One for the books

This will be a full and fun weekend.

Friday begins with a trip to see my amazing friend from college, Stacy. I'll get to spend time with her husband George too, which has not happened in a while. I'll also get to see her cute-as-a-button baby boy, Drew.

Then, on Saturday, amidst the predicted rain, I will enjoy the Clay County Fair with camp friends. Can't wait for a funnel cake--I've been waiting all summer for a funnel cake. Also, I love the commercial building. I do not enjoy when people try to sell me things though. I'll just buzz by anyone who looks like they want me to stop at their booth. Also, I will not sign any sheets of paper.

Then, on Sunday, there will be a rememberance walk in Sioux City. The memorial event is for anyone in Sioux City who has lost a child for any reason, no matter how recent. I'm really looking forward to this. I wasn't sure whether or not I would go, with Luke of course, because I'm not one to take part in community events...not really sure why. (As proof, I will let you know that I only went to three football games while attending UNI. Two of those games were when they played Iowa, and I cheered for Iowa. The other time was a mistake, I'm sure. No, it wasn't. I just remembered I went to see Allison play in the band.) Well, I thought about it, and I decided I would be sad if I didn't go and honor the memory of Grace. So, I called Luke's aunt who lost twins a couple of years ago, and said we'd meet her there. Tonight Luke's mom called about it, and I think she is going to come and walk in memory of Grace. There's also a memorial service at the end where they will read her name and we release a balloon for her. I will take some pictures to show you all. I'm really glad we will take this time out to think of her, and where we are now with the help of God. I wish my parents/brothers/sisters were closer so they could come walk with us too. I'm glad there's things like this for Luke and me because it helps reassure us that there was a loss of life--she was alive for two hours. It was a death--there is a grave with her name on it. We met her, we held her, we watched her move with life flowing through her veins. We are parents. I'm going to be honest, it does not feel like it. Many times I remember what has happened and it seems so sad all over again, and I just can't believe that it actually happened. I look at what my life is like now, and there's nothing to even look at that would tell someone of its occurence, besides a room decorated in hope. Well, anyway, it happened, and we are a changed family, but we still hope in God. We hope for a future of rejoicing, but know that no matter what happens we will rejoice one day in heaven with our family gone too soon.

I wonder if the loss would have been "easier" had I another child to come home to and care for? Probably not. However, it might have provided some encouragement to know that I can have a successful pregnancy. As for now, I'm not so sure. Just another reason to hope in God.

Pictures from the blue room...don't think I've showed the recent additions.