Today we joined over 100 others as we ran and walked to remember our precious babies, whose lives will never be forgotten. We took the steps that they will never get to take. We got to spend the day out in the open with our grief - but also with our pride in how much we love Leah! Luke, Kyla and I wore our matching T-shirts as we competed in the 5K race. While we didn't finish in first place, I do believe we were the first group pusing a stroller to cross the finish line. This made Kyla happy, as she deeply wanted us to win! With so many young families like ourselves, there were many, many strollers and young children. The bounce house was Kyla's favorite part, as bouncing is one thing she never tires of.
This event, called Noah's Quest, was a fundraiser for the Infant Loss Support Group that I have been attending over this past year. The monthly Brief Encounters meetings have been a huge part of my grief work. I have learned so much about what to expect in the coming months & years, as well as received confirmation for how normal my journey is compared to others who have traveled this path previously. It was good so see some familiar faces and support one another in such a tangible way. Some families had groups as large as 30 people joining them in the race. Maybe next year, we'll plan on bringing along a few more folks, to increase our team from just the three of us.
As I stare June 27th in the face, I see it as a very monumental milestone. To know that it's been one whole year since I've gotten to love my daughter face-to-face is still heartbreaking. Yet, to know that our whole family has survived an entire year, and such a tragic loss is nothing short of miraculous. God has carried us through the vallies and pits of this first year without Leah. We are learning to carry Leah's memory within our hearts. One year is not long enough to have eliminated the ache we have for Leah, but it has been long enough for us to begin learning how to live WITH that ache. She will always be such a beloved part of our family, and we will always be aware of how incomplete we are without her here.
Leah - we love you and we miss you, and we'll see you soon, Princess!
