Blessings

The second you become a parent, your entire world changes, and the unconditional love that you feel for your child is unlike anything that you could ever imagine. In that instant, you know that you will spend the rest of your life doing anything in your power to love, protect, and comfort that sweet baby.

In this time of great heartbreak from the passing of baby Declan, I am reminded of all my blessings and to never take a moment with my babies for granted. Emotions can never be more raw than those for losing a child. I didn't know Declan personally but I knew his story and I knew his and his family's pain. I cried along with them and prayed along with them. I think that is an ultimate testament to Declan's legacy; his life and his Mommy's words have touched so many people.

I have taken some time to reflect over the last couple of weeks and remember that even in the midst of stress and chaos and the difficulties of life, that nothing can or will ever compare to the nightmare that Declan's family is living. I find myself taking the extra 10 minutes to linger at home in the morning before heading to work to give my boys a huge hug and kiss and tell them how much I love them. During a hectic day at work, I stop and take a deep breath and remember that whatever problem is going on is not going to be the end of the world, and at the end of the day, I have a happy, loving, and healthy family to go home to. What true blessings.

I am thankful for everything that this sweet baby boy has been able to teach me and remind me of. While his time in this world was short, it was purposeful, and we should all be so lucky as to be touched by his journey.

An excerpt from the eulogy given yesterday at his funeral by his parents --

My son, your life was not in vain and albeit short, it was filled with so much more than we ever could have imagined for you. Your little life touched more lives than we will probably ever know. Son, you made a difference. Your ability to smile in the face of horrible pain and months of being away from the family that loved you so, made people (including us) stop and reflect on their lives. To look at the world around us, see all the blessings we have been given and maybe for the first time, really and truly appreciate them. YOU did this. You reminded parents what a gift it is to be allowed to be a Mommy or a Daddy. You helped us all slow down and appreciate the little things in life …like the smile of a little boy from Ashburn …and to remember no matter how bad anything in our life seems, if you keep a smile on your face, you can do anything, be anything …even impact a world. We are so grateful to you for all you taught us. We are so proud of you and to be your parents.

RIP sweet baby Declan.
http://declansjourney.com/