8y5x1Aa-o3XkBcx2Ffzl6VCszDzwjFixRXw_DtcU14FP-05mvtJy4ksydFZu0ivdMx4nQnM/s1600/232323232%7Ffp9-6%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335794-583339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxN2-1tx5lV6PGmy0Orh_zNhdfTst7au-AfNgwiofFllN95PKPUUTIw43DmICLWEt6U8IQO8y5x1Aa-o3XkBcx2Ffzl6VCszDzwjFixRXw_DtcU14FP-05mvtJy4ksydFZu0ivdMx4nQnM/s400/232323232%7Ffp9-6%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335794-583339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkHctxUA0mmIxLbaF1kByQhiphQfzNrZ8uBMRwT1eTMxgEfBmDYKcyTzD9FjiDyt4OI5YFf_tPHS0cdA52HFZM9DZVh4PjKzvegUae27gYCc4Kl4_UaOscWvQm6AAsZFjzGSro25x5Is6/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-82%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335794576-339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqkHctxUA0mmIxLbaF1kByQhiphQfzNrZ8uBMRwT1eTMxgEfBmDYKcyTzD9FjiDyt4OI5YFf_tPHS0cdA52HFZM9DZVh4PjKzvegUae27gYCc4Kl4_UaOscWvQm6AAsZFjzGSro25x5Is6/s400/232323232%7Ffp-82%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335794576-339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijon6brFt-tWq3YVbG0-viVT6GeI5zuW0NZkqUMA323aAYzSL4GfdzNnvylzs0rog9HHKoUIrivroJWnvMp53BpsLOc7wytkezO9kW2DdnnxA_FIyP5_WjVjpN2Ogn8PAlUTT0vh8dWcRc/s1600/232323232%7Ffp8%3C8%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=32;556;945339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijon6brFt-tWq3YVbG0-viVT6GeI5zuW0NZkqUMA323aAYzSL4GfdzNnvylzs0rog9HHKoUIrivroJWnvMp53BpsLOc7wytkezO9kW2DdnnxA_FIyP5_WjVjpN2Ogn8PAlUTT0vh8dWcRc/s400/232323232%7Ffp8%3C8%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=32;556;945339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ORJ60Nx3ZiPHjg8svH0Swtb-WKCnKVz3Mex_JM1T3_1BUGf6mlsgbP9SM2_eRdDj-TuON7818x6ObNw1UsFVOuUVRrwhjAArqnk_qj4BY_Yr3BdFcQzA63-B1rf-3tl2GFDwJZWZRa8f/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-9;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3457637553339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ORJ60Nx3ZiPHjg8svH0Swtb-WKCnKVz3Mex_JM1T3_1BUGf6mlsgbP9SM2_eRdDj-TuON7818x6ObNw1UsFVOuUVRrwhjAArqnk_qj4BY_Yr3BdFcQzA63-B1rf-3tl2GFDwJZWZRa8f/s400/232323232%7Ffp-9;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3457637553339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="362" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHHniYSphwLKMyQqfht0cJ9V28pU4IV6kQFUWJZpDKMfcL9BtntyHb-Z5izu5MAc2sRUXFZDaIb-ZPPOJ4clpgbLcehxSRsUoJGFjEKrQFLzZw-XkKK5DRs5DiPihAQ4We9TGBP2etWOC/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-85%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335795%3C;4-339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHHniYSphwLKMyQqfht0cJ9V28pU4IV6kQFUWJZpDKMfcL9BtntyHb-Z5izu5MAc2sRUXFZDaIb-ZPPOJ4clpgbLcehxSRsUoJGFjEKrQFLzZw-XkKK5DRs5DiPihAQ4We9TGBP2etWOC/s400/232323232%7Ffp-85%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335795%3C;4-339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtO2sa9iXRaXEcInokh5OtSAuTGDoTkqHTSwXw_s1Kky8hMAWq3ZRlXLzWRMdb02bwKYUNRDogs9pNel-asBfzawPCCky4z95uheytjeLoApdjrDlS1Cq8bgU2zK_IvSFWVsPAsWkpbBr/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-%3C8%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34%3C39;;54;339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPtO2sa9iXRaXEcInokh5OtSAuTGDoTkqHTSwXw_s1Kky8hMAWq3ZRlXLzWRMdb02bwKYUNRDogs9pNel-asBfzawPCCky4z95uheytjeLoApdjrDlS1Cq8bgU2zK_IvSFWVsPAsWkpbBr/s400/232323232%7Ffp-%3C8%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34%3C39;;54;339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFyPAwE5bFwICWi4DfXJaou7ZaMc0W5dq_8ohZuTVAK8ZjI8FSWZ4FEwY-bjpRNXs4ZXPzDtCaTRNjdKdMxfc5H88X53dUo3hLlI1kzUco2MdpSXZdmKPcTvMBq1lxHvM8zDL2P0c9Lyc/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-9;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=345762-43-339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWFyPAwE5bFwICWi4DfXJaou7ZaMc0W5dq_8ohZuTVAK8ZjI8FSWZ4FEwY-bjpRNXs4ZXPzDtCaTRNjdKdMxfc5H88X53dUo3hLlI1kzUco2MdpSXZdmKPcTvMBq1lxHvM8zDL2P0c9Lyc/s400/232323232%7Ffp-9;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=345762-43-339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgVayYOx3oWfoQsABo86ry5VtksUvt5w7VJ7gelv__VQhSQbYmyEvz_fh1avD5eCVw196Vnd5GQmMRSp2fKtepe97iorrX97iLTwJSG-hJeSglOdAZYV1XxiM8DYdRRUnLgB_1pc3KzRG/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-83%3Enu=3365%3E568%3E444%3E2456568535248ot1lsi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgVayYOx3oWfoQsABo86ry5VtksUvt5w7VJ7gelv__VQhSQbYmyEvz_fh1avD5eCVw196Vnd5GQmMRSp2fKtepe97iorrX97iLTwJSG-hJeSglOdAZYV1XxiM8DYdRRUnLgB_1pc3KzRG/s400/232323232%7Ffp-83%3Enu=3365%3E568%3E444%3E2456568535248ot1lsi.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPI6Krw128C1ZLlE73Wl_reP-LHIG9h4jjrNKTV6unxXJhN2zwBuEZwnvG1CM-mwpwHG-PLfllZTBciOrvMf0Fq4si6DyCi15Qa-WsLbJOyIzf34WBrx4XD3MMKWlIKKwd5uSK09gOZvi2/s1600/232323232%7Ffp9-;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=336566-594339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPI6Krw128C1ZLlE73Wl_reP-LHIG9h4jjrNKTV6unxXJhN2zwBuEZwnvG1CM-mwpwHG-PLfllZTBciOrvMf0Fq4si6DyCi15Qa-WsLbJOyIzf34WBrx4XD3MMKWlIKKwd5uSK09gOZvi2/s400/232323232%7Ffp9-;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=336566-594339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9BG5oSoCMm5d88yjyIEWbbNoWuxtssiiqQ9gMkDmJR3LhdtREQyLzVXANl2Kg2jzlrHZXW5MCWJ3WQKOQHsJshdOK43VLUTnkx1iHIxpALEWOaxH2Tv7CQPTmg9KE5mzddIUBAqLf1ox/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;47%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355239725;339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK9BG5oSoCMm5d88yjyIEWbbNoWuxtssiiqQ9gMkDmJR3LhdtREQyLzVXANl2Kg2jzlrHZXW5MCWJ3WQKOQHsJshdOK43VLUTnkx1iHIxpALEWOaxH2Tv7CQPTmg9KE5mzddIUBAqLf1ox/s400/232323232%7Ffp;47%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355239725;339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cRraK0wNE-_s4OYyc4gsArhCLU1nTd05-Pb71ykNTzmLRUrd_W7ydyLDQktFUHlWleLgwqts0ACkf7T_t2l8TvGJPbaxHbaWG97YPjSjWjaCSXdBHGfBV3vi9vm6_Tjkuay4UphxI7JE/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;56%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552398;%3C;339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cRraK0wNE-_s4OYyc4gsArhCLU1nTd05-Pb71ykNTzmLRUrd_W7ydyLDQktFUHlWleLgwqts0ACkf7T_t2l8TvGJPbaxHbaWG97YPjSjWjaCSXdBHGfBV3vi9vm6_Tjkuay4UphxI7JE/s400/232323232%7Ffp;56%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552398;%3C;339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTc-SK03d9Gj1wp1Xd-gji_NHz4a30z58eeHKs2TQjkqmfcdVNNvvAKDNlGk8OVBsRY2OpHisemzWLW5QD57jURzXyqajwuW1Yu50HhOmVgMyhMLeAKZkWmcTRh4svnLfgtIamY4t5koO/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;83%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552398-37339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTc-SK03d9Gj1wp1Xd-gji_NHz4a30z58eeHKs2TQjkqmfcdVNNvvAKDNlGk8OVBsRY2OpHisemzWLW5QD57jURzXyqajwuW1Yu50HhOmVgMyhMLeAKZkWmcTRh4svnLfgtIamY4t5koO/s400/232323232%7Ffp;83%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552398-37339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl-rEOv85aArXlECS8xnXYZAn34ofx7Ax757_9dUxqazJyIi7mWwtwi8G1zEOT749DpyNklTaX79w6I55ZN99tZLx51e0zMRts2rgUx9KAfBmRfBgw-K5EKUIS8ky9S0FP6RWGMxcuWYQ/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-9-%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=345762-437339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl-rEOv85aArXlECS8xnXYZAn34ofx7Ax757_9dUxqazJyIi7mWwtwi8G1zEOT749DpyNklTaX79w6I55ZN99tZLx51e0zMRts2rgUx9KAfBmRfBgw-K5EKUIS8ky9S0FP6RWGMxcuWYQ/s400/232323232%7Ffp-9-%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=345762-437339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXepx0t3kr5UxPHqMIKNfQcpnJm40jUV4sNy46a2BUxvuFOtlPzYQDdxUJzXSh5szIdOZ12tCDdAQcosvDCT36i7d1NXXoLUVmdv7rkKuHrFpP3e8dY1djx8FQ6uFqIzAN1IVEqUwRiNS/s1600/232323232%7Ffp999%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335794-5-7339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXepx0t3kr5UxPHqMIKNfQcpnJm40jUV4sNy46a2BUxvuFOtlPzYQDdxUJzXSh5szIdOZ12tCDdAQcosvDCT36i7d1NXXoLUVmdv7rkKuHrFpP3e8dY1djx8FQ6uFqIzAN1IVEqUwRiNS/s400/232323232%7Ffp999%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=335794-5-7339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pUrj8OapBGhvJtAvdU-kqmdZRoegM28gI-DPuf1-YxuA50p5zEDL5Uxc-hgbxWDwsaKdeZ7Qmi9nsU5icbIuVnQxCE3vmwBjoIEkPs79kNF_OpmhImxdxRb9S3vhYL7GmEWvyPeezq5Y/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;96%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355239-8%3C4339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pUrj8OapBGhvJtAvdU-kqmdZRoegM28gI-DPuf1-YxuA50p5zEDL5Uxc-hgbxWDwsaKdeZ7Qmi9nsU5icbIuVnQxCE3vmwBjoIEkPs79kNF_OpmhImxdxRb9S3vhYL7GmEWvyPeezq5Y/s400/232323232%7Ffp;96%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355239-8%3C4339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGeQW5H1AJ0m-lsBIspxMx2wi_VXtPyCwvuvULyAHpojXoZEwUBIpcDab8YNr_MhQ2mp0BYgCTtKRR_d3qjOWud2B_poU31uTykNNpYzbJA0bFQTEbi4RhXAKgyFxsJ1ah2F1UK0azjG1/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;58%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552396;6;339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBGeQW5H1AJ0m-lsBIspxMx2wi_VXtPyCwvuvULyAHpojXoZEwUBIpcDab8YNr_MhQ2mp0BYgCTtKRR_d3qjOWud2B_poU31uTykNNpYzbJA0bFQTEbi4RhXAKgyFxsJ1ah2F1UK0azjG1/s400/232323232%7Ffp;58%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552396;6;339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="298" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAz6sUXZBCLgwZQPW704RLnobeMGMJJOGTwu6GsmObDs8VzSl2vUXYHUvbVcFuvhB8a2EYK_lxqcdrcvPQx0oKC_hlsFVy8plAice3K7t5Vbim40oOmXPVZJaG3WF0PDamrsolT8MEN39/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;-7%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355239844-339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAz6sUXZBCLgwZQPW704RLnobeMGMJJOGTwu6GsmObDs8VzSl2vUXYHUvbVcFuvhB8a2EYK_lxqcdrcvPQx0oKC_hlsFVy8plAice3K7t5Vbim40oOmXPVZJaG3WF0PDamrsolT8MEN39/s400/232323232%7Ffp;-7%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355239844-339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupsxGxWOe0JqcxE2aiFL3CW9vBeKNyQ9UQ3NAThphAr6UlFt9DgeL5EDfyMK3OOa6Vv0YY75gh29oEYUhduFx2xIjGWyel3OEzGFoe8aG8rXfC8kAA8bG9ttbhbHkVVjMVDHagfoyTWmY/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;9-%3Enu=3552%3E;;9%3E26-%3E2643;;935;248ot1lsi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupsxGxWOe0JqcxE2aiFL3CW9vBeKNyQ9UQ3NAThphAr6UlFt9DgeL5EDfyMK3OOa6Vv0YY75gh29oEYUhduFx2xIjGWyel3OEzGFoe8aG8rXfC8kAA8bG9ttbhbHkVVjMVDHagfoyTWmY/s400/232323232%7Ffp;9-%3Enu=3552%3E;;9%3E26-%3E2643;;935;248ot1lsi.jpeg" width="300" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtitLv2z0cwslkyVXSvC_1XtnyjjQUUT6gcLYTB4Lz00usNSvDeBmu7snuEDtppA3wcocfjSC3b5dbsVTGV3CdDjZaMD1S4coktAP8j3jZgQxXEq-W8ie_foyXmT8ZUzXs7-GKbiT2yxOT/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-98%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=345762%3C5-8339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtitLv2z0cwslkyVXSvC_1XtnyjjQUUT6gcLYTB4Lz00usNSvDeBmu7snuEDtppA3wcocfjSC3b5dbsVTGV3CdDjZaMD1S4coktAP8j3jZgQxXEq-W8ie_foyXmT8ZUzXs7-GKbiT2yxOT/s400/232323232%7Ffp-98%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=345762%3C5-8339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzQP9berFJjwsFxwo-97IA5FXh9-A4gzb-UvGS4dd9Do7ZRRu9hquRRV0fvLbch5Lx7kK8M9bP9mn68t2jTF245dUBbKUeDv4DVBogXfRESPVvLgUmbZ68G0BZ1Xjs3zc1HdCT4UnvEDS/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;32%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34%3C869958;339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzQP9berFJjwsFxwo-97IA5FXh9-A4gzb-UvGS4dd9Do7ZRRu9hquRRV0fvLbch5Lx7kK8M9bP9mn68t2jTF245dUBbKUeDv4DVBogXfRESPVvLgUmbZ68G0BZ1Xjs3zc1HdCT4UnvEDS/s400/232323232%7Ffp;32%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34%3C869958;339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdr_eSTWSnD4OSllMmLQybHrGDveG-aClSOcf8CPp5HjDaW4nDbpjun6P9-nTO-wUQZgyirDhjKmkU7RrzEeznX_AYndacGFhmXnksh9gfMQdM8AVHPO1zWGz1HVqfnukWhoxlaclIlzWa/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;33%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34%3C86-78-3339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdr_eSTWSnD4OSllMmLQybHrGDveG-aClSOcf8CPp5HjDaW4nDbpjun6P9-nTO-wUQZgyirDhjKmkU7RrzEeznX_AYndacGFhmXnksh9gfMQdM8AVHPO1zWGz1HVqfnukWhoxlaclIlzWa/s400/232323232%7Ffp;33%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34%3C86-78-3339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't hold him in my arms, or rock him in our favorite chair... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLIcNM3XmmugQvv77Upjm-iyUNZaoGOtmDmIFV-AJRI7tfP1Esq7ko3jR5mwX7NOJy-J2GXlipLPMifD3NgP-iVca8zCaF57fHqoZA9KlsbqiQQlzN3qVyWSQL9q3OGIaBycMeLrttVwi/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-92%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=337676%3C686339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhLIcNM3XmmugQvv77Upjm-iyUNZaoGOtmDmIFV-AJRI7tfP1Esq7ko3jR5mwX7NOJy-J2GXlipLPMifD3NgP-iVca8zCaF57fHqoZA9KlsbqiQQlzN3qVyWSQL9q3OGIaBycMeLrttVwi/s400/232323232%7Ffp-92%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=337676%3C686339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JKHueteqMOUrP2n5hBMu7UcwWWM_3pHHo3pGFMwNiMTvFxVrT6vN0jLcqWMn9JLu73F-GMCHycCHIp4EG2q7DW5XtN3kUQyp3IrzNIXBuK0XaINc0tsI-LY9EoDfoMTWS2eCCWcaNo4Z/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;-;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552%3C;7256339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JKHueteqMOUrP2n5hBMu7UcwWWM_3pHHo3pGFMwNiMTvFxVrT6vN0jLcqWMn9JLu73F-GMCHycCHIp4EG2q7DW5XtN3kUQyp3IrzNIXBuK0XaINc0tsI-LY9EoDfoMTWS2eCCWcaNo4Z/s400/232323232%7Ffp;-;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=3552%3C;7256339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXXZ5mvSdB3WTWbENjtq3x1lAzeZRWePFaxpAvjaBsC1cgpOHIkg0qcJYLK6CcWF0fCZCyzA-NHkCBjDKiUYZASERIhVVrRzkq7gumgEJBCwvdak62vZsbu8HA-MBLepAWGcK8jr2ITgW/s1600/232323232%7Ffp935%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=32;3;5;96-339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXXZ5mvSdB3WTWbENjtq3x1lAzeZRWePFaxpAvjaBsC1cgpOHIkg0qcJYLK6CcWF0fCZCyzA-NHkCBjDKiUYZASERIhVVrRzkq7gumgEJBCwvdak62vZsbu8HA-MBLepAWGcK8jr2ITgW/s400/232323232%7Ffp935%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=32;3;5;96-339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cCK_rrRILygcGC_uQ0BnI382tqoIC8zUBFcfaKZyhB2jwiKh290SljzUe3q4YSgKbIBlOxiTZY-mWgaPMTjsfBFnY1jXdc3jk6bmnrRr6DTxC8910Js8EC73lUNvThOwshEPuhQJwqpq/s1600/232323232%7Ffp9-5%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=32%3C3%3C-7388339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cCK_rrRILygcGC_uQ0BnI382tqoIC8zUBFcfaKZyhB2jwiKh290SljzUe3q4YSgKbIBlOxiTZY-mWgaPMTjsfBFnY1jXdc3jk6bmnrRr6DTxC8910Js8EC73lUNvThOwshEPuhQJwqpq/s400/232323232%7Ffp9-5%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=32%3C3%3C-7388339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r2oq6_cBSW_QNvYGO5FMyLTuvmnrxr9Sg5OhdRPu02vynB0z2OTzq9Baa1dtE2GMSflsc1f3HHv-NvR_6jnPLILaxGlBvBi1IUbJgTmZAR3vCQFc8MRbRWnpESNzNBV88d1nxSL5kT-B/s1600/232323232%7Ffp-%3C2%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34%3C3-88;-5339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5r2oq6_cBSW_QNvYGO5FMyLTuvmnrxr9Sg5OhdRPu02vynB0z2OTzq9Baa1dtE2GMSflsc1f3HHv-NvR_6jnPLILaxGlBvBi1IUbJgTmZAR3vCQFc8MRbRWnpESNzNBV88d1nxSL5kT-B/s400/232323232%7Ffp-%3C2%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=34%3C3-88;-5339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I can't play drums with him anymore, or sing Elmo, or dance... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YpFKx9iU94kN_Atzo9y8tRh-vKQ5R2QKrC5nFBH1bSWiJXBRSMQ2I7Fm8C5RxiBZDFaP-o4WhI1sWE_qYq68ciqw2U-unJ2dc7Fb9X_ZJ9ZJd7pCaT2uG2hr_8Bfw_XQpw4ZS63zrUJq/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;9;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355238%3C369339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_YpFKx9iU94kN_Atzo9y8tRh-vKQ5R2QKrC5nFBH1bSWiJXBRSMQ2I7Fm8C5RxiBZDFaP-o4WhI1sWE_qYq68ciqw2U-unJ2dc7Fb9X_ZJ9ZJd7pCaT2uG2hr_8Bfw_XQpw4ZS63zrUJq/s400/232323232%7Ffp;9;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355238%3C369339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-IkMe0P4NqYVVaHBMjUhjq0DSsOgW4Ks642ajRKMNdISmGmCkdimSwGqbUbake9CKrVgM0K4j_894uZUPFqMPhwDFSwg7gpNZ-c_zgR4Pt-y-6g0BtZziIyBag2bSFtsqbeWqDfbr21_/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;44%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=35663--888339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-IkMe0P4NqYVVaHBMjUhjq0DSsOgW4Ks642ajRKMNdISmGmCkdimSwGqbUbake9CKrVgM0K4j_894uZUPFqMPhwDFSwg7gpNZ-c_zgR4Pt-y-6g0BtZziIyBag2bSFtsqbeWqDfbr21_/s400/232323232%7Ffp;44%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=35663--888339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kR16J8v7auxqfjPdpHxccsyDLq1v7e2vKCEkPBDsM7j-fN6rFBQGohUkmsqzKprh5QvlWRUbHCTcZyhbel1_TP2IXPa8JNeGMkfAmvATjEkuQNZrNEdJhzT1rHBz8pabHt_ujlUQASmz/s1600/DSCN7244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kR16J8v7auxqfjPdpHxccsyDLq1v7e2vKCEkPBDsM7j-fN6rFBQGohUkmsqzKprh5QvlWRUbHCTcZyhbel1_TP2IXPa8JNeGMkfAmvATjEkuQNZrNEdJhzT1rHBz8pabHt_ujlUQASmz/s400/DSCN7244.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByyEXdYjQSGP9wRPreQB42R69APEszseS_26nlfBwqmfvspr3iAfgT118KPKq91yVOTKeP2vqIFI-U1A6WOuxSgqIRAJ3wWlmo8MAid23OpXPVI-W1Y-xuR2k7tfWu7udjTKB1kCpPhCr/s1600/DSCN7294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiByyEXdYjQSGP9wRPreQB42R69APEszseS_26nlfBwqmfvspr3iAfgT118KPKq91yVOTKeP2vqIFI-U1A6WOuxSgqIRAJ3wWlmo8MAid23OpXPVI-W1Y-xuR2k7tfWu7udjTKB1kCpPhCr/s400/DSCN7294.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41iWDsemguzNo_oHX5uk6aqu7P4NvAnRgp9biV1OPB7t5-MjeELFxcP3NMeoX6iOmlilVm1j1Rx5whOyrhb66CozYjz77_xbKr1xoF-N_SmybcHXW2Bx6IYk9ZKJv4sQdORRbtg6ue-wE/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi41iWDsemguzNo_oHX5uk6aqu7P4NvAnRgp9biV1OPB7t5-MjeELFxcP3NMeoX6iOmlilVm1j1Rx5whOyrhb66CozYjz77_xbKr1xoF-N_SmybcHXW2Bx6IYk9ZKJv4sQdORRbtg6ue-wE/s400/IMG_0003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCqrvwj27ZXzn8cPnilVhhmCAzgzUcxZWMK0GTZv1L7JwX5KKuSFmVQLJXnIrOIFNNuhOKwSV9sd-5PxANRNcE2BtEZJ-IPKxkI39eheQydfBvvL3-nSburfI8VIvwsb3UtXkNc4srELd/s1600/DSCN7440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCqrvwj27ZXzn8cPnilVhhmCAzgzUcxZWMK0GTZv1L7JwX5KKuSFmVQLJXnIrOIFNNuhOKwSV9sd-5PxANRNcE2BtEZJ-IPKxkI39eheQydfBvvL3-nSburfI8VIvwsb3UtXkNc4srELd/s400/DSCN7440.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgul2HQalarAUf35I-zWEL1ut-TBv7RDMpj5CbUV5BMC3izNP_tvN7miJyMIByTwMUjXFgoQBPE6Mf1BYHTJNkezBnFy0hOU6TLy4wBt1JaGpPbYnpQCkb4bDFx-eIG2nGU8URxJzRiu3c_/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;7;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355238%3C888339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgul2HQalarAUf35I-zWEL1ut-TBv7RDMpj5CbUV5BMC3izNP_tvN7miJyMIByTwMUjXFgoQBPE6Mf1BYHTJNkezBnFy0hOU6TLy4wBt1JaGpPbYnpQCkb4bDFx-eIG2nGU8URxJzRiu3c_/s400/232323232%7Ffp;7;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355238%3C888339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoeAr1AFMyObUSzqJy-gj2Mu8etFAon8p0WH4saI8-Iof2HJUSYwo3W2-bYuS8W-QWkwFQymO5OFRtx-mNBP9-xzkDux5WmWu_EstoBcLgF3CrUSL1QTwoBHxw3nUwKaaOiwwJOkPxgdQ/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;74%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355239964-339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIoeAr1AFMyObUSzqJy-gj2Mu8etFAon8p0WH4saI8-Iof2HJUSYwo3W2-bYuS8W-QWkwFQymO5OFRtx-mNBP9-xzkDux5WmWu_EstoBcLgF3CrUSL1QTwoBHxw3nUwKaaOiwwJOkPxgdQ/s400/232323232%7Ffp;74%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=355239964-339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't comfort him anymore like a mommy is supposed to do. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Instead, I have to trust that my baby is with Jesus in Heaven, and that he will never need comforting again. And it's not fair. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS8cRXN_wCsexcw06zKUOSzNbEFnMzTlmvX66zIFa9O5sbxVt8VriFrSX_sIex1D7Rz9j4ixXN3AE4Dwwng4TlAaa6O1kzkWEsQXbc0ahpSZOJa66x6iRBw2uNIEGwHvpx0j6la-OlY9m/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;82%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=35663;453;339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfS8cRXN_wCsexcw06zKUOSzNbEFnMzTlmvX66zIFa9O5sbxVt8VriFrSX_sIex1D7Rz9j4ixXN3AE4Dwwng4TlAaa6O1kzkWEsQXbc0ahpSZOJa66x6iRBw2uNIEGwHvpx0j6la-OlY9m/s400/232323232%7Ffp;82%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=35663;453;339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaUSqLejEc7WyzDrCvcOPB2_GADvWbuKCS6YiMITLiL-K6LUP1UlvFZhvHEuAC9JL7P32b2yut_iNKnYDRXLTQbpGvf5PjqhiLgCPAtgq0tL4ZdKB_5l-N95yrnGlhSjFReJsySAUDCbI/s1600/232323232%7Ffp;;;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=354;99984-339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPaUSqLejEc7WyzDrCvcOPB2_GADvWbuKCS6YiMITLiL-K6LUP1UlvFZhvHEuAC9JL7P32b2yut_iNKnYDRXLTQbpGvf5PjqhiLgCPAtgq0tL4ZdKB_5l-N95yrnGlhSjFReJsySAUDCbI/s400/232323232%7Ffp;;;%3Enu=3233%3E8-5%3E864%3EWSNRCG=354;99984-339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My heart is broken into about 4 million pieces. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I know that I will never ever be able to get that one piece of it back. The piece that made me the happiest girl in the world. The piece that finally made me complete. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My baby boy... who is now my little angel. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>Dear parents (whom I know or do not know) who have ever lost a child:</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so so SO sorry that before January 14, 2012, I have had NO clue and was totally oblivious to your pain. Because there is no pain like it. There is no way to describe it. There is no way to make anyone ever be able to understand it, whether they have kids of their own or not... or whether they are a part of your own family or not. No one will never understand... unless they have lost a child themselves. And I'm so sorry for that. And you have beaten yourself up mentally trying to get them to understand. You can't understand why their lives can go on. How they can be so happy and so care-free when your life has ended and your heart has been ripped out of your chest. It isn't fair. And it isn't their fault. I try to picture myself before having Tripp. I think of how I might have acted around someone who had lost their child. Would I have said, "Oh hi, how are you?" And did they roll their eyes at me and think to themselves, "How in the *bleep do you THINK I am??" Or would I have had a conversation with them and totally ignored the fact that they had lost their child? Or never mentioned that I was sorry? Did I actually do these things with women I knew who had lost children? I don't know. Because I couldn't possibly have understood before now. I couldn't have understood what it would have been like to give birth to a human being, fall desperately in love with him or her, live my life for him or her, and then have them taken from me without explanation. Everything you love in life- things, people, possessions.... will NEVER compare to the amount of love a mother has for her child. Never. EVER. I don't care what anyone says. So, I truly do want to say that I'm sorry. I am sorry that you feel alone. I am sorry that you have to think about the death of your child all the time when most people don't remember. I'm sorry that you have to have Christmases and holidays and birthdays without your child. Because now I know what that feels like. And I would rather someone beat me unconscious every single day of my life than to have to feel like this. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please know that I feel your pain... and that you are not alone.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The pain I feel isn't about "understanding why this happened" or "being mad at God." The pain is simply just MISSING HIM. It's a physical, gut-wrenching, nauseating pain knowing that you can't hold your baby. Or hug him. Or kiss him. So people that say it will be okay and that I "will be with him again one day," don't understand that I know I will be with him again one day... but that it's NOT okay. Nor will it ever be okay not to be able to be with my baby. It's not supposed to happen that way. I'm supposed to go first. Will I cope and live normally? Yes. But it will never be okay that my son is not here for me to hug. That pain of missing him will never go away. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope and pray it gets easier... and that I can see and play with other kids without having that gut-wrenching, guilty feeling the whole time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That is my constant, daily prayer to God... Peace in my heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Peace to comfort my broken heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My parents have been a greater support to me than I could have imagined. And I guess now that I know the feeling of loving your child, I understand more how much they must love me. My heart hurts daily for my parents. Tripp was their first grandchild. And also had to suffer this past year, watching their friends and siblings with their grandkids when they didn't have theirs. I know how much they wanted grandkids and how excited they were when they found out I was pregnant. And I know that it's a different pain than losing your child, but I can imagine that they hurt for me, as well as hurt because they miss Tripp, too. And my sister, who just had a sweet baby boy of her own and lives states away, always manages to stay in daily contact. She will always be my best friend, and always always there when I need her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am just so grateful for the never-ending, unconditional love and support of my family </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(especially on the days that I'm a complete witch).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I could have <i><b>never ever </b></i>survived those 2 years and 8 months without my mother. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That's a <i><b>fact.</b></i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll never be able to re-pay her for all she's done and continues to do for me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Best Mom Ever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am also overwhelmed with the blessing God snuck into my life 2 years ago. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I knew from the moment Stephen came into mine and Tripp's life, that he was a great guy. But with me being so hurt and mistreated in the past, it took me a little while to be able to appreciate the man that he <i><b>really</b></i> is. And when I finally did, Oh, can I tell you how good that felt? I finally have a real man. I finally know what it is like to be loved unconditionally. I feel what it is like to actually be comforted when I am sad. I know what it feels like to have someone believe in me, and want to be a TEAM- by working together every day to make our relationship better than it already is... not just using the excuse that it's <i>hard</i>. We have learned so much from each other. I believe God saved Stephen for me. I truly believe that. And I thank Him every night when I lay my head down on my pillow. This month also makes 2 years since Stephen and I started dating. Starting two years ago, almost every single day, he would come home from work, come over, and sit on the couch behind the rocking chair... for hours. And just hang with us. Never getting "bored" or never letting on that he wanted to be anywhere else. Always being perfectly fine with the fact that I couldn't leave the house or that we never got to be alone. He was so patient. He took to Tripp so wonderfully. He jumped right in, with both feet. I remember how nervous I was the first time Stephen came over to meet Tripp. I wasn't sure how he would act or what he would think. But he sat on the floor in front of his toys, and started playing with him like they had been best buds for years. The little drops of blood from Tripp's fingers when he would accidentally play too rough, never once bothered Stephen. And it made my heart melt. And since then, he has been the glue that has held me together. He would help mom and I with Tripp's baths... and just stand by our side for hours while I bathed him... handing me supplies as I needed them. He's shared my tears, my smiles, my meltdowns... and most importantly, he shared in my son's life. So he actually got to know and love a piece of my heart outside of my body... for an entire year of his life... which has been SO important in our relationship and being able to understand what we went through. He has held my hand through it all. He treats me better than I even deserve sometimes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I get to become his wife... I am a lucky, lucky girl. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God has also shown me how active He's been in my life by the friends He's sent me. I haven't figured out if they are angels yet, but I'm pretty sure one of them curses way too much to be an angel... just kidding, Amy! (those of you who know Amy, understand that :). I met Amy through Ch.6 news when they asked me to do a story. Since then, she has texted me every single day (never ever missing a day) to check in on me. She has been an <i><b>amazing</b></i> friend. If I don't text her first, because I'm having a crap day... you can always bet she is going to text, even if just to say "how was today, my friend?" A simple "how are you" and acknowledgment that I'm hurting means so much these days. And I can always count on it from her. Well through my friendship with Amy, I met Jenn Lormand, who I told you owns Ascension Fitness in Metairie. I have been working out with Jenn on and off for about 6-8 months now. Jenn is amazing. She has been an amazing friend and such a huge part of my healing process this past year. Well Jenn... being the one who is always wanting to do something to help me... just recently introduced me to another woman who works out at her gym, named Erin. Erin lost her precious son to an accident when he was 14 months old. It has been 7 years, and she has since then had 4 more children. She is amazing. She is exactly what I hope to be in 7 years. This friendship that I am just starting with her, is only one that can be sent by God. She's exactly what my broken heart needs. Someone who I can relate to. Someone who can say, "I know how you feel" and actually REALLY know how I feel. I can tell her anything. I can tell her that I lay my head on the pillow sometimes at night and pray that my heart stops beating because it hurts too much. And she understands the pain. She checks in on me regularly, and offers to get a sitter for her children so that we can have lunch. Or she will just text to check in and see how I'm doing. I am more grateful than words to have her to talk to, to cry to, or to laugh with (without feeling guilty about it). So it just shows, how God put Amy in my life when Tripp was a little over a year old, to be the friend I needed, and then Amy lead to Jenn in my life at the time I needed to pull it together, and then Jenn led to Erin into my life at <b><i>the perfect time</i></b>, when God knew that I was at the end of my rope and couldn't handle it on my own anymore. He knew I needed someone who had been in my shoes. And that before now, I was too hardheaded to ask for help. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't think this "chain of friendship" was a coincidence. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
God knows. He listens. He is present. And He is GOOD. He had my life planned out from the beginning. He knew everything that would happen. And He knows everything that is going to happen. I just have to remember to trust Him. So my goal this year, is to <i><b><u>TRUST HIM.</u></b></i> Through the pain, through the heartache, through the torture of every birthday and holiday... through the days when I feel like giving up, I want to remember to trust Him. It will by no means be easy. But I believe the only way that I'm going to find some peace... is by building a better relationship with God. And that relationship begins with<i> trust</i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I am, AS ALWAYS, overwhelmed by the continued support of all of YOU.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All of you wonderful people who have followed our story, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
who have prayed <i><b>with</b></i> me and <i><b>for</b></i> me, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and who are still supporting me a whole year later... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I am so thankful for you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll never be able to say that enough. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you for the mail, the letters, the gifts, and the kind words.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But for most of all, continuing to remember my sweet boy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And continuing to raise awareness about EB so that one day no one will have to suffer from it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b>Thank you...</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
from the bottom of my broken heart. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrjwBn45xvsnW0RqkEw_pKrAJppL7_oADDYBqq6n0J823D4rd1H_F7cED1MSK6TOKypC8DN5TLhkDxhNxJJ_7xnu-BvLpM2Dyy2kDYrURnMjIhW_o1J2iLIvAnF4jq-PAiIm369xmcb8n/s1600/232323232%257Ffp%253B86%253Enu%253D3233%253E8-5%253E864%253EWSNRCG%253D3552%253C-%253B8-5339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrjwBn45xvsnW0RqkEw_pKrAJppL7_oADDYBqq6n0J823D4rd1H_F7cED1MSK6TOKypC8DN5TLhkDxhNxJJ_7xnu-BvLpM2Dyy2kDYrURnMjIhW_o1J2iLIvAnF4jq-PAiIm369xmcb8n/s400/232323232%257Ffp%253B86%253Enu%253D3233%253E8-5%253E864%253EWSNRCG%253D3552%253C-%253B8-5339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com168tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-38889000685641606142012-12-18T21:20:00.000-06:002012-12-18T21:20:01.831-06:00Tripp's Memorial <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today was a very sad day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Suddenly everything seemed so real. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I couldn't be <b><i>more pleased</i></b> with the way it turned out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was well worth the wait. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think it honors Tripp and his life perfectly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Elmo is hugging Tripp's "drum," shown by the drum stitching etched along the sides... The quote below his name is the same one I used for his services that Fr. Mark Beard has always told me reminded him of Tripp. It reads, "Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words." Tripp never spoke a word, but showed so many people the true meaning of LOVE. I think the quote speaks of his life perfectly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Below is my "Pinky-Swear" poem that I wrote back in July of 2011. And then of course, my favorite picture of my baby in the right bottom corner. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such a special tribute for a truly special boy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A HUGE THANK YOU again to Mr. Bobby Landry, Ian, Nelson and everyone from Amite Marble and Granite for their hard work, time, dedication and <b>patience</b> to make this beautiful memorial possible. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And of course, I want to thank all of you again for the unending love and support you have shown to my family and me through these past years. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is truly appreciated. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89pcRyQg5qrN8IQ-PT46HxSbFJgeyEgH4mM_7lkOCefZto3EXQOw5_iJ87OV9JTRwgO-VcliZkFAx9yMVm9Wyo8h2yiUxqvkErAi82f29xbmyIA12v0OWzYrWx82U7-DTHM6h1vlzTuJT/s1600/DSC_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89pcRyQg5qrN8IQ-PT46HxSbFJgeyEgH4mM_7lkOCefZto3EXQOw5_iJ87OV9JTRwgO-VcliZkFAx9yMVm9Wyo8h2yiUxqvkErAi82f29xbmyIA12v0OWzYrWx82U7-DTHM6h1vlzTuJT/s400/DSC_0928.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JAK7B265vtWlv5rCPe3kmigSHda2boUTTxAdlLwvXjiiXXM6LNb7DuE-1vxtEvbZQzv-ZyJj37yz3FQ4PRn8zQ_5xLUB15r-KhyOos0oyf7f2qURLWfl7pklr_f2YWiW6lVYimRmf5QX/s1600/DSC_0937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0JAK7B265vtWlv5rCPe3kmigSHda2boUTTxAdlLwvXjiiXXM6LNb7DuE-1vxtEvbZQzv-ZyJj37yz3FQ4PRn8zQ_5xLUB15r-KhyOos0oyf7f2qURLWfl7pklr_f2YWiW6lVYimRmf5QX/s400/DSC_0937.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8Sbyk19ZcI9f62ONNkPnGKH2Z_klTwoJ11vVz-q2IASVZySnMoRvMGM1Xha_1Mwgzw3Gygn0cv7IHz-n_UbG48C9m9nXyrlwhLhFJ1YLsQ1xy4pr_y33MGCCjVJR3yRGEDpNw_UKWRmf/s1600/DSC_0929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8Sbyk19ZcI9f62ONNkPnGKH2Z_klTwoJ11vVz-q2IASVZySnMoRvMGM1Xha_1Mwgzw3Gygn0cv7IHz-n_UbG48C9m9nXyrlwhLhFJ1YLsQ1xy4pr_y33MGCCjVJR3yRGEDpNw_UKWRmf/s400/DSC_0929.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfM226lWOR0R-1qmZXW-JkvwytlFVz2VqnJ6XREx_xCHZ70cWemSEyi4u7pSPelS5cuYof1rWt6sS52SqleW4ENy0c9Vinv53aUfiIn2HETAJcNR1_a1ZOPDys1yFNhu19m_WFU4paf8jU/s1600/DSC_0932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfM226lWOR0R-1qmZXW-JkvwytlFVz2VqnJ6XREx_xCHZ70cWemSEyi4u7pSPelS5cuYof1rWt6sS52SqleW4ENy0c9Vinv53aUfiIn2HETAJcNR1_a1ZOPDys1yFNhu19m_WFU4paf8jU/s400/DSC_0932.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqp7jJbz5mfuw9GTQbd88CROKBFGju2EttWN8DNG8RisVcAf4NG5vakEQ8aDEKdgVMY80mMh9WX_Yu8W9x-X6_9qjc-1GQ6XW8CUg9BBhfsxRoQRT-ZGxGy11C87QxCzVL0cvNqfbcnT0/s1600/DSC_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqp7jJbz5mfuw9GTQbd88CROKBFGju2EttWN8DNG8RisVcAf4NG5vakEQ8aDEKdgVMY80mMh9WX_Yu8W9x-X6_9qjc-1GQ6XW8CUg9BBhfsxRoQRT-ZGxGy11C87QxCzVL0cvNqfbcnT0/s400/DSC_0934.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPFnv8P-sJjT31jr6VrnX8j3IxiKc4MONdZ9OLyatYOx_2xpzLBtGy53LoWoffMgatXuJqE2pu5dCuIXPOkjIC7EofAuWSWnfZkt5ARej3LuZVYKZAW1wwS1ZAMPh8TD3U3b6DYNecBNS/s1600/DSC_0936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpPFnv8P-sJjT31jr6VrnX8j3IxiKc4MONdZ9OLyatYOx_2xpzLBtGy53LoWoffMgatXuJqE2pu5dCuIXPOkjIC7EofAuWSWnfZkt5ARej3LuZVYKZAW1wwS1ZAMPh8TD3U3b6DYNecBNS/s400/DSC_0936.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrr4hUZdFm0J1AqJ6pfmRM5UIKA2gg1ya0nzMnyYeNvwGCYjee3hDSd8rukooojBtihrb7g_-htXXujsnMJq83RGZPGjehVbZ5P_vny3BUDyzxTCwhxnpyiPELk0M71sECxXrFxevAE0I/s1600/DSC_0940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrr4hUZdFm0J1AqJ6pfmRM5UIKA2gg1ya0nzMnyYeNvwGCYjee3hDSd8rukooojBtihrb7g_-htXXujsnMJq83RGZPGjehVbZ5P_vny3BUDyzxTCwhxnpyiPELk0M71sECxXrFxevAE0I/s400/DSC_0940.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIKhAMSkSu29tixxvDcfH6tRZ_AT0m6LbcjsMvSNl6GQVDLv8jsbCq3MhCyExGvK59m1OWRGTkfGlF8T1G-8EMo6tpKFPl_AN9qtkOTuPzcJBU9IFsJtUYuSuejGfeGbBKKJl1MGsAhTh/s1600/DSC_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKIKhAMSkSu29tixxvDcfH6tRZ_AT0m6LbcjsMvSNl6GQVDLv8jsbCq3MhCyExGvK59m1OWRGTkfGlF8T1G-8EMo6tpKFPl_AN9qtkOTuPzcJBU9IFsJtUYuSuejGfeGbBKKJl1MGsAhTh/s400/DSC_0941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-XPzEhsOBihgd6WUiihPA2WxJ1jKxRWm-qASfKKE0DkQh4y-6pBYfZuVHCylHNzd0BJ5IPJ7Ss3RiMUiRjlfj_HMrBbisDXNDZpR1Ef9qa3UVyDQdWu638mBcG7QrKlKh6sAWZz9VJdK/s1600/DSC_0944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw-XPzEhsOBihgd6WUiihPA2WxJ1jKxRWm-qASfKKE0DkQh4y-6pBYfZuVHCylHNzd0BJ5IPJ7Ss3RiMUiRjlfj_HMrBbisDXNDZpR1Ef9qa3UVyDQdWu638mBcG7QrKlKh6sAWZz9VJdK/s400/DSC_0944.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkU6Rn6HuqnvgyjwsUGdVSeqaFVd-Ni0sNueknDZYrxptbcxk8UIP-qUNdv2R24pojoRw5nbWIy1B1wNKemn0erdXZMgr_yTty00qXKjKZbidvc0ON5TPJOGUqX-VD-xYq5HcCSeaF8a7/s1600/DSC_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkU6Rn6HuqnvgyjwsUGdVSeqaFVd-Ni0sNueknDZYrxptbcxk8UIP-qUNdv2R24pojoRw5nbWIy1B1wNKemn0erdXZMgr_yTty00qXKjKZbidvc0ON5TPJOGUqX-VD-xYq5HcCSeaF8a7/s400/DSC_0948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpce1ZNWYwBoeYPW7wMf4Ty6dA8vSwxCYr4ZJ6cP1v0X5PLTuGD9QrYOrYEf5zHnne6ru8NnQ6go9ioC1CP1aMq1t_HOiFemU3uD6Wc66iVPKBvFx6fm728ZOPtmX4dHQ4YW_jmnJk8VFT/s1600/DSC_0950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpce1ZNWYwBoeYPW7wMf4Ty6dA8vSwxCYr4ZJ6cP1v0X5PLTuGD9QrYOrYEf5zHnne6ru8NnQ6go9ioC1CP1aMq1t_HOiFemU3uD6Wc66iVPKBvFx6fm728ZOPtmX4dHQ4YW_jmnJk8VFT/s400/DSC_0950.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_004CZGIcE9D1AjEgvFTHTxbClW3NS9vDa2a2swJ24R3Mp8OpqP1bGNykytLJxAG2viF2N6aIM3aywVjrk5sF9WTCWQ4Ww6nVeIYlwKbeRzhkb6lAahDPVvkdHy-KzrjlvwFa5lxewSu/s1600/DSC_0951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_004CZGIcE9D1AjEgvFTHTxbClW3NS9vDa2a2swJ24R3Mp8OpqP1bGNykytLJxAG2viF2N6aIM3aywVjrk5sF9WTCWQ4Ww6nVeIYlwKbeRzhkb6lAahDPVvkdHy-KzrjlvwFa5lxewSu/s400/DSC_0951.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlyMxJCKkrQ1ONYolGKRtZKT6WvmX0jsex5D8C7N6-0rtEgu8kbsZh4denyg5IXvhdiVpj102zXDBLLi-RfSLmy7brtLtuObiNZe5fWAXwcJse8iXp8845_df1DZcNWmA-0mh-eHE_QEi/s1600/DSC_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlyMxJCKkrQ1ONYolGKRtZKT6WvmX0jsex5D8C7N6-0rtEgu8kbsZh4denyg5IXvhdiVpj102zXDBLLi-RfSLmy7brtLtuObiNZe5fWAXwcJse8iXp8845_df1DZcNWmA-0mh-eHE_QEi/s400/DSC_0955.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FFWJbKbIv3P0JFyoiVlFJhYze4KWB1je7aX0mi-cOP9F0n0jwmQwnj46oeVLtc2GpqBYanxL4VwJJH2x03xYZy6AxfQCZp4smZ-H-nAQLabWPwnLXosKx24vEzMpzB7KZuQJwT9pi1-i/s1600/DSC_0957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7FFWJbKbIv3P0JFyoiVlFJhYze4KWB1je7aX0mi-cOP9F0n0jwmQwnj46oeVLtc2GpqBYanxL4VwJJH2x03xYZy6AxfQCZp4smZ-H-nAQLabWPwnLXosKx24vEzMpzB7KZuQJwT9pi1-i/s400/DSC_0957.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtI1K0WeT_pcaEAZfLNrcW7v5lwyohwJ1O0aHge803FGNpF9gNOR8PxxyKzwzmk_jujYRD2mWvZzkSu7pjGnn3LWlxs8-0hJo6f6Oz2N-apX0uni07mZKfbo7_Bwh2OD8tt_DmdyrkSGb/s1600/DSC_0959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtI1K0WeT_pcaEAZfLNrcW7v5lwyohwJ1O0aHge803FGNpF9gNOR8PxxyKzwzmk_jujYRD2mWvZzkSu7pjGnn3LWlxs8-0hJo6f6Oz2N-apX0uni07mZKfbo7_Bwh2OD8tt_DmdyrkSGb/s400/DSC_0959.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhNoxsgyk_w1NEepLYFjpj-ees9vlIxnuZaHzNGDiWqZ0orTscEpdF6oLxMZG0hjYgjUkusPPEIB90FyvDB1e2DefxfYsWneR94S5sTZWQHNiQlRp3kR8iDx9BYIILTZNobTJBgAh54eE/s1600/DSC_0962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhNoxsgyk_w1NEepLYFjpj-ees9vlIxnuZaHzNGDiWqZ0orTscEpdF6oLxMZG0hjYgjUkusPPEIB90FyvDB1e2DefxfYsWneR94S5sTZWQHNiQlRp3kR8iDx9BYIILTZNobTJBgAh54eE/s400/DSC_0962.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vuiwgPChZlOb3rAtP44HS4jZQWVvv9ePpgvjIH7j0eVhr_TZR4QaFtrHQ43uw8eJXyiCOBUOHGwHaZfwTKQ0cDV0YwBnPJtg2kraYNLr2P4IOXoM8WKLQsRT5Hc9WvF_mL7X_RwdGQH_/s1600/DSC_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vuiwgPChZlOb3rAtP44HS4jZQWVvv9ePpgvjIH7j0eVhr_TZR4QaFtrHQ43uw8eJXyiCOBUOHGwHaZfwTKQ0cDV0YwBnPJtg2kraYNLr2P4IOXoM8WKLQsRT5Hc9WvF_mL7X_RwdGQH_/s400/DSC_0964.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQtiwDA7Dk6oyZxO7fgDSN513euG6Z1K3mrhoOdESP0YYFO2cLzutrUxm3X62akorH67SxUxD6_hQlLVyW6QBjy0BMrNYJj2KuTV2EVFH5tg4ioTvIT5xrKH_Zcg3ZGmJ92uflvj-EdqL/s1600/DSC_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFQtiwDA7Dk6oyZxO7fgDSN513euG6Z1K3mrhoOdESP0YYFO2cLzutrUxm3X62akorH67SxUxD6_hQlLVyW6QBjy0BMrNYJj2KuTV2EVFH5tg4ioTvIT5xrKH_Zcg3ZGmJ92uflvj-EdqL/s400/DSC_0963.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HkaD1_nL_dlCexjvomaYN4TDSq42wtq7pc9hMmpy8mqFrinY32-5F7E_41dbFOrvk75mTE8vcb1xzZIhYjuy7Gl1NWQi1f_wk7Bak_FIvFkSYg6AhB__ZGAUZITubYBzrDrtnMpbAn1c/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HkaD1_nL_dlCexjvomaYN4TDSq42wtq7pc9hMmpy8mqFrinY32-5F7E_41dbFOrvk75mTE8vcb1xzZIhYjuy7Gl1NWQi1f_wk7Bak_FIvFkSYg6AhB__ZGAUZITubYBzrDrtnMpbAn1c/s400/photo+2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53p8ez9dqAguc3uDpnJGm14kXwqjxVmwNNrtDUdZ1g8J-AhTN1sH-hJEwj5S4bIhloXJdabPhlicjt4lzcH5oH9tRzpAptTvcFiiP9OwyOFXD8k3lPM1ZcmFBYIfVmO38PqSUl0qtfqxV/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53p8ez9dqAguc3uDpnJGm14kXwqjxVmwNNrtDUdZ1g8J-AhTN1sH-hJEwj5S4bIhloXJdabPhlicjt4lzcH5oH9tRzpAptTvcFiiP9OwyOFXD8k3lPM1ZcmFBYIfVmO38PqSUl0qtfqxV/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com97tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-79557900439649849522012-11-14T12:31:00.000-06:002012-11-14T12:31:06.995-06:00My sweet boy, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the amazing 10 months you were alive... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and today makes 10 months since you've been gone. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now I wish the months would just stop... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't believe it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I miss your sweet face so much. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish I could kiss it again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I dream about the day I get to see you again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd5EF1OX3hLdutwExUl3Z3_l17a2EQ3VSlF9Gv7P5Ds80YaumXSPOJUOhALZKFys2nTdK3gLlACdhUskusCmON7XPCV1YbW2IkgHGQ0kzSd9JJS5vG3OexVqxh1ehOt2rInaprojdJVDU/s1600/232323232%257Ffp%253B-8%253Enu%253D3233%253E8-5%253E864%253EWSNRCG%253D355239-4%253C6339nu0mrj.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd5EF1OX3hLdutwExUl3Z3_l17a2EQ3VSlF9Gv7P5Ds80YaumXSPOJUOhALZKFys2nTdK3gLlACdhUskusCmON7XPCV1YbW2IkgHGQ0kzSd9JJS5vG3OexVqxh1ehOt2rInaprojdJVDU/s320/232323232%257Ffp%253B-8%253Enu%253D3233%253E8-5%253E864%253EWSNRCG%253D355239-4%253C6339nu0mrj.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mommy</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-78129676581961837892012-10-28T20:21:00.002-05:002012-10-28T20:21:05.883-05:00I'm officially a World traveler <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I haven't shared this with you guys yet </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>(I know, shocker... right?) </i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
but I am leaving <b>TOMORROW</b> to go to Medjugorje. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(For those thinking, "What in the world is that?..." <b><i>please</i></b> click <a href="http://www.medjugorje.com/">HERE</a> to learn more.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is a town where over 30 years ago, 6 different children started having visions of our Blessed Mother Mary. They are all now adults. And two of these adults continue to have visions of Mary. One on a monthly basis, and one on a daily basis. Medjugorje is an extremely holy, and from what I hear, a very peaceful place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This trip has been planned for about 6-8 months now. I am going with my parents and some close family friends, along with a group of about 60 other people from around this area. Fr. Mark Beard, a priest and our very dear friend, (who spoke at Tripp's services) will be one of the spiritual leaders for the trip. Fr. Mark has been to Medjugorje multiple times. He only became a priest within the last 3 years, and <i>actually, </i>the very first time he traveled there was <i>before</i> he was a priest. He was traveling to Medjugorje to prove that the place was a scam... <b><i>He came back, and joined the seminary.</i></b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He's one of the most genuine and spiritual people I know. Hearing him speak about his experiences in Medjugorje is so amazing and uplifting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Initially, I was really, <b><i>really</i></b> nervous about going and almost didn't reserve my place in time. Mom, dad and I kept going back and forth with whether we were going to book the trip. Because 6 months ago, I had no idea where my state of mind would be at this time or what would be going on in my life. But now I am SO glad that I decided to go. I am looking forward to this trip more than I could ever explain. I'm hoping to find peace of mind and praying that I find answers to what I'm supposed to do with my life and my career. Most importantly, I am so excited to strengthen my faith even more than I have in the past 9 months. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We leave tomorrow out of New Orleans around 1pm, then we fly into Houston. From Houston, to Frankfurt, Germany... then on to Dubrovnik, Croatia. From Croatia, we will take a bus into Bosnia and hopefully (if all goes well) arrive in Medjugorje around 4pm on Tuesday (including the 8 hour time difference). We will stay in Medjugorje for about 7 days. There, we will have the opportunity to share faith with thousands of pilgrims across the world. We will attend daily mass at St. James Church (James is my all-time favorite book of the Bible, if you haven't noticed :) We will also climb Apparition Hill where Mary first appeared to the young visionaries. We will get to also be able to do things such as meet with the visionaries themselves and see the "Blue Cross," which is a place of great healing and grace. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we leave Medjugorje, we will then fly into Rome for 3 days where will go into Vatican City and be able to attend the weekly Papal Audience and Blessing given by His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. While we are in Rome, we also get to visit the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and much more. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not even fully aware yet of <b><i>ALL</i></b> the things we are going to get to do (like I said, I've been very nervous about it, so I haven't done much research.... I kind of just booked it, and told myself I wouldn't think about it again until it was close). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, it's close. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not a good traveler... and I don't like to fly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I'm offering it up! I know Mary will grant us safe travels! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't WAIT to tell you guys all about it when we get back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, for EB Awareness week, I'm spreading the word all the way to Bosnia!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I'm bringing prayer intentions for every single EB patient and their families. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll have plenty of time to pray in peace at one of the most holy places in the world, so if you have a special intention, send me an email, and I will do my best to say a special prayer for you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's the least I could do, for all you guys have done for me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
OH, and for those who wanted me to keep them in the loop...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's how our new house is coming along! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm so blessed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lVk7y77cS3ojfhCr7CtQtkje3OuuK0iOZyF9J9X3JISS81yugfsMu0Jn9GLqv1i-6VRyw45Xg_rhAkM1euPC0MExRGBtAPQA1-J0XHuiQ2-2gxnot15mKovPByHyyiv7OnNijVXhg-75/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-lVk7y77cS3ojfhCr7CtQtkje3OuuK0iOZyF9J9X3JISS81yugfsMu0Jn9GLqv1i-6VRyw45Xg_rhAkM1euPC0MExRGBtAPQA1-J0XHuiQ2-2gxnot15mKovPByHyyiv7OnNijVXhg-75/s400/photo.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-43831265312850611552012-10-14T18:20:00.000-05:002012-10-14T18:20:58.710-05:009 months of missing you. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9 months ago today, I felt like I had my heart ripped out of my chest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And every day for 9 months, I have felt the aching pain of wanting you back in my arms. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It felt like a lifetime from the day I found out I was pregnant until I was finally able to meet you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now... that's how long I've been without you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes I still can't believe it's real. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Especially when I look at that beautiful smiling face... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soon, I'll be going through my first Halloween without you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Seeing all the other children dressing up and wishing you were doing the same. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And then my first Christmas without you... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Please help Mommy to be strong, sweet boy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope I make you proud. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The hope of seeing you again consumes my every thought. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I miss you more than I could ever say. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Especially today... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSX9njDvMz0RyipMrPmFUVYVBjWpY1HLKco6wPOhZ6bopUd0AChkqcv20M2NUTRfbAyAoz477ESsFK6Vh7XwLyX4idxZbqSx7FIs2AJCAdx8vlE4IUXSGihhKHYdRpkQYZUyQWfoSLc7M/s1600/DSCN5513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSX9njDvMz0RyipMrPmFUVYVBjWpY1HLKco6wPOhZ6bopUd0AChkqcv20M2NUTRfbAyAoz477ESsFK6Vh7XwLyX4idxZbqSx7FIs2AJCAdx8vlE4IUXSGihhKHYdRpkQYZUyQWfoSLc7M/s320/DSCN5513.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdDll1wgChIn8YLg2IoCT91FpUCE9kszEqAlOUOd4xk6xBiyDjOMm7UYXs3P5Hsl8ERN3Dvlp4RvHl2VYvDpcMoZX1BXk8QNerx800T6f0J28tBGX9r39qXeMNka3mWC4BVHEpWsEwYVU/s1600/DSCN5530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdDll1wgChIn8YLg2IoCT91FpUCE9kszEqAlOUOd4xk6xBiyDjOMm7UYXs3P5Hsl8ERN3Dvlp4RvHl2VYvDpcMoZX1BXk8QNerx800T6f0J28tBGX9r39qXeMNka3mWC4BVHEpWsEwYVU/s320/DSCN5530.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV26KEblmU_m_JZtVJ3-pO1Zdf5M9IdvSEOTF_Ry_0Hjesvt8X65SQXgNJ8IF-PJbTX0ezExedtk2Ovg-67VTcF5dqXjDcPY8HWsYe92diBl0KclhpmAIIe7TAxRA1cgHDGQxmlMXuOg43/s1600/DSCN5075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV26KEblmU_m_JZtVJ3-pO1Zdf5M9IdvSEOTF_Ry_0Hjesvt8X65SQXgNJ8IF-PJbTX0ezExedtk2Ovg-67VTcF5dqXjDcPY8HWsYe92diBl0KclhpmAIIe7TAxRA1cgHDGQxmlMXuOg43/s320/DSCN5075.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-38300385068882402302012-10-05T13:25:00.001-05:002012-10-05T13:25:34.982-05:00Our visit to Sesame Street<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrl8TpwPIlHo6j_JWmdDNI-nkvBqMt9MF5OA-VVYKWFbX5kNN7wJBk6P-fEjxw7T0DSiY6CWesrDpY15ioxT-H0v-E-UxG-y5BcRubklqIUWjx0EDeioM-sP-q1dzWikBdJg9Gk3aHfe_/s1600/DSC_0030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrl8TpwPIlHo6j_JWmdDNI-nkvBqMt9MF5OA-VVYKWFbX5kNN7wJBk6P-fEjxw7T0DSiY6CWesrDpY15ioxT-H0v-E-UxG-y5BcRubklqIUWjx0EDeioM-sP-q1dzWikBdJg9Gk3aHfe_/s400/DSC_0030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiY1iKGR-v0JKgddRl2FrYRdvWKUzfZabT4xSXgeJoaaGBBvTGuQ8qtlk62JUU76FG-my-hj90YaT-EzZQDcjItXgt3aa6I39irPQC-dicrS2XmWmSP7sMxCf5D7qDAjhwzI6nL4acaYR/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiY1iKGR-v0JKgddRl2FrYRdvWKUzfZabT4xSXgeJoaaGBBvTGuQ8qtlk62JUU76FG-my-hj90YaT-EzZQDcjItXgt3aa6I39irPQC-dicrS2XmWmSP7sMxCf5D7qDAjhwzI6nL4acaYR/s400/photo+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>My life is complete. </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got to meet my son's Hero, whom I believe was one of the nicest men I've ever met. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kevin Clash (Elmo) didn't have to be on the set the day Mom and I met him. He came in anyway to meet us and show us around. He literally could not have been any more wonderful. Even more so than I had imagined. When we met, he acted like he had known us for years. He introduced us to everyone on the set as "his friends." Many of the people whom he had already told Tripp's story to... who hugged us, offered their condolences, and treated us SO nicely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It really made me feel good to know that these people knew about my baby. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was truly special. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuktXa8dc-67z-CtaZwBYh_etQye1odZ_Xo0I_n_X3_TySJG3phm8CqYRYFPwWkaquniSOV1gM_Lqx2Pg6uPlH8FuSG8gMFn2pVl3nKdWOQFsjInGS4956s6jlllq2czkZXiE5cXQVc_9s/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuktXa8dc-67z-CtaZwBYh_etQye1odZ_Xo0I_n_X3_TySJG3phm8CqYRYFPwWkaquniSOV1gM_Lqx2Pg6uPlH8FuSG8gMFn2pVl3nKdWOQFsjInGS4956s6jlllq2czkZXiE5cXQVc_9s/s400/DSC_0007.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22YDQekgybcioq6lV2RGIseN5z1peewCiDNUozgGBI7TcjiPMJ9ls-zoquGxwJ48SdfCNqhXWW1TRowXYhdGyqPj-cbv4kIzICaTMGo6Cr9akF2S3T1PvFjR6VMb4I-OctLMHmTZA5r_V/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22YDQekgybcioq6lV2RGIseN5z1peewCiDNUozgGBI7TcjiPMJ9ls-zoquGxwJ48SdfCNqhXWW1TRowXYhdGyqPj-cbv4kIzICaTMGo6Cr9akF2S3T1PvFjR6VMb4I-OctLMHmTZA5r_V/s400/photo+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahOib9AvLT3kUMyUBA6t6IvfeviCV9Z8jdKE3QHB2K3pwZp5aj7Oce1TD7lSC9XA6-HPdHYK4bT-pOKRAHpdUuM1SQ86o-VVAIcgtuL3PlFgjEB5PC54UewByq9glXAjowEQZg8Jbh0MD/s1600/DSC_1058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahOib9AvLT3kUMyUBA6t6IvfeviCV9Z8jdKE3QHB2K3pwZp5aj7Oce1TD7lSC9XA6-HPdHYK4bT-pOKRAHpdUuM1SQ86o-VVAIcgtuL3PlFgjEB5PC54UewByq9glXAjowEQZg8Jbh0MD/s400/DSC_1058.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl7Fh7er8mrUe0pAPeJ5w0lz756zuzsvd2OC1MHWTaz4bifrcxk_RbCc1nz7qApAyPud8Va4ePLRShVcp0dyV6dyn-cU6hcSetQwnZmTqCw9V_MtGDpMLC6_EzGOQU2HIp7wSynpKU-aA/s1600/DSC_0022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl7Fh7er8mrUe0pAPeJ5w0lz756zuzsvd2OC1MHWTaz4bifrcxk_RbCc1nz7qApAyPud8Va4ePLRShVcp0dyV6dyn-cU6hcSetQwnZmTqCw9V_MtGDpMLC6_EzGOQU2HIp7wSynpKU-aA/s400/DSC_0022.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wdUKGTYj7cvHJ76JF5DMVJ5DqxPDpnV1uZnL1U019gSfmNFoQjl8hPzcSfzkyUtHpYjMOofhj7elIt8xDx4aEfBsbtU9g5gu85vh8D4cozSV3Nro7fHWPxj3-BANVZk3iZLQoKbvH-mH/s1600/DSC_1038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wdUKGTYj7cvHJ76JF5DMVJ5DqxPDpnV1uZnL1U019gSfmNFoQjl8hPzcSfzkyUtHpYjMOofhj7elIt8xDx4aEfBsbtU9g5gu85vh8D4cozSV3Nro7fHWPxj3-BANVZk3iZLQoKbvH-mH/s400/DSC_1038.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D9SyuuE-pFY17fo-e2l-Bwc2Svh1rj_x08WOnkmaTs-ibMQ7GbmJ7xpVVKfyQxZo8E8CphxLDxE6mL5b0l6T4q2BDLZ0cyR3situBhUanpVyAs36PEpXP26Zvth1w3xYaaaprbGJVGx0/s1600/DSC_1042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7D9SyuuE-pFY17fo-e2l-Bwc2Svh1rj_x08WOnkmaTs-ibMQ7GbmJ7xpVVKfyQxZo8E8CphxLDxE6mL5b0l6T4q2BDLZ0cyR3situBhUanpVyAs36PEpXP26Zvth1w3xYaaaprbGJVGx0/s400/DSC_1042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWNr0J7bX4_r6HU8OlFpKrud0E4nEnwHmWpyvATvibfKmHuchim7RH7Nyr-IEL4-rSrMdXDS9LlbM9tM3HLK9ajxUDjuYHEAa56kbWt8WRiOSq-MuowTjixy8LZr76Y1kmVh4ki-a7Xjy/s1600/DSC_1044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWNr0J7bX4_r6HU8OlFpKrud0E4nEnwHmWpyvATvibfKmHuchim7RH7Nyr-IEL4-rSrMdXDS9LlbM9tM3HLK9ajxUDjuYHEAa56kbWt8WRiOSq-MuowTjixy8LZr76Y1kmVh4ki-a7Xjy/s400/DSC_1044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRmYU4oQuYV2181sHw_HU12lWtvBn267wToui838JHjvWJA_iYQz-WKy1fz3qdw8rn_QGm3Evv9iUBbjZ5LbcwsY9KDiV653wLayJib0NcW-GXdqQ9ZetonuwqIBXitG5EQyv0jMA4foq/s1600/DSC_1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRmYU4oQuYV2181sHw_HU12lWtvBn267wToui838JHjvWJA_iYQz-WKy1fz3qdw8rn_QGm3Evv9iUBbjZ5LbcwsY9KDiV653wLayJib0NcW-GXdqQ9ZetonuwqIBXitG5EQyv0jMA4foq/s400/DSC_1048.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ68WDBGHVmXy5VoMQviykmDDnCON0BkarRmeLz6TeMQgoG5GDcnL84ipldkCwz5fmpvWU8LHM7pTUu4dMUCMx8S0_v_jPAVI7dEtHLuX_fMwPq5cyMXmmaR8BtmRMjsLnRUQG-kTmPMQe/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ68WDBGHVmXy5VoMQviykmDDnCON0BkarRmeLz6TeMQgoG5GDcnL84ipldkCwz5fmpvWU8LHM7pTUu4dMUCMx8S0_v_jPAVI7dEtHLuX_fMwPq5cyMXmmaR8BtmRMjsLnRUQG-kTmPMQe/s400/photo+1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got to watch as they set everything up and then got to see them film part of an episode of Sesame Street. It was such a great experience to see that. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also met Mr. Roscoe Orman, who has played "Gordon" since 1973. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I KNOW most of you have to remember Gordon, right?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vT8_jBAZ5nbHzFqnU0EvgjECoPnPmNeA8Wxu7vnvtvjEqn-7ODuReVNmMA-cNbG0r8XbUUZLrq6PqCpd2-Scy3nJa4NnGUXeTwl_KJ0t5rdCgAyO1nNWpX8w84wzwBjU4jf6Tmsz1y_R/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5vT8_jBAZ5nbHzFqnU0EvgjECoPnPmNeA8Wxu7vnvtvjEqn-7ODuReVNmMA-cNbG0r8XbUUZLrq6PqCpd2-Scy3nJa4NnGUXeTwl_KJ0t5rdCgAyO1nNWpX8w84wzwBjU4jf6Tmsz1y_R/s400/photo+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kevin was so patient with us, even as we tried to take 100 pictures of everything while they were trying to set up for the taping. He made sure we got pictures of everything. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got to get in Oscar's garbage can... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7pxLWvgvos5sv5l6hPUuSuwwREDTJfk4LzYx6L7KRjGFSDWKGOkI1SnT4N_4Zn5fyFA9zKzzwM0TiE1qDSGS4RqLekKZs5VIcmEJbyDGSZGUqa41sTg3OoelInI_7-2MYKllI-QTh-e2/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl7pxLWvgvos5sv5l6hPUuSuwwREDTJfk4LzYx6L7KRjGFSDWKGOkI1SnT4N_4Zn5fyFA9zKzzwM0TiE1qDSGS4RqLekKZs5VIcmEJbyDGSZGUqa41sTg3OoelInI_7-2MYKllI-QTh-e2/s400/DSC_0014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSmOYI45DNGuodL_2GxK_NdUmNdn1CC0IlLtZULd4gQ0DO6B6SncqpjgNpT77SddmlOOeFld922Bv_0T8rdAplKN5zlA5U2s1VY6xOZZ7J-d78TfAm1vmbQ9CF3wmtv2XCuPqiGJ-j0fJ/s1600/DSC_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSmOYI45DNGuodL_2GxK_NdUmNdn1CC0IlLtZULd4gQ0DO6B6SncqpjgNpT77SddmlOOeFld922Bv_0T8rdAplKN5zlA5U2s1VY6xOZZ7J-d78TfAm1vmbQ9CF3wmtv2XCuPqiGJ-j0fJ/s400/DSC_0008.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And we got to meet, Mr. Caroll Spinney, the man who has been the voice of Oscar the Grouch AND Big Bird since the beginning of Sesame Street. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I believe he is about to turn 79 years old.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was amazing to watch him perform with Oscar. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FiuxfnSVFUwZxS0nxoAehIdZoxl6T1LbM9aJZrf2zLdTPkWPa7arpLXl00gs721FfI-gzyEorFoUy-XAin5vx8VGaQ_Dlx1D1stkAttlco9h1nlZV92sTtNESCiRy3v2kbb5IeeH2TaE/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FiuxfnSVFUwZxS0nxoAehIdZoxl6T1LbM9aJZrf2zLdTPkWPa7arpLXl00gs721FfI-gzyEorFoUy-XAin5vx8VGaQ_Dlx1D1stkAttlco9h1nlZV92sTtNESCiRy3v2kbb5IeeH2TaE/s400/DSC_0026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We got to meet the cute little Abby Cadabby, voice of Ms. Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, who is just amazing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She made us cry... because she was just so sweet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4z2SrIbcttrG94PabB9XmQ_Bc-1e7mSlAHLwsxuCZ2YtydCbu0B0lnO8RGHrCPk_92S2FPYwFDvCGuTM2AoFN1Y8ecv1JOdB0zIHE8mtVNdRe8OlTAaJUzEr6X9GvqPmjzR5qbN4b91U6/s1600/DSC_0023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4z2SrIbcttrG94PabB9XmQ_Bc-1e7mSlAHLwsxuCZ2YtydCbu0B0lnO8RGHrCPk_92S2FPYwFDvCGuTM2AoFN1Y8ecv1JOdB0zIHE8mtVNdRe8OlTAaJUzEr6X9GvqPmjzR5qbN4b91U6/s400/DSC_0023.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also found the garden where Elmo taped the song about his</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Little Butterfly Friend." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOTG_x7ny870MK4rMjKnY6ruP5YVO4JM9UJKuETSPPnA69WHDfFYCnVV89qmeaWu6x8RF5_yougAeA0TVRks2SIFcUAUzZ5vXUYaQDQu08aC5tQJXxF5OJ06sR5VQ56gAwkev3gFpYBeH/s1600/DSC_1051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLOTG_x7ny870MK4rMjKnY6ruP5YVO4JM9UJKuETSPPnA69WHDfFYCnVV89qmeaWu6x8RF5_yougAeA0TVRks2SIFcUAUzZ5vXUYaQDQu08aC5tQJXxF5OJ06sR5VQ56gAwkev3gFpYBeH/s400/DSC_1051.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I want to send a HUGE thank you to Kevin Clash and everyone at Sesame Street who made this day so special for us. And I especially want to thank Kimberly Sokol- the one who set all of this up and made this whole experience possible for us! She worked with Kevin to get a time, she got us a car service to and from our hotel, and made sure everything was perfect. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so grateful to all of you! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was SUCH a special day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A day that I will never forget, and a day that I'm sure that Tripp shared with us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>**KEEP GOING FOR THE POST ON THE 14TH ANNUAL MATS WILANDER TENNIS AND GOLF BENEFIT, too ** </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>|</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>|</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>|</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>V</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-22020196963467908722012-10-05T13:23:00.001-05:002012-10-05T13:24:51.263-05:0014th Annual Mats Wilander Benefit <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This past Monday, October 1st, was the 14th Annual Mats Wilander Tennis and Golf Benefit for DebRA that I had mentioned in a previous post. I was chosen by DebRA as an honoree for the event and flew to NYC to attend and give my speech and to be a part of this great cause! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The event was amazing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I met so many amazing people, some of them being people that I have talked to on the phone countless times but never had the opportunity to meet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Brett Koplean, who is the Executive Director of DebRA, took such good care of my Mom, Dad and me when we got there. He got our flights and hotel in order, got a car service for us, and showed us around the city! I'm so grateful for him and his wife, Jackie, for treating us so nicely. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The EB community is really full of wonderful people! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got to meet Mr. Bill Cornman and Mrs. Danielle Malchano from National Rehab, where I would get Tripp's bandages. They were so great. I used to speak to Bill at least once a week for a while. And got to know his voice pretty well. But it was so nice to finally get to hug the man that went above and beyond to help me so many times- when I was beside myself stressing and worrying about bandaging materials.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDCFNYYixFzkue6WlKbY43kO6PFmz8S8YvtAlmniKZD0KU2z-2VZNAq-SomR2hBDiNjYMVVy_ucWA5aq1BTYxqd1QHBuH1u34EvXUJwGuPlR2H-OxAuLYPhyRbl_iVclLt7nFIfCI_6AZ/s1600/DSC_0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDCFNYYixFzkue6WlKbY43kO6PFmz8S8YvtAlmniKZD0KU2z-2VZNAq-SomR2hBDiNjYMVVy_ucWA5aq1BTYxqd1QHBuH1u34EvXUJwGuPlR2H-OxAuLYPhyRbl_iVclLt7nFIfCI_6AZ/s400/DSC_0146.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also got to meet the other honoree for the event, Dr. Phillip Reilly, who has been extremely involved with EB research. Dr. Reilly is on the right of me in the picture below... and to the left is Dr. Jakub Tolar (whom I met and spoke with when I went to Minneapolis about the BMT for Tripp). It was SO SO nice to see him again. Both of these men are amazing and passionate about EB treatment and research. It was an emotional day, for sure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86HfyoXMmWLve0IhY5fgCinDAylMoPWUUcBaXD3uPWG_bsyM5NeET9ue3XUgDLwipMf7LlWQzbcNwq31KX0X23ZjObXp-1EC62XNe-YBRlSud3ols14-35kGCDaABal98Jh3ZTka6V2QF/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86HfyoXMmWLve0IhY5fgCinDAylMoPWUUcBaXD3uPWG_bsyM5NeET9ue3XUgDLwipMf7LlWQzbcNwq31KX0X23ZjObXp-1EC62XNe-YBRlSud3ols14-35kGCDaABal98Jh3ZTka6V2QF/s400/Unknown.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got to meet Leslie Rader. I've mentioned her here on my blog several times. She was the first EB mom that I spoke with after Tripp was born, who lost her little girl at 7 months old. Getting to finally hug her was amazing and very comforting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(and yes, she was VERY tall :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdTRKv-kOjT2sOTBvrNjsO6X2Uqkgk7QfVwokFg7uwwO8jNL_m-UcPYHobR7KbXjjecMrEYUQjW5RfpWPKlyyQr3cwAQjlDuBBMuntz1oy23w7MPFC8l6QL_-ps4Y-SM9Ww7rtYjuKjII/s1600/DSC_0151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdTRKv-kOjT2sOTBvrNjsO6X2Uqkgk7QfVwokFg7uwwO8jNL_m-UcPYHobR7KbXjjecMrEYUQjW5RfpWPKlyyQr3cwAQjlDuBBMuntz1oy23w7MPFC8l6QL_-ps4Y-SM9Ww7rtYjuKjII/s400/DSC_0151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every time we checked the weather for Monday, it was supposed to rain, but God gave us the most perfect day. It was cool, sunny and absolutely beautiful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpdiPph5_HGC8BeN4sZwifSzN9B5nm77JNUlhRHh3jK-I8c5ai4BxwYsSh7xiMSZluEo4vhQ3KLvLHTwz3jM_3sW1e6W8J0MDkor3mz2ZmPCeqeNZm11r1q7vtEnnfYv8NmoZY6ztWPy2/s1600/DSC_0203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpdiPph5_HGC8BeN4sZwifSzN9B5nm77JNUlhRHh3jK-I8c5ai4BxwYsSh7xiMSZluEo4vhQ3KLvLHTwz3jM_3sW1e6W8J0MDkor3mz2ZmPCeqeNZm11r1q7vtEnnfYv8NmoZY6ztWPy2/s400/DSC_0203.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zOwxMqH4-holsebXZ_xX51aIjnIbe_jMOhyZ-As0OqpNUX7uDc-3IMjW6u-BYtjfrpE1NdjBC1nukjLpejTJ3pgO8LYXTRZugM3fHN00Ym0mSavUAVIdyvfb3N3mREMQCIoCDQ3W3swR/s1600/DSC_0205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zOwxMqH4-holsebXZ_xX51aIjnIbe_jMOhyZ-As0OqpNUX7uDc-3IMjW6u-BYtjfrpE1NdjBC1nukjLpejTJ3pgO8LYXTRZugM3fHN00Ym0mSavUAVIdyvfb3N3mREMQCIoCDQ3W3swR/s400/DSC_0205.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpn8VnZCLGqq3uIumSBHQvFXiXL1Ei_O0OdCiFGan6e149aNCQuH7LFbqkIpANpYnXRTVONO40sua7aReWdHJnAlZJTUJOiP03tOnDJZxEzts4PsugsOQisw_xFVmS0X1RzgqbdNlQjoOi/s1600/DSC_0153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpn8VnZCLGqq3uIumSBHQvFXiXL1Ei_O0OdCiFGan6e149aNCQuH7LFbqkIpANpYnXRTVONO40sua7aReWdHJnAlZJTUJOiP03tOnDJZxEzts4PsugsOQisw_xFVmS0X1RzgqbdNlQjoOi/s400/DSC_0153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgFjGlwuTkGunOFmRZDWeiM9ZwhawI4Ovrr4JszgDgQUYBi99bQDQSkQFZe9CYm2IEivX3CTuL2aQr23R46nSR469K2mVXoCl7dsp9f5nEDPgLnEODp7QcbaWTAUB1AUBy6T-MEhhyphenhyphenlfZ/s1600/DSC_0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgFjGlwuTkGunOFmRZDWeiM9ZwhawI4Ovrr4JszgDgQUYBi99bQDQSkQFZe9CYm2IEivX3CTuL2aQr23R46nSR469K2mVXoCl7dsp9f5nEDPgLnEODp7QcbaWTAUB1AUBy6T-MEhhyphenhyphenlfZ/s400/DSC_0156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I got to meet the fabulous Alan Kalter, the announcer from the David Letterman Show. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was amazing. After dinner, he did the live auction for the event. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He was really a great guy... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5a9CUV5kLoiLN6doeLixymlp9m1aYeJdPYkDep600YQyAeogbIURq5ZD-POR07h9HWzW5V8NwCV91bdEnzs2G9kPQtAAPMBpDtrSgeV0uWL2XOWUKhj4wwHMrf2pWUZWOMZIFOW28GR2/s1600/DSC_0159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_5a9CUV5kLoiLN6doeLixymlp9m1aYeJdPYkDep600YQyAeogbIURq5ZD-POR07h9HWzW5V8NwCV91bdEnzs2G9kPQtAAPMBpDtrSgeV0uWL2XOWUKhj4wwHMrf2pWUZWOMZIFOW28GR2/s400/DSC_0159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie88bk8lAZql5DEzUQPhcz1FkA18fVpq1tYMEHgnOcQikcQAhQFfx-6k8T1SFTrY1tAQmo6Gcoj542qLZYH3yuzBz4r8dkI1WVyH6JyE8MxpfXFrqqdVBptlTqgdU4Lc67RGBNfGVrQVZi/s1600/DSC_0106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie88bk8lAZql5DEzUQPhcz1FkA18fVpq1tYMEHgnOcQikcQAhQFfx-6k8T1SFTrY1tAQmo6Gcoj542qLZYH3yuzBz4r8dkI1WVyH6JyE8MxpfXFrqqdVBptlTqgdU4Lc67RGBNfGVrQVZi/s400/DSC_0106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2P_Ad26i18uMegcBRKG23eVCagDNUQn5DGlp3Ztcd4LJfcPM3uxnemeEakkNKhzo2rmzk2mlHjUBZdLVStUDeI3RgbLEgYefu_pI3S17KQSVe7lUVsmR_Ne4WncyC3xYsPiIcdOOurtF/s1600/DSC_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2P_Ad26i18uMegcBRKG23eVCagDNUQn5DGlp3Ztcd4LJfcPM3uxnemeEakkNKhzo2rmzk2mlHjUBZdLVStUDeI3RgbLEgYefu_pI3S17KQSVe7lUVsmR_Ne4WncyC3xYsPiIcdOOurtF/s400/DSC_0110.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUdHgUP6V_Ol93RLEI-PFQRQuEgmCRO3iB-Z8L41OrMpOPv160WeDsVX4iQFVyMP8uIPwRzP6U43ghr1YOd0vTmx3Vt_lR9ZfrlPWymS7ZWlqRoeK7yPK6pHTq1wwlAzlvhmbT2Reb_zg/s1600/DSC_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxUdHgUP6V_Ol93RLEI-PFQRQuEgmCRO3iB-Z8L41OrMpOPv160WeDsVX4iQFVyMP8uIPwRzP6U43ghr1YOd0vTmx3Vt_lR9ZfrlPWymS7ZWlqRoeK7yPK6pHTq1wwlAzlvhmbT2Reb_zg/s400/DSC_0116.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicD8Z_fzfa6KNcZZYJy2oSzPAyLMk99lSOVi18Z61GfN7aox5_83gFPvjdEqu76acJgq_Kitda0zudvwS-vZ8F6jMA1aNY6dXlr4dgUxP1V6Tru3sWSEJeEGZd8p9LwscaneJXoh6GWaDS/s1600/DSC_0118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicD8Z_fzfa6KNcZZYJy2oSzPAyLMk99lSOVi18Z61GfN7aox5_83gFPvjdEqu76acJgq_Kitda0zudvwS-vZ8F6jMA1aNY6dXlr4dgUxP1V6Tru3sWSEJeEGZd8p9LwscaneJXoh6GWaDS/s400/DSC_0118.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the one and only Mat Wilander... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
who begin this fundraising event because his son Erik suffers with the milder form of EB (Simplex), whom I believe he said was about to be 16 years old. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From 1982-1988, Mats won 7 Grand Slam singles titles. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In 1988, he was ranked the #1 tennis player in the world. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Obviously, I'm a little too young to remember seeing him play (since I was born in '85...) but my dad sure does. And it was pretty cool to get to see him playing with everyone. And even better getting to hear him speak at dinner that night about his son and his passion for finding a cure for EB. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCu-yQzlVAs_ufltBhOnfLQS5aHFJR3zFZqLUF02_WXINJs9oU8SEzcJFDaPQ945_JiqkZXazxO3JDiEejv9pFG67PUQnUCPNnAFQFhP230xDZWx9j6CkOCWS7hzOgIcUL1aXgFumHLiP/s1600/DSC_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCu-yQzlVAs_ufltBhOnfLQS5aHFJR3zFZqLUF02_WXINJs9oU8SEzcJFDaPQ945_JiqkZXazxO3JDiEejv9pFG67PUQnUCPNnAFQFhP230xDZWx9j6CkOCWS7hzOgIcUL1aXgFumHLiP/s400/DSC_0111.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7XsrdV_BSiQQuAyb_-a55VgZHtUGd5ct8C4qYboiJbY5wceAlNCUgP4J2o7iFgHdGlNjdtyEPtXUL8z5S7ie26teoa_U2TXPgKQxQLgXULhOjHHUS6xFrfhcC8BTNuaexzwDEHT9K63s/s1600/DSC_0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC7XsrdV_BSiQQuAyb_-a55VgZHtUGd5ct8C4qYboiJbY5wceAlNCUgP4J2o7iFgHdGlNjdtyEPtXUL8z5S7ie26teoa_U2TXPgKQxQLgXULhOjHHUS6xFrfhcC8BTNuaexzwDEHT9K63s/s400/DSC_0129.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpMe3rClHhv8EmgP1guT1qWO0LtJPbmRzWu4LLmJ0KjqWPPeaYP30Ga1FJaONFMep_6dzPBSk-nbcYCN8Tb1mQmai1seg_EgNZ3uD1bCTvu7xA_79uSNr1m5Kb0f4wx8C-mLRD272rbeb/s1600/DSC_0122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnpMe3rClHhv8EmgP1guT1qWO0LtJPbmRzWu4LLmJ0KjqWPPeaYP30Ga1FJaONFMep_6dzPBSk-nbcYCN8Tb1mQmai1seg_EgNZ3uD1bCTvu7xA_79uSNr1m5Kb0f4wx8C-mLRD272rbeb/s400/DSC_0122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even my sweet friend Mandy flew up to the event. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She volunteered all day so that she could be there for me and get to hear my speech :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb7w38H5qjY50ji6f7As6DqtKXQ0JH6HWic5Vr9exSDUbg-PonZScKuNkVcZk_yoysnIYBS-aRcMkwOl-LeQPpjd2HUDJdlltb_TJZ9IZVcwWBHK_js3qGbGN9XGzZJUI2My3cf8fJZ3o/s1600/DSC_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpb7w38H5qjY50ji6f7As6DqtKXQ0JH6HWic5Vr9exSDUbg-PonZScKuNkVcZk_yoysnIYBS-aRcMkwOl-LeQPpjd2HUDJdlltb_TJZ9IZVcwWBHK_js3qGbGN9XGzZJUI2My3cf8fJZ3o/s400/DSC_0136.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ifiAJlgNHizTakT0xoBpVIB1rWL_V-6ToLivo6LL1Y7aJsoWb1A4Bc_IK_fC7X2zhPXbtBM5wOb0zDqbCdkVhxh3dDi_gmdbU8of-rH-jBSfpyFaI4tvZ2FjzO5bTsObzKtg-273eL3H/s1600/DSC_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ifiAJlgNHizTakT0xoBpVIB1rWL_V-6ToLivo6LL1Y7aJsoWb1A4Bc_IK_fC7X2zhPXbtBM5wOb0zDqbCdkVhxh3dDi_gmdbU8of-rH-jBSfpyFaI4tvZ2FjzO5bTsObzKtg-273eL3H/s400/DSC_0139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj5GXrfTLyiSf0KAD8UONFiCn0_cMnmATY7GsGlHxYyImoqAWJdYhuP4q9IpeuEh6u28uPiuz6xrEVZ48PYJr2Xjj5LJjE167RT_lHn5kN1w5Wgxgwap-JMzLv9rY9Sisnniy7-uzcD7N/s1600/DSC_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIj5GXrfTLyiSf0KAD8UONFiCn0_cMnmATY7GsGlHxYyImoqAWJdYhuP4q9IpeuEh6u28uPiuz6xrEVZ48PYJr2Xjj5LJjE167RT_lHn5kN1w5Wgxgwap-JMzLv9rY9Sisnniy7-uzcD7N/s400/DSC_0140.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L0ueimg1g_aSKAYEQlFO4mEmqKAtwJcredO6NEQGk_lGIs1uxuIsb7ZiM9aTBdOWhcAN54s5ur4_BXxfuYFwOgsewhcCDsihP_ooFBhZBZv-fm3n8QJ3DrW4FOXboGMZdTY9UuQD1UJi/s1600/DSC_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9L0ueimg1g_aSKAYEQlFO4mEmqKAtwJcredO6NEQGk_lGIs1uxuIsb7ZiM9aTBdOWhcAN54s5ur4_BXxfuYFwOgsewhcCDsihP_ooFBhZBZv-fm3n8QJ3DrW4FOXboGMZdTY9UuQD1UJi/s400/DSC_0141.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGBuZwt7D4TXUI1taXeaR7gZMFRIPIzqRi-tbo9LHQkU6c7TTk-L9XRgwo_FRwO1s2qan_d3Qn2SJUa9VI3kt6_p7HryZZFl-rINloKIktsiQhVY5nBRTwsOpOEQSPnsNcdxmYB_Aum5s/s1600/DSC_0142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGBuZwt7D4TXUI1taXeaR7gZMFRIPIzqRi-tbo9LHQkU6c7TTk-L9XRgwo_FRwO1s2qan_d3Qn2SJUa9VI3kt6_p7HryZZFl-rINloKIktsiQhVY5nBRTwsOpOEQSPnsNcdxmYB_Aum5s/s400/DSC_0142.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
This picture is for the very nice man and his nephew who wanted a picture coming out of the clubhouse... Sorry I forgot to get your email so that I could send it to you! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope you'll find it :) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mpb-j_p9qdtwqJOxtplBjv3KlcTAsyqC_NN5GRymVuRBly-bQ-EZ3aTuEFtPKqWchcmfaRuXsUD-OTkQHEDvB6Ztcdt-zQq48h6OIZGRdf6CD1rASP6sOg6M4ioGw4k5n4btAGvVjWCv/s1600/DSC_0143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mpb-j_p9qdtwqJOxtplBjv3KlcTAsyqC_NN5GRymVuRBly-bQ-EZ3aTuEFtPKqWchcmfaRuXsUD-OTkQHEDvB6Ztcdt-zQq48h6OIZGRdf6CD1rASP6sOg6M4ioGw4k5n4btAGvVjWCv/s400/DSC_0143.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3U-Hkm-_lmM84mRpJTckTsMAz64G-9YDMZ2G27xhHKlcbQyM0G-d1vEXnwkhENGgOEu7uNU5HfmWlXIP8U2Nk2Ku1yyNFH98HjyBBfIDsGM9g36INU6ZyUjdar7vLAhrKyOdM4tH7UQDo/s1600/DSC_0144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3U-Hkm-_lmM84mRpJTckTsMAz64G-9YDMZ2G27xhHKlcbQyM0G-d1vEXnwkhENGgOEu7uNU5HfmWlXIP8U2Nk2Ku1yyNFH98HjyBBfIDsGM9g36INU6ZyUjdar7vLAhrKyOdM4tH7UQDo/s400/DSC_0144.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMLphxlCr93zio1Uk2zknwOBhyphenhyphengH-azg-K4er1lULagQATjYlGvoTkkyGseeFq8vauLzPUuxNaM-GUwYtlY6pyk9XHn2ufob6P5hRnqcl4ljh_tq59eFVBJhfZyGvO9dbrtN4NMN8khhW/s1600/DSC_0201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIMLphxlCr93zio1Uk2zknwOBhyphenhyphengH-azg-K4er1lULagQATjYlGvoTkkyGseeFq8vauLzPUuxNaM-GUwYtlY6pyk9XHn2ufob6P5hRnqcl4ljh_tq59eFVBJhfZyGvO9dbrtN4NMN8khhW/s400/DSC_0201.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My daddy golfing with his caddie:) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocBZbjrIYDnRAY68_bPQl9c4KZqSYrbA1O46wExs5oLXGGSaqEDsMgxcwClX1J86KznR6ui6NbsgcRLEyKpUu_S72wX45ujuGQRw3sDa53tyLLkhbT3cypougiJMtHEWZXkVVEWh1ooEg/s1600/DSC_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocBZbjrIYDnRAY68_bPQl9c4KZqSYrbA1O46wExs5oLXGGSaqEDsMgxcwClX1J86KznR6ui6NbsgcRLEyKpUu_S72wX45ujuGQRw3sDa53tyLLkhbT3cypougiJMtHEWZXkVVEWh1ooEg/s400/DSC_0221.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtpPQ1SFjOsnrO4iUPLmUURHdJsSN6jFsZXoRuYatthndZRO4rMr40y9gRKuFUd1Ot-0ENa-7Zd1bWT6Iwo5g-L_x0JRJ4vYhNkFHktzwf6RCUuFlsgBinxoPl0MjsEPqiXi1Q6euEeQf/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtpPQ1SFjOsnrO4iUPLmUURHdJsSN6jFsZXoRuYatthndZRO4rMr40y9gRKuFUd1Ot-0ENa-7Zd1bWT6Iwo5g-L_x0JRJ4vYhNkFHktzwf6RCUuFlsgBinxoPl0MjsEPqiXi1Q6euEeQf/s400/DSC_0241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUtECBuvdIy_8CnP56yBWlJkKHHbtw4XAUO4xsA3kVKXCTeuhVPFiNhkCY8qxyzsdRfV1izSbHdGyVRkdheGMCwLJGWMPKsvdnkaX-8N1j6SFC_MDvElgknFmdDA9-9DkVew_pde6bhGP/s1600/DSC_0247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUtECBuvdIy_8CnP56yBWlJkKHHbtw4XAUO4xsA3kVKXCTeuhVPFiNhkCY8qxyzsdRfV1izSbHdGyVRkdheGMCwLJGWMPKsvdnkaX-8N1j6SFC_MDvElgknFmdDA9-9DkVew_pde6bhGP/s400/DSC_0247.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQZ0b1FAaaMb1T9qdyD-NG1c2YAh4r9KYv7hgMGV26jFEGWIlAEZukSBp-SGAkuJvmE3E7V0ltfDmUGcuZP1ovadO_CoL7yPBVO15erE7IBHjLdfnDvcoa-qLkoiSwS19EakLYQBdqQ0G/s1600/DSC_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBQZ0b1FAaaMb1T9qdyD-NG1c2YAh4r9KYv7hgMGV26jFEGWIlAEZukSBp-SGAkuJvmE3E7V0ltfDmUGcuZP1ovadO_CoL7yPBVO15erE7IBHjLdfnDvcoa-qLkoiSwS19EakLYQBdqQ0G/s400/DSC_0149.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhsmMxmJXXngsciHd7gSxEoJiOegpan_1rpACpwn35sTpxFDE6TcjFQ5R0hTQvynU-DIqEIeb0JOTKvqbY2KpdBzAonYtzRioNl36VI4vdTMmR4FdtAWOb7JVcmZbic9JfkGr1qPY6wr3/s1600/DSC_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhsmMxmJXXngsciHd7gSxEoJiOegpan_1rpACpwn35sTpxFDE6TcjFQ5R0hTQvynU-DIqEIeb0JOTKvqbY2KpdBzAonYtzRioNl36VI4vdTMmR4FdtAWOb7JVcmZbic9JfkGr1qPY6wr3/s400/DSC_0202.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also got to meet sweet Miles... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi0lb8kS3ysI9XSVi0EPNKYJff21s16lsEAIqe78gKzOI7O7yjHtU0zdxIoc96Ej2qFk8TMLeu6rJBYU9YLsPNx1hCUjGqRlFe8X__-S3A79YFr6IJ1i78FibXJ7f-uXehDa8wsgBfFi6/s1600/DSC_0248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAi0lb8kS3ysI9XSVi0EPNKYJff21s16lsEAIqe78gKzOI7O7yjHtU0zdxIoc96Ej2qFk8TMLeu6rJBYU9YLsPNx1hCUjGqRlFe8X__-S3A79YFr6IJ1i78FibXJ7f-uXehDa8wsgBfFi6/s400/DSC_0248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And precious Ava Rose... who suffers with Junctional EB, and is so similar to my sweet Tripp in so many ways. It was heart-breaking to see her. But at the same time, she warmed my heart in ways I can't explain. These kids are truly amazing. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so are their incredible parents... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-cwobtneYlC_ErRZgUcHk9uDC69HTSn7tIJr2sHInJqy90PkMGViSY5UsrS6J0OEJAi1OqxtwUZsHGQ38EAU8ckJXcmC1NDhiXV-01fJyUVBIgtLrzoFE6WuSY3tTKGwQVuIVidKI_ns/s1600/DSC_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-cwobtneYlC_ErRZgUcHk9uDC69HTSn7tIJr2sHInJqy90PkMGViSY5UsrS6J0OEJAi1OqxtwUZsHGQ38EAU8ckJXcmC1NDhiXV-01fJyUVBIgtLrzoFE6WuSY3tTKGwQVuIVidKI_ns/s400/DSC_0257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
She reminded me so much of my sweet boy... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-LCRMvU837h6_CHIEQ_tHais4sqFSyWPlLLqYh53O7Mq2omzyI3yho1dCk_hRreiF1l7288Dfji8cCndN3V0zai_7Vpp-R-cxtIIHKECN14gWv3qv9Fhl1YAIR_-ETo_5qSw2UmmcZLi/s1600/DSC_0258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-LCRMvU837h6_CHIEQ_tHais4sqFSyWPlLLqYh53O7Mq2omzyI3yho1dCk_hRreiF1l7288Dfji8cCndN3V0zai_7Vpp-R-cxtIIHKECN14gWv3qv9Fhl1YAIR_-ETo_5qSw2UmmcZLi/s400/DSC_0258.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> Some pretty amazing fellow EB Mommies... </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfShd0VTUv2OVVOdPdHkgFC_xcP1MQ27RMZULKUT_opD4lCCOP_3rpBO4fRZQ0ftFV9DL63SsLXL2jMHMBx3vvk0iiGzK8Dai588uyUzAZH-fYXctUyKEvFFDWHPp2lLoGDMLrO7MOtQY/s1600/486748_530012170346954_484498212_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfShd0VTUv2OVVOdPdHkgFC_xcP1MQ27RMZULKUT_opD4lCCOP_3rpBO4fRZQ0ftFV9DL63SsLXL2jMHMBx3vvk0iiGzK8Dai588uyUzAZH-fYXctUyKEvFFDWHPp2lLoGDMLrO7MOtQY/s400/486748_530012170346954_484498212_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brett Koplean presenting Dr. Tolar with a $200,000 check to go towards EB research. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pretty amazing, right?? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P5m4-reDw40_EbnnQwfUDs4fy0KyKGyBZ0m91d5W26SOgD5bbtNfndNw1XrgW_3UmBxnfDE5xCs9_rUSk7YqMID0FuceozsRpXbz7oAe3RrcWovorrY0sdo2z63TeRZvnEtU6qtMX6ED/s1600/DSC_0265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1P5m4-reDw40_EbnnQwfUDs4fy0KyKGyBZ0m91d5W26SOgD5bbtNfndNw1XrgW_3UmBxnfDE5xCs9_rUSk7YqMID0FuceozsRpXbz7oAe3RrcWovorrY0sdo2z63TeRZvnEtU6qtMX6ED/s400/DSC_0265.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdkMzZH9LO6Z_G0Ccdkk_MVO50L_Y5osR9Lj7g7XH7umd2zyQn4cTxgp-LvK9vklP9XIlGl3NJslm-1MUXj-e4VHZLFKz1LaY5uRyjYqrpN1W5aIYrI0nBtKVw1gHLppJLRjxyDWU-HDE/s1600/DSC_0267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdkMzZH9LO6Z_G0Ccdkk_MVO50L_Y5osR9Lj7g7XH7umd2zyQn4cTxgp-LvK9vklP9XIlGl3NJslm-1MUXj-e4VHZLFKz1LaY5uRyjYqrpN1W5aIYrI0nBtKVw1gHLppJLRjxyDWU-HDE/s400/DSC_0267.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGECNBYBfj4q4sMa5GPyVJ5Q5siWdUF67zvwJONXNDRCK5q8Gq6jjefYdA50oCJECM6HmcgIeNMgsBDWGL7q3DlC2klr4KuRom5BYbivi0syayZXAfki3YPztkitLeWwhyphenhyphenHu6XMcRZpTf4/s1600/DSC_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGECNBYBfj4q4sMa5GPyVJ5Q5siWdUF67zvwJONXNDRCK5q8Gq6jjefYdA50oCJECM6HmcgIeNMgsBDWGL7q3DlC2klr4KuRom5BYbivi0syayZXAfki3YPztkitLeWwhyphenhyphenHu6XMcRZpTf4/s400/DSC_0268.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This little angel and her family hold such a huge place in my heart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's hard to explain what I felt being around her. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She had the same shining little personality as my baby boy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't say this enough... the children and adults suffering with EB are just super-human. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdLfgJKmbjhvKyESG0hMaZ3CBEvJBlr7lvNulrNzK9NAFgJDG8UF01rcRUpRAqQIYeQrVIl4IZk7PH70VLvPxubQIZ_UrBKpy7OVago6YAf5WAm7P6U6sfF3i_TO9xKNbUmWbPUPVF8fP/s1600/DSC_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCdLfgJKmbjhvKyESG0hMaZ3CBEvJBlr7lvNulrNzK9NAFgJDG8UF01rcRUpRAqQIYeQrVIl4IZk7PH70VLvPxubQIZ_UrBKpy7OVago6YAf5WAm7P6U6sfF3i_TO9xKNbUmWbPUPVF8fP/s400/DSC_0170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehaZFCmSldI-CSmffKrA1grUrDf5n1rwIuue-2SeaVYfgsh4-g7ieIYcnMZKCJeqgj7JE1eY33zNLDV1CipBBaU43Z7lzif-cU7H5ff2qiT_2c0haFs5HJeeC1o_FjUJ7d6pftjDwRATX/s1600/DSC_0177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehaZFCmSldI-CSmffKrA1grUrDf5n1rwIuue-2SeaVYfgsh4-g7ieIYcnMZKCJeqgj7JE1eY33zNLDV1CipBBaU43Z7lzif-cU7H5ff2qiT_2c0haFs5HJeeC1o_FjUJ7d6pftjDwRATX/s400/DSC_0177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqaBhThRFaGWQ5CKnrixD_vFhHzt-XuVSqePnF9Rtfyw2OHV2LeO_uZFjeCIZEGMcnuQVgw1thI0dYm7e_IGC2dQW_N0hj471lCDR0vbhlsIB-hG369TDLty3R9yg55lxoH3m8Je2Xv24/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqaBhThRFaGWQ5CKnrixD_vFhHzt-XuVSqePnF9Rtfyw2OHV2LeO_uZFjeCIZEGMcnuQVgw1thI0dYm7e_IGC2dQW_N0hj471lCDR0vbhlsIB-hG369TDLty3R9yg55lxoH3m8Je2Xv24/s400/DSC_0192.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am so humbled to have been able to be a part of this event, that raised A LOT of money for DebRA of America. It was something I will never in my life forget. The way so many people came together for this cause was incredible. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am SO proud to be a part of the EB community and SO proud to be Tripp's Mommy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5348155237652648174.post-42490997674362094872012-09-14T17:51:00.000-05:002012-09-14T17:53:26.261-05:008 months. <div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This breaks my heart. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It feels like 8 years instead of 8 months. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mommy misses you so much, sweet boy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I miss every little thing about you. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd give up anything to have you sitting in my lap again. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mWuFGxrxCog" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Love, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://s481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/?action=view&current=courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr172/jmparris73/courtneysignaturesample1copy.jpg" /></a></div>
Courtney Rothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01781571778358173399noreply@blogger.com57