Caden's Cubs

We have been very blessed this week!

My sister, Sarah, works with a graphic designer who generously offered to help us create some graphics for Caden's Cubs. Sarah has worked with Jeff to create a brand new logo, notecards, address labels, and a brochure that we can use to distribute our giftcards to families and spread the word about Caden's Cubs and as you can see, the result is AMAZING. We have been further blessed by Jessica Carlson's willingness to solicit a donation of printing services from her employer so Jeff and Sarah's creations could come to life on paper.

Sarah delivered the first fruits of their labor to us last weekend. We received our first batch of notecards and address labels and it was SO EXCITING to see them! We have already had the opportunity to use our new products when providing giftcards to two families this week.

We have also been blessed to receive our first monthly donors for Caden's Cubs. Some of our friends have approached us about making a monthly contribution to our ministry and began contributing regularly earlier this year. We are overwhelmed and honored at their desire to support us in honoring our son.

We are VERY excited about our new logo and wanted to share it with you here. This is the design featured on our notecards and address labels. Isn't he cute? You'll notice that on his foot, he has Connor, Kylee, and Hadley's initials.

As always, if you know of a family who might be able to utilize the services we offer through Caden's Cubs, please feel free to send us their information and we'll do the rest. If you know of anyone who would be interested in simply learning more about our ministry, we would love to share it with them.

A special THANK YOU to those of you who have made this possible. Jessica and Sarah, we are so very grateful for your willingness to share your expertise to make this all happen!

Happy Mother's Day!

We carry a special place in our hearts for those moms who have lost one of their children...and especially for those mothers who are celebrating their first Mother's Day without one of their children here with them. Mother's Day is another holiday that has been forever changed by our experience with Caden.

Throughout today, we have found ourselves reflecting on our family, and the fact that it's been almost two years since Caden's moment in time arrived. It strangely seems like both forever ago and just like yesterday. Time does heal even this wound, but I don't think we'll ever get past the part where you stop and just wonder what things would have been like if Caden had joined us as a happy, healthy baby. We miss him terribly.

We often see sayings or messages about love and loss...and, while all are very well-intentioned, there is very fine line between something that just makes you sad and something very meaningful and encouraging.

Alexandra's House sends out Mother's Day cards to the families that have been a part of their ministry, and for us, the message the card contained took our breath away...we posted this on our Caden's Cubs site, but wanted to share it here, too.

Once upon a special day in Heaven up above,

The tiniest souls sat at God's feet, surrounded by His love.

The time was coming very soon, God said, do not be scared.

Your family awaits your arrival, now let us get prepared.

And so God looked upon these souls, in mute consideration.

He knew the life each one would live, He weighed each situation.

The souls chatted amongst themselves, and wondered who they'd be.

They knew the day grew closer; soon, they'd meet their family.

How would you like to change the world? God asked each soul in fun.

The chance to change a soul, a heart, is held by only one.

I'm going to make the world laugh, one soul said with a smile,

for laughter heals a broken heart, and helps us through each trial.

Then take with you the brightest smile, and share your laughter well.

The soul thanked God immensely, and down to earth he fell.

And I'll remind the world to sing, a sweet little soul told the Lord.

I have the gift of a beautiful voice; I can hit every note and every chord.

You'll have the gift of music then, a voice lovely and strong.

Share your gift with others, and let them hear your song.

I will show compassion, the next little soul raised her hand.

Some people only need a friend, someone to understand.

Compassion is a good thing, God said with much delight.

To you, I will give mercy. You'll perceive wrong from right.

And so each soul shared every thought, their plans, their hopes, their dreams.

And God explained that life, it is much harder than it seems.

And as each soul began to leave in a scurry of laughter and fun,

Heaven became quiet and still, for left was only one.

Come sit with me my little child, God said with just a sigh.

Do you know how many you will touch, in a world left wondering why?

Before your life comes to an end, you will know much strife,

but you'll teach those who know you, to cherish the smallest things in life.

And some may only know you through a simple photograph,

they'll never hold you in their arms, or memorize your laugh.

Some may only know you through the words they read each day,

but you'll do something wonderful, you'll make them stop and pray.

The tiniest soul raised his head up, to touch God's firm, strong hand.

Father, I am ready for the life that you have planned.

And I will do the best I can without a word or deed,

for you Lord, are the planter, and I will be your seed.

He could already hear many praying, and although they had not seen his face,

they were praying for his safe arrival, they were asking for mercy and grace.

What talent do I leave with, Lord? What gift do you impart?

All that you will need, God said, I've placed within your heart.

And so God kissed this tiny child, knowing all that he would be,

and whispered as he watched him go...You'll teach them...to love me.

We keep reminding ourselves that the slice of time we're missing with Caden here on earth is literally almost nothing compared to the eternity that waits for us all.

Happy Mother's Day.