Grieving.....

a loss of an adult is hard but grieving a loss of a baby - is heartbreaking! Today as we traveled to Emporia for our great nephew Bo's funeral, we knew it would be an extremely exhausting and trying day. The range of emotions were from uncontrollable weeping to solemn faces, empty stares to complete silence. As we were surrounded by his blankets, stuffed animals, letters from his sisters and cousins, and the movie of his short life -- you looked at the parents with grief and emptiness that has to be as large as a Big Black Hole.....

As our group of family moved from the church to the cemetery -- it was so simple, so sweet, and so special for the most amazing little boy who touched so many people's hearts - an unending love we will always hold dear! But really, the most touching part of the service was Jamie, Bo's Daddy, delivering what I consider a farewell - a tribute to his little boy! Through his tear filled eyes, Jamie talked about him being such a strong fighter, a little brother, a beautiful baby, and the respect he had for him for never giving up... The bagpipes played Amazing Grace while his sisters released a white dove from a heart shaped basket and it flew off so gracefully as it gained altitude and circled over us not once but again and again before it headed north to find its home. We were touched to our core and I will never take life of our sweet babies for granted. Parents, love your children, hold them tight, praise them often. There is no time for anger but only heartfelt love for your family - nothing is more precious in God's eyes.... they are his gift to us!

Jamie and Melanie will never hold their baby boy again -- but for a short time, they experienced his loving heart... God Bless your sweet heart Bo...