The long gap in posts is down to a couple of things -- busy, busy, busy with work and sad, sad, sad about the upcoming 2nd anniversary of the loss of Lydia. I don't even have time to post properly right now, but I wanted to share a picture of the memorial flowers that we had done for church last Sunday (it was the closest Sunday to her birthday that they had open). The arrangement is a bit too formal for my tastes, but they did a nice job overall. It was very nice to hear her name out loud at the beginning of the service when they announce who this week's flowers are in memory of, and many people came up to me afterwards and asked about her. In particular, the fellow who is in charge of the newsletter (which I help out with) approached me with the program of service in his hand. He pointed to the line which mentions the flowers ("This week's flowers are given in loving memory of Lydia H___ F___, by her parents") and asked, "Is this you? What's the story?". I replied that it was for my daughter who was stillborn two years ago. "It's just nice to be able to remember her," I said. "And now we can all remember her, too," he replied, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. It was a nice sentiment.

I've been thinking about you. I'm sorry you're feeling very sad these days (although I don't know how you could avoid it).

I felt pretty horrible around my due date two weeks ago, then i felt a little better, but today it's starting to feel more overwhelming. The stupid finality of it all. The she's dead and I don't get any more pictures or new stories and people will never get to meet her, much less know her. I don't even get to know her. I hate it.

Sorry to turn this into a mini blog entry. I just wanted to say I'm sorry about Lydia. I wish we were planning happy 1st and 2nd birthday parties and enjoying picking out father's day cards.

If you want to talk my email is holdens1111 at hotmail dot com.

Hugs and tears

Happy birthday to your sweet girl. The church flowers are a nice way to remember and get people talking. I do like it when people want to talk about my sweet girl. I hope you did too.

Hugs.

Big hugs to you. Lydia's flowers are beautiful. I know that it's bittersweet, so let yourself feel whatever you want. I don't think any of these anniversaries will ever be easy on us, but that the nerves just scab over after a while so that the pain isn't so constantly intense.

I always find it reassuring when I see my Jimmy's name in print, especially in something that others read, or when it's publically mentioned, like at a Mass. It just makes people know that our babies were really here, and part of this world, even for only a little while, and even if only to us.

Hey there I just wanted to say I am thinking of you. The flowers are beautiful and it sounded like a nice way to honor her memory. Also nice of the man who approached you. Seems like sometimes people are so reluctant to ask questions when really it can often be a nice gesture-- to know others care.

Anyway hope you are going ok, as ok as you can at least. I will keep you guys in my thoughts.

What a great way to honor a memory and get others to remember. Yes, it is a blessing when others ask and so few ever do.
Wishing you the best.

The flowers are lovely. It's good to hear the church provides a way to allow the community to acknowledge and share in your grief.

I'm glad that man was there for you, simply.

And happy birthday, even though the first one was not. She'll always have flowers.

((((((((((HUGS))))))))) The flowers are beautiful, and I'm so glad you were able to hear Lydia's name aloud in church. It makes such a difference knowing that people are thinking of our little ones - hearing their names and knowing that they existed and were loved so much.

Thinking of you and sending birthday wishes to heaven for your sweet little Lydia.

((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))

The flowers are beautiful. I am glad that you were able to do something in her memory, and that other people recognized her. That all means so much. (((hugs)))

Happy Birthday Lydia.

Lydia's flowers are beautiful. Happy second birthday to her....i wish you were planning a party instead of this. Thinking of you....

What a lovely way to remember Lydia, and for others to hear about her and remember her too. Hoping yo can find some peace on her second anniversary. Thinking of you. (((Big hugs)))

I just stumbled onto your blog... I had to say Happy Birthday belatedly to your sweet girl. The flowers are beautiful and I'm so glad that the gentleman came up to you... because acknowledging her is the best that we can all do... it doesn't make her loss any easier, but it does let one more person know of your beautiful daughter and that is always a good thing.