Yesterday, March 13th was Cade’s 2nd bday! His birth feels like a lifetime ago and like yesterday all at the same time. This year wasn’t necessarily easier like I thought it would be. Having Berkley this year did definitely take the edge off but as a family we still could barely bring ourselves to talk about “it”. The baby, the situation, etc. It’s too much to think about for me so I block it out.
On his birthday I try to MAKE myself think about it. So I went through some old pictures- pictures that I can’t look at on a normal day. We have videos of him that I honestly don’t know if I will ever be able to watch again. I watched them over and over and looked at pictures of him 24/7 in the weeks after he passed but then it got to be too much. And I put them away and I really never get them out. The other week I pulled out his photo book and was flipping through it with Berkley. When I got to his actual delivery – I couldn’t turn the page and put the book back. It was in chronological order so could only handle the pregnancy pictures and the pictures of me with my big-ole belly in the hospital. For the families out there that have years of memories stored away, I can’t imagine what that is like. Maybe it would have been different if he was healthy.
It ended up being a good day with family. Kelly (my SIL) is the most creative person ever so made me the box below- thinking we could put his hospital blankets, etc. in it. I think that’s a great idea. Jan (my MIL) brought balloons over to do a balloon release which was really special. It’s times like these that I am grateful we moved back to KC. I’m anxious to get past Tuesday which is the anniversary of his death. March 15th- AKA the worst day of my life.
...And every time I am sad, I just look at this sweet face
Brittany March 15, 2016
Thinking of you, Em- yesterday, tomorrow and always. Your beautiful son, Cade, had such an impact on everyone that knew him and you all. Love you guys so much – and thinking of you as you navigate this next year without him, with Berkeley as she grows and changes and as you keep trying to expand your beautiful family. Love you!!!