Hello Friends & Family--
I started this blog post a long time ago and never posted it. I guess I didn't want to bring down the happy tone of the blog. Now that things have changed drastically and I find myself re-reading my words, I have decided to publish the post for everyone to read regardless of it's tone. I'm not posting this for sympathy, I just want to post it as a reminder to cherish your family EVERY single day. Always tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, you never know when that opportunity will no longer be there...
**original post**
I know this blog is supposed to be about the joys of pregnancy and the birth of our little one. Happy, happy! However, today I'm just needing to vent a little emotion from some other happenings in my life. I promise that I will once again have a lighter, happier tone to the blog.
On January 8, 2011 a childhood friend lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Check out this link for more info on CF http://www.cff.org/AboutCF/ Geneva (Genny) was one of my first EVER best friends. There were a group of 4 of us in Elementary school that were pretty inseparable. I believe (if I've heard the story correctly) by 5th grade there was a request to make sure we all had different teachers, haha. Genny and her two siblings were all diagnosed at birth, and have lived with the horrible disease that effects their lungs and ability to breathe all their lives. She received a double lung transplant in March of 2010, but rejection set in late this fall. She spent her last month in a coma and on a vent. Her family hadn't spoken to her for over a month when she passed away--just breaks my heart. Unfortunately this isn't the first loss in the Prendergast Family, her older brother Chris lost his battle in 2007. Her older sister (the middle child) Laura is now the only child left. I just can't imagine her pain and the thoughts running through her mind. Please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers, especially her husband Marc as they were just married in October of 2010. I'm sad that the world has lost yet another wonderful inspiration, but the Heavens have gained a true angel.
I guess my urge for writing this is to make sure that everyone out there is hugging your loved ones every chance you get. Tell them you love them, you just don't know what the next day may bring. I have lost a handful of special people both friends and family in my life and each time it doesn't get any easier. What does get easier is reliving those wonderful memories you treasure for a lifetime. I also find relief in sharing their stories, it allows them to live on after death. I love when I'm wearing my "Team Tyler" bracelet and someone asks me about it. I love sharing the story of my cousin Tyler, he was such an amazing young man. I wish that I could be half the person he was! So with that said, we have to find cures! No more cancer, cystic fibrosis, nuerofibromatosis (NF1), heart disease, EE or any other disease! I encourage you (if the funds/time are available) to donate to a cause you believe in. Many are looking for volunteers too!
**new post**
Now at 28 years old, Cindy, my siblings Keith and Amy (23, 18) and I will prepare to bury our Father (Husband) on Monday. Typing that out makes it so real and final, but in a strange way writing it out helps me to think of all the wonderful memories I have of my Dad. Those memories are helping me keep my Dad close and alive in my heart. No I'm not fine, I'm not sure when I'll be "fine" if ever, but I know that my Dad would want us all to remember his quirky sense of humor and use that to help us cope. I know that Chris and Cam along with the rest of my family will help me through and I appreciate that tremendously. Yet there are no words or offers of condolences that will bring my Daddy back. I'm grateful for the nearly 29 years I had with my Dad and I look forward to sharing all of those wonderful stories with my Son. Cam never got to meet his Grandpa and it breaks my heart, but I know that he has the absolute BIGGEST guardian angel watching over him at all times. He was so excited to be a "hip" Grandpa and he told me all the time how we'd be awesome parents. Thanks Dad. I only hope that I can fill my Son's life with the same love that he showed me. Oh and thanks for babysitting Cam Dad while we were planning yesterday (Cam took a very long 3 hour nap...unheard of). :) I know you would want Keith and Amy to know how proud you were of them and I'll make sure to tell them every chance that I get. And you'd want to make sure Cindy never felt alone and was always taken care of. I'll do everything in my power to see to it Dad. I'll have my fingers crossed that the Huskers beat the Badgers too (against Chris' better judgement). I'm currently trying to find the courage to write something to read at my Dad's funeral. I don't know that I can do this, but I truly want to give my Dad the honor he deserves. If you are the praying type, please pray for my family we could use the extra boost of support. And thank you to all that have sent messages, texts, emails, etc. I may not be up for responding, but know that I truly appreciate it.
I love you Dad, always and forever. I know you will always be with me, but please watch over us from above. A sign or two won't hurt either.
Love,
Amber
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