Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Remembering Our Caden

We have felt so blessed by the way that people have helped us memorialize our baby boy during the holiday season. There was a part of me that was fearful that maybe no one would be comfortable saying or doing anything to help us remember him, which couldn't be further from what we need.

Last week, I was talking with our good friend and sonogram angel Jan, who told us that Caden's story is being shared at the Liberty Women's Clinic...young women who are conflicted about their pregnancies are learning about our son...he is serving as an example of how precious life is...whether lived inside or outside the womb.

We have also received a couple of very special ornaments for Caden. A teddy bear from Paula, and an angel with Caden's name on it from Grandpa and Grandma Carlson, who buy our children ornaments every year. Another colleague of mine asked if we had an ornament for Caden and said that if we didn't, she wanted to buy us one.

A beautiful evergreen wreath arrived on our doorstep last week from our friends the Hoffmanns. Our friends' words on the card that came with it said "May this Christmas bring you a peace that passes all understanding". The tears rolled down my face as I hung the wreath on our front door. With its big red bow and fragrant needles, it is a symbol of the beauty of Christmas.

Today the Alexandra's House newsletter came to us in the mail. In it are stories of several babies who left this earth too soon, and in the midst of the newsletter was Caden's story. Seeing his perfect and beautiful face in print was overwhelming. We are blessed to share his story with others.

As we seek for the peace that passes all understanding, we know that our peace comes, in no small part, through the prayers of others. Please know that each and every gesture you make to remember our youngest son touches us in the deepest part of our hearts. The greatest gift of all is knowing that his life, however brief, had a purpose...and that he touched people with his strength, innocence, and heavenly presence.

2 comments:

Laurie in Ca. said...

Sweet Lindsey,

I am so thankful that you are being blessed in this holiday season. I will always remember Caden as he is the special little boy that brought you into my life. His life left a legacy that we are just beginning to see. Who knows how many lives he will help with his story. I know he touched my life. And so do you as I follow your journey here, praying you forward, moment by moment. I love you guys.

Laurie

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas!
It's okay, really. It's all okay, and it will all be for the best. Everything is a gift from God, and He will see you through. Be sure not to miss the precious days you have with Connor and Kylee, as you look beyond them at Caden. Their lives are also precious, purposeful, and slipping forward with each day. Celebrate them! We wish you a peaceful, wonderful Christmas and a better new year!
ELW