Time Flies ... thoughts remain every moment

Wow, I can't believe it's been nearly 7 months since I last posted.  Furthermore, I can't believe it's been nearly 11 months since we held our beautiful child.  I still follow many other blogs regularly, and I've thought about writing a few times.  I guess now is the first time I've made a point to sit down and share my thoughts again.

Many thoughts and emotions have passed through my mind the past 7+ months, especially going through our first holiday season childless after having the most wonderful holiday season in 2011 with William.  Misty and I both dreading the holidays, especially Christmas not having William with us.  After all, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus.  It's supposed to be a time of great joy and family.  Instead, thoughts of William so close and our desire to have him with us the strongest since the days after he passed.  Of course, we managed to make it through the holidays even though we wish we could have just skipped it this year.

Backing up a few months ... We FINALLY received William's gravestone in mid-October.  While it was certainly a sad moment, somewhat a final decision for our son William, Misty and I were very pleased how it turned out.  Inside of me I really wanted to show off how great it looked, but also realized how others may react to someone showing off their sons gravestone.  I don't feel there's anything wrong with showing off in this blog, so I have included a picture ...



After the the New Year passed, we diligently began working on a foundation that is to be in honor & memory of William.  As of 1/14/13 William's Wings Foundation is a recognized corporation in the State of MN.  The Foundation has 8 board members and has already held our first meeting.  On 1/18/13 Form 1023 was submitted to the IRS to obtain our 501(c)(3) designation as a charitable tax-exempt status.

The purpose of this foundation is:

• ·          to provide hope, healing, help and hopefully smiles again to families grieving the loss of a child for any reason;
• ·          to purchase a Christmas Box Angel Statue and erect a monument to serve as a beacon of hope and remembrance for families who have lost a child;
• ·          to provide financial support to recognized Section 501(c)(3) organizations who conduct research, education, and informational activities related to sudden unexpected infant deaths;
• ·          to provide financial support to recognized Section 501(c)(3) organizations who provide support and encouragement to families grieving the death of an infant or young child; and
• ·          to advocate for the health and survival of all children. 

I am very proud of of how far, how quickly we've come with our organization thus far and couldn't do it with out the support of our board.  I am excited to see the wonderful things we will be doing in William's name & honor.

      

      Our main fundraising even will be a golf tournament to be held in June, on the 17th.  Now with the organization set up we will be busy planning and soliciting donations for our event.  More details will be released on our website & a Facebook page will be created as they are nailed down.  

      

      Also new since my last post ... Misty and I received some AWESOME news that she was pregnant with our second child that will arrive in the beginning of April.  As you can imagine, it was VERY bittersweet news for us.  While we were very excited about another child, it brought up emotions of missing William so much again and wanting to share this wonderful news with him.  William is supposed to be a big brother!  William would have been an AWESOME big brother!  So far Misty has been doing great, aside of being tired, and the baby is doing well.  Her doctor has been wonderful, and very sensitive to our situation.

      The last piece of big news since my last post includes a new house!  Misty and I signed paperwork on a new build last July.  We moved out of our previous house Labor Day weekend and have been living with Misty's Mom, and my brother & sister-in-law (and of course Isaac) AND friends Ryan & Cristen for nearly 5 months.  It will be wonderful to move into our new house, but it will be different being alone again after being with family the past 5 months.  Also, moving into a new house, unpacking all of William's items will be more sad moments.  How great would it be for William to be running around a new, bigger house?  We can only imagine ... One bit I am excited about is creating somewhat of a memorial to William within our new home.  Even though he's not with us in life, William will certainly have a presence in our new home.  

      

      That mostly catches up our feelings the past few months.  A few exciting things, many bittersweet moments, and several sad moments as we continue to miss our sweet son.  He remains with us in our hearts every moment of every day.  What I wouldn't do to hold him right now ...    

Angel Of Hope - Maple Grove, MN  (12.6.12)

    

P                          Psalms 30:5 …Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.