Contrast

Three years ago today, Christina delivered our second son. He never took a breath, never opened his eyes, but his impact on our lives has not faded.

As I sit tonight, studying neonatal resuscitation in preparation for an exam on Wednesday, I am awash in emotion. This is a strange week for us. McKay turned 4 two days ago. Grant celebrated 1 month today. Even Talmage had a milestone this week, as he hit 18 months last Tuesday. All of these things, all celebrations of varying magnitudes, each cast strange contrast on this shadowy week. They are all reminders that life moves forward. Always. And that is both good and bad.

Still, tonight, it isn’t sorrow I am feeling. Homesickness, maybe. But mostly, I think, gratitude. Christina’s sisters and their beautiful children took time today to visit and decorate Connor’s grave. This action, as simple as it may seem, brought an immense amount of love and comfort into our home and our hearts. It isn’t always easy to be so far away from home, especially at times like this. But I am happy to report that distance doesn’t dim a family’s love. I am so grateful that others remember Connor as an important part of our family, too.

Thank you.