"Here..."

We miss you sweet boy.

Over the past few weeks I've wanted to blog to let everyone know how the event went and what all has been going on in our lives, but I haven't. No excuses, just an apology, sorry. "Here..." where did that title come from? One day a few weeks ago Greg asked me if we could move anywhere, where would I want to live? "Here..." I said. Why here, do you ask? I'll list a few of the reasons I can think of off the top of my head on this eve of the day Mav passed away. In the past several weeks...

We had a spectacular memorial event for our sweet Mav. Local businesses donated items for a silent auction, friends made baked goodies, tons of people joined us, and we met our goal of raising $3,000 for the Children's Heart Foundation... And 44 units of blood were donated. Thank you, thank you.

We met many new friends that day who have been following our journey via the blog. We are truly surrounded by a community of amazing, caring people. Thank you for your encouragement. We enjoyed meeting each of you.

We've received cards from friends and a person we've never met in the past few days. Thank you for your prayers and for remembering. That means so much to us.

Our local newspaper and magazine covered the event and helped raise awareness for CHDs.

A sweet lady from our church (also whom we've never met) came to our door this evening. She had gone to the cemetery right before they removed the flowers from Mav's grave after the funeral and collected the ribbons from the flowers. She made them into a ribbon blanket and brought it to us today. We can place it on his grave every year. This just blew us away that someone could be so thoughtful. She also shared that she had lost her son when he was 42. He had a CHD.

Everyday I get to see the thoughtful people in our community who helped us during Mav's life and who have helped us get through this past year. Our dear friends who have supported us beyond measure, our church who has truly shown us the love of God through this dark valley, the wonderful people at Grove School who have helped our kids so much with their kindness and compassion. Here, we are close to them. We are also close to many of our family members who have been there every step of the way. Here is home.

Tomorrow will be a difficult day. The past several days have been difficult. One year ago tonight Greg and I were spending our last night with Maverick. About this time I crawled up into the crib in the PICU to snuggle up and sleep with my sweet baby boy for the first and last time. I wish things could have been different. We miss him so much. Thank you to all of you - those close in proximity and those close in heart - for being here with us, we appreciate your prayers. Love you all - jc

Godspeed, Little Man.