'Tis the season of sharing. I have been so blessed by this blog this year that I have decided to give back. Each week of December, I am going to share with you a treasure. Something that is very close to my heart. And I hope that you recognise each gift as such.
The first is something few of you have seen. I posted it on my blog for a day awhile back and - after some derogatory comments found online - I removed it. It was too sacred to me to be cast before swine. But time has past and I think my readership has changed as well. No longer is it a blog someone found via a large or popular blog. But - more often - my readers come via word of mouth. They or someone they love have experienced a loss. A poignant loss. And they come to share, to grieve and to understand. In that way, I am so fortunate. I have the best blog readers in the world.
So here is my first gift to you. I hold it sacred. This video documents some of our final moments with Bennett. Moments that - as you know - I now ache for. Longingly.
But this also documents the Hope, Faith and Gratitude our family feels. Our relationship with a Kind and Loving God has made ALL the difference in the world. Is it still tough? HECK YEAH! I wouldn't recommend this experience to anyone. But sometimes I wonder if I could learn the lessons I'm learning without experiencing the heartbreak I feel. Heaven only knows.
And I think It does.
So as you watch this short documentary of my heart, please remember this Mother. Remember my story and my faith. And remember that - with the strength of the Lord - YOU can do ALL things.
*If you are interested in having this gifted photographer document your most precious life moments, you can contact her here.
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I'm not one to normally comment on blogs, but that video was so incredibly beautiful! Thank you for sharing! I truly believe that because of your blog I am a better mother. You remind me to enjoy the little moments, because they are the ones that really count.
ReplyDeleteI thanked you the first time and I'll say it again, that is a great gift you have given me! I will go kiss my sleeping two year old one more time tonight. And I will blow a kiss to heaven to an angel I never had the chance to meet. You are a great mother and a wonderful teacher for mothers.
ReplyDeleteOh Mandy I am so grateful you reposted this! It is touching and beautiful in an undescribable way. I missed it last time you posted it and I feel privileged to have seen in and to have glimpse into such a special family and such a tender time. love you!
ReplyDeleteSimply a beautiful gift! His lashes are just precious! Love and miss that little boy!
ReplyDeleteOh Mandy...I'm so sorry he had to go back to heaven too early for us to understand. I am so glad you have that beautiful video to help you along. It is beautiful. I was lucky enough to see it last time, and once again, it has touched me deeply. Thank you. Love you and your wonderful family. Our prayers for your family have not stopped. Thank you for your faith and for teaching us all.
ReplyDeleteMandy thank you for sharing that again. That video is absolutely beautiful. My two year old daughter sat on my lap and watched it with me. She sat still while watching and that doesn't happen much! I know that we both were moved watching it. As I write this with tears in my eyes, I'm so so sorry for your loss. Bennett is a handsome boy! Thank you for sharing all that you have. You are so inspiring and I read every post. I still keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThat truly was a gift. I don't know you or your sweet Bennett. I have never experienced such loss, but know those who have. What tender moments with your son. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this "little shadow" of your heart.
ReplyDeleteOh Mandy, more than anything I just want to give you a big hug and cry with you. What a stunning video that captures the love you all have for each other. I am sure this time of year makes the wound a bit more raw. I love you and your adorable family. I pray Bennett's spirit will be even closer with you all during this season.
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. That is so precious and indeed sacred.
Love Amy
I don't know how anyone could be negative towards that. Simply beautiful and thanks so much for sharing it with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you. My uncle just passed away this morning due to a heart attack a week ago. Hearts are heavy and aching. Your little gift brings light to my heart. He is a sweet sweet boy to bring so much joy to others.
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful you are now in a safe place with your blog knowing that you can re-post this incredible video. It BELONGS on here! It moves me every time I see it. What a sweet gift! Loves to you Mandy!
ReplyDeleteMandy, that video is more precious than words can say. What tender moments it captured. And that Bennett boy of yours...SO BEAUTIFUL. I look forward to each of the gifts you'll be sharing this month :) love you.
ReplyDeleteI LOVED it more thanI can ever describe! Thank you so much for sharing and for inspiring me to be a better mother. I don't know you but I absolutely love you.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hold my son even closer now. Peace and Love to your family.
ReplyDeleteSuch precious and touching moments. This video (to me) seems to be about much more than just grief, despite the sadness of the day. I hope that it comforts you and your family.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is a treasure. It is part of your very heart and being.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you feel comfortable to be able to post it again - this is your sacred space that you let others into for a time.
Oh Mandy, you are a gift and a blessing and that sweet boy of yours....I have no words. I was lucky enough to see this the first time you posted it but the second time it's even more beautiful. I'm so impressed with you and the way you've taken a tragic situation and turned it into something beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your soul and helping me to become a better person.
That video is beautiful. I did not get to see it the first time. I know that it must have taken courage to post it again, so thank you for sharing something so special and sacred with us. It brought back a lot of memories of my own last moments with my sweet Hailey, but most of all it reminded me of the strength that we were given to make it through those times and all the angels we felt around us. Bennett is a beautiful boy!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, precious, gift! This video is incredible, it captures such joy and sorrow beautifully. You can feel the sorrow in having your sweet boy leave this Earth so young, but the joy you have in your life from your time with him is so, so evident!! I know your heart, although grieving, still feels the joy he brings you and I am so thankful for that. You are helping so many in being so honest and open in your blog and I hope you know what a gift YOU are! Thanks for sharing such a special part of your heart with us, Emma
ReplyDeleteThank you again Mandy! I am so lucky to have you as a friend - I know I am a better person because of you. Love you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for being willing to share your experience. I hope that you feel the comfort daily. I believe that at times the veil is very thin. I hope you will have touches in your life to know how loved you are.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, he is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love this video!! She did such a good job. I love how there is joy but also sorrow. Bennett looks so beautiful. I miss him dearly. Love you Mand!! Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteOh, Amanda. Thank you so much for sharing that. So tender and sweet. Thank you, thank you.
ReplyDeleteI don't know you or your sweet Bennett either (I came via another blog that had linked to here) and just wanted to say how much your video touched my heart. Such a beautiful tribute--thank you so much for taking the time to share something so special and sacred. How wonderful to get to look forward to the day when you'll be with your special boy again. Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteI think your site is so amazing. You inspire me.
ReplyDeleteI lost my son while I was 7 months pregnant...his name was Michael. He was born still on Easter Sunday, April 24th 2011. I have never had so much pain in my life. I miss him everyday and I can relate to your words. You are an amazing woman and thank you for your bravery in sharing this. You help people like me feel more "normal". Much Love and Respect, Pamela Magill