In the past, it's been special to donate boxes to little girls the age Lily would be through Operation Christmas Child or The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program. One year, a friend of mine hosted a baby shower for a young woman in an unplanned pregnancy and we sent her a gift. I share all this not to say look what I have done, but because I want to share Lily's legacy, even in the small things.
This year, I decided to honor her while also honoring other babies I carry in my heart, by having wood burned ornaments made with their names. These little ones were lost through stillbirth, miscarriage, abortion, and one lost shortly after birth. They are children, grandchildren, and an aunt. Because these losses impact many people and that is represented in the ornaments. And because there are many types of losses that hurt and all life is sacred and irreplaceable. The grief of other family members is oftentimes overlooked.
Over the past several months, I walked with a couple families through the losses of their precious baby daughters. All the details of how it worked out and how our lives are linked together is clearly the Lord's weaving. I knew I wanted to do something for them this Christmas, especially what should be their child's first Christmas.
These children's names mean so much. It means they existed, they were real, and they matter.
It is my hope that this has touched their loved one's hearts as much as it has mine to do this, especially during a time of year that can make someone's absence more pronounced. I like knowing these ornaments can be enjoyed again and again, Christmas season after Christmas season.
For a couple friends across the ocean, I sent images from Carly Marie's Christmas Beach Wonderland Gallery. ❤️🎄 🌟
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| I think this made a neat photo... this is a painting I did a couple years ago and the ornaments look like they are hanging on the tree. I love how rustic they look. :) |
