A week of gifts continues...

I think I am beginning to realize how loved Angel, Jeff and I are.  It is not that I didn't know it, I suppose when you are isolated in your grief, you don't look around to see who is there loving you - from a distance or even right in front of you. 

I visited with Shannon yesterday and we exchanged gifts. I got her an ornament for Owen - here is a photo of it:

She got me this....a framed photo of me, her, Owen and Angel. 



I was very touched. This photo brings back many emotions for me.  The excitement of my pregnancy, the excitement of that day and meeting Owen, the anticipation Shannon & I shared about our babies.  I really tried to hold my tears when I opened it!  I don't know why because I can cry in front of her, she will always be there for me.  Shannon also gave me a Christmas card with photos of Owen, her and Nick which are really adorable.  In the card, she said that she was glad to have been there through the happy times of my pregnancy and the devastating times after I lost Angel.   It is true - she has been there through it all - good and bad, absolute joy and incredible sorrow. 

I think 2011 was both the best and worst year of my life.  The best because I met Angel, and she brought Jeff and I such joy while I carried her.  The worst...well everyone knows why.  Ultimately we have lost her from this physical world.

___________

Today, Jeff and I also met his parents for lunch. It was our holiday lunch together as Jeff & I are going to Jamaica for the holidays.  I gave Jeff's parents one of the ornaments I made for Angel, to hang on their tree.  Jeff's parents gave us this:

His mom said, as she gave it to us, "this may involve a spring project for you."  Meaning...I need to build a garden for Angel!  :-) She suggested we build one around our pine tree in the back of our yard, and hang this on the tree. I think that is perfect.  In the meantime, we will display this in our home.  Jeff's parents said they have one for themselves too, that they put in their garden and it is surrounded by rose bushes.  I can't tell you how much I LOVE that. 

Sweet Angel, you will always be remembered!