Thursday, December 22, 2011

Finding Joy

As I share our lives with you I feel as though I can't let this moment slip by unoticed.  This weekend was very hard.  We had  a loss that completely broke my heart.   We lost a babe at 13 & 1/2 weeks.  But we have been completely surrounded with love, care & prayer.

Because of complications we spent a long scary night at the hospital.  But driving home the next morning I found myself thinking "I simply remember my favorite things & then I don't feel so bad."


So I did.

I thought of my prayer pal, a sweet 5th grader dear to my heart.  On Sunday she handed me a crumpled up wad of tissue paper,
"Merry Christmas," she said shly. 
I remember the joy that little package brought me when I opened it to find the tiniest jingle bells that she had strung onto green thread for me to hang on my tree.

I remember the joy I felt when just a week ago
Annie got to play Mary in the church nativity....
D. Chua Photo


....and how Bo the white cow spun around the
entire song and made me laugh until I cried.
D. Chua Photo

I found joy in returning home to a house decorated for Christmas
full of people who love me and each other.



And I knew...I needed to keep seeking joy.

So that very night we found joy jumping into the Christmas jammies Beth sent, and we jumped into our big ole' car
(my parents in there too :)
to ride around and look at Christmas lights.

And my kids favorite display of all is a
church nativity display by our home.


...and that fills me with joy.

Remember dear friends,
even on the darkest nights.
There is light and joy all around.

Be sure to find it!



P.S.  Thanks to my parents & husband who are taking the best care of my family and me!





31 comments:

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

So sorry to hear- glad that you are able to find joy- my thoughts are with you.

Karen said...

Oh Libbie. I'm so sorry. You have counted your blessings and found deep strength in the Lord. I'm sending many ((hugs)) and prayers!

Christina Berry said...

Love you.

You are in my prayers.

-stephanie- said...

Oh Libbie, I'm so sorry this happened. God bless you for counting the many blessings He has given all around you. Praying for strength for you as you heal.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Dear Libbie, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Something was obviously wrong for you to miscarry but I am glad that you are okay. I know you are getting much love and support from family and friends. Take care of yourself! And keep counting all your beautiful blessings! Tammy

Shelley said...

Love you.

Trisha said...

I am really sorry to hear this Libbie. I hope your heart continues to heal as you find more and more things to be thankful for. You are in my prayers and I wish you comfort and peace and a very Merry Christmas!

~Trisha

Jo said...

I'm very sorry to hear this. I will be praying for you and your husband. I know how you feel. Keep trying to find joy as the months go on and you will find it will become easier and easier.

michelle said...

Oh Dear Libbie, I am so very sorry to hear this. This may sound silly but the bells remind me of the movie, It's a Wonderful Life when any time a bells rings an angel gets their wings. I hope you can take comfort in that gift of the bells and know that your little angel is watching over you and your family.
Many hugs to you!
xoxoxox

Unknown said...

Oh that is really sad for you ... but listen to you expressing all of this JOY too! I love these thoughts and your photos! I hope you get to feeling well soon. Lots of love cute girl! xo

ancient one said...

Love and Hugs to you!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Libbie I am so sorry for your loss. ((HUGS))
I would love to mail you a handkerchief from my For Your Tears blog. When you have time just email me your mailing information. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for your comfort and strength.

It's me said...

What a sad sad news darling.......i hope you will doing well right now......and that you managed the things.....i hope you have the power for this come true.....love from me...xxx...bigg kisses....xxx...


Bedankt lieverd voor je gezelligheid steun en liefde van het afgelopen jaar......liefs van mij.....xxx...Ria


Thanks my darling for your fun loving and support over the past year....love from me.....xxx...Ria

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Fijne Kerstdagen,
Merry Christmas,
Glaedelig Jul,
Merry Christmas,
Joyeux Noel,
God Jul,

Bunnym said...

Big (((HUG))) to you and keep up the wonderful attitude. Merry Christmas to you all...especially my Bo...lol

bunny

birdie blue said...

so, so sorry for your loss. thinking of you and your beautiful family this christmas, may many blessings be yours in 2012.

xo
molly

ShannonAnn said...

Sending you love and positive thoughts as you mourn the loss of your child and celebrate in the lives of your family. Xo's

Jen said...

Libbie,
I got so excited seeing you had posted again before Christmas...then felt so very sad for your family. Thank the Lord for your strong faith and loving family and this busy season that will fill your heart with joy amidst the sadness. We will be in Shakopee for the Christmas week...I'd love to meet you someday!!
Blessings and love with comfort to you and your beautiful family. I will keep you in prayer for healing. Truly I cannot imagine being pregnant one minute...and not the next. Thinking of you...pat

Victoria said...

My gosh, Libbie, my heart is breaking for you. I'm glad you found joy in the midst of such a rough time but wow... You're in my prayers.

Little Penpen said...

Oh our dear sweet Libbie, I am so sorry to hear your news of losing that precious little baby. I received my card in the mail today with the sweet pictures and 'news' and was so pleased and happy to be included on your Christmas card list. You have a beautiful family and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

Beth W said...

To go through such a loss and come out with such hope and brilliance is truly an inspiration. Thank you for sharing that with us, and for being so amazing.

Martina said...

Love and light to you and your sweet, sweet family Libbie! You are such a dear and loving person, no wonder love shines back on you and holds you! I'm sure you will recover just fine - and that little angel that was with you for a little while now twinkles down on you from heaven! Have a very merry christmas!

Anonymous said...

Your post is an inspiration. The only thing we can control in life, is how we think, and your attitude will bring you joy, even as you grieve your loss.
love,
me

Katharine said...

Blessing and prayers for a warm and wonderful Christmas as you hold each other close...So sorry for you loss.
Merry Christmas...

Gloria said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know that is hard, been down that same road before. My heart goes out to you... ((((Libbie)))) hugs to you. Praying God will comfort you today with His love.

XOXO...Gloria

Your images are always such a blessing to view. They are filled with Love and Joy!! Thank you for sharing!!

SagebrushFarm said...

Praying that you will continue to be filled & overflowing with Jo from the Lord. So sorry for your loss.
Love & hugs!

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

I'm so sorry ~ Thinking of You, Lots of Love & Hugs....
xox
Cheryl

Nicole said...

Libby - you and your family are in our thoughts & prayers.
Bless you & Your family!

marie said...

Thinking of you...and praying too!
In the midst of all that is happening in your life you rmeind us to look for the joy....thank you so much!

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Honey I have been praying for you and I love you.
Thanks for being my friend
Love
Maggie

Caterina said...

I'm sorry.

Seeking and finding joy during such a hard time says so much of what a strong & amazing woman that you are. God bless you and all your family!

the old white house said...

Oh Libbie, I am so very sorry. I have not been able to visit blogs in too long and I missed this completely. My heart goes out to you, I have been where you are... 3 times and I know the sadness that accompanies the loss. Thankfully you are surrounded by such a wonderful support system! Your family is such a blessing. Your Christmas party and new Years post shows why you are so loved. You, my friend, are a beautiful soul, and you touch so many lives both near and far.
Happy New Year! Today is Duane's birthday, the pot roast that I started earlier smells wonderful and later we will have a table full of lovely faces for me to look at!
I am thrilled that my computer finally worked long enough for me to stop by and say hello!
Have a blessed New Year!
love, t.xoxooxoxoox