5 years

Today marks 5 years since our precious first born entered this world.  How excited David and I were 5 years ago.  As we were driving to the hospital we were discussing whether we thought he was a boy or a girl and if he was a girl, how we would decide on the name.  We had narrowed the girl name down to 2 but couldn't decide on the final one.  David decided on the drive that if she had brown hair she would be 1 name and if she had any other color hair she would be the other name.  We both felt pretty confident that he was a boy and our boy name had been finalized for a while but wanted to have a back-up in case we were completely wrong.  We were so thrilled to learn that our precious first born was a boy.  He was truly perfect in every way.

Robert Forrest was named after my grandfather Robert who was a man of God, a man who loved his wife of more than 65 years more than anything else, loved his family, his country (fought in WWII), and taught me so much about life and love.  I have so many wonderful memories of my Grandpa that I couldn't wait to name my son after him.  Forrest was after David's grandfather who was also a man of God, a man who loved his wife for over 45 years more than anything, taught David about sailing, fishing, and life, and was truly adored by all who knew him.  I love knowing that 2 of the most special men in our lives share a name with a boy whose legacy, like theirs, has continued on far more than we ever imagined.

Our lives have changed tremendously since September 10, 2007.  We now belong to a group that you don't ever want to become a part of but once you are in, you share something that no one else can ever understand.  We have started a non-profit that is growing, flourishing, and blessing lives again and again.  David and I knew nothing about running a non-profit 5 years ago and it has definitely had its ups and downs but we are learning, growing, and constantly looking at the best ways we can help and give to families who need it.  We are different parents, different friends, different spouses, and different doctors (just David =).   God has showed us His new mercies again and again but it is still hard.  Time does heal but it will never heal it completely.  There is a big void in my heart and life that will never be replaced till I am complete with Christ and with my son.

Happy 5th birthday sweet boy!  I am so proud of you and the life you lived for 55 days.  Your life has brought so much joy to your daddy and I.  Ask God to hold you tight today since mommy can't.