Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A New Tradition

Who would I be kidding if we continued all of our Christmas traditions as though this year were the same as the past? Things have changed and our lives aren't the same as they were a year ago. We are deeper, stronger and have been given a passionate heart for other families and children who are born with Congenital Heart Defects. We have a new family...our heart family that is comprised of others who have walked in our shoes and those who care compassionately for our children when we cannot. We had to include them and remember our baby girl and all that she has given us this Christmas.

So, Wyatt and I baked on Tuesday and put together some more Annabelle Baskets. We got up Christmas Eve and headed to Charleston. We enjoyed a lovely lunch on the Harbor, took our friends at MUSC some goodies to eat and delivered more baskets (and a few gifts, too)!

It not only felt right but it set our hearts on the right course...giving to others in a season where so much is given to us through Jesus' birth! We all agreed that this is a new tradition that we'll keep!


Wyatt watching for more dolphins...we were greeted by one as soon as we sat down for lunch! More gifts of God's grace!


Toting in the "goods"...guarded by Wyatt with his marshmallow gun!

With JOY for all 2008 has given us~ Rebecca

8 comments:

Evie's Story said...

Hey dear one. Glad to see you blogging a bit. Love the tradition you have established. Im so proud of you and can only imagine how your giving out of your grief delights the heart of your loving Father! Bet you brought so many smiles to 7C and PC too!

The picture of Wyatt on the glass overpass by Rutledge Tower just made me catch my breath. The memories of dozens and dozens of walks back and forth:-) Glad to be able to picture you making your rounds and deliveries! You do so well including Wyatt in this process. You're my hero as a friend.
...As a heart mom.
...As a sister in the Lord!!
Thanks for living your life transparently and letting others glean from your strength in the Lord!
love you - lets talk soon.

Lindsay Dean said...

I am so happy that you were able to find something to put a big smile on your face during the hardest part of the year for you. I have Annabelle's picture at Lindsay's bedside so she is with us everyday.....always.
Love to you my friend~
Love, Suzie

RHONDA said...

THANK YOU REBECCA...FOR THE LOVE YOU GIVE ALL THE HEART BABIES..AS I TOLD YOU BEFORE YOU ARE AMAZING..AND GOD WILL BLESS YOU..I KNOW THAT ANNABELLE IS SMILING DOWN FROM HEAVEN ...SO PROUD OF HER MOMMY AND HER FAMILY!!

Miller Family said...

What a spectacular new tradition. Wyatt looks so proud and happy to be a part of the giving. He has learned an amazing life lesson at a young age.

Wishing you more joy in this New Year and many more blessings.

The Ridgway Family said...

Your strength and faith never cease to amaze and encourage me Rebecca. Thank you for constantly reminding me that I have so much to be thankful for.

We too feel that we will never be the same after this experience and I thank Eden and the Lord for that daily. She has made me a better person and the friends I have found in the CHD world are so treasured to me. Some days I think how wonderful it would be if we could all meet someday.

Happy New Year!
Keisa

Emily said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog. I have spent the last hour or so learning about your GORGEOUS baby girl and I am so moved by her and your family. It blesses me to know that sweet girls like Annabelle are near my Miller Grace. I am a hairbow mom, too, so her pictures really made me smile. I LOVE the Annabelle Baskets. How perfect. The way you use your loss and all Annabelle taught you to bless us others is awesome and beautiful. May God continue to carry you through these tough days ahead. His grace will be sufficient. And I'll be lifting you up!

Amanda-The Family News! said...

What a wonderful new tradition.
I love the pictures - I am glad you and Wyatt enjoyed your time in Charleston.
You have been in my thoughts - but you already know that!
Love and hugs,
Amanda

Amber Schmidt said...

I am laughing and crying all at the same time. What a wonderful tradition. Wyatt with the marshmallow gun really hits me. I have a 6 year old who this year, at our church's "walk through Bethlehem" proclaimed that he had forgotten his LIGHT SABRE and would not be able to protect us from the Roman Guards... sigh.

Hugs to you,
Amber Schmidt
http://family.kentuckystudio.com