A Year

For some it may seem like a long time, but for our family it seems like Lucas was just here. We miss him immensely and think of him daily. This past Saturday was the year anniversary of his death. The girls and I wrote him notes and tied them to balloons like we did on his birthday and released them to heaven. It was a stormy day but there was a short break in the rain where we were able to watch them float high up in the sky.

Maggie still doesn't entirely understand all that has happened, but is aware of Lucas and knows that he is her brother. Hadley still speaks of him often and has an amazing understanding of his passing. She often leaves pictures for him on the front step and believes they float to heaven. Truthfully, I think Adam picks them up on his way to work in the mornings. She took her time writing Lucas notes and drawing pictures for him. I asked what she wrote to him and she said "Dear Lucas, I love you so much and miss you. I wish that we could meet some time. Please help my friend Chad because he is sick." It was the sweetest thing I've ever heard. (read more about Chad below)

Our family wore Lucas' initials to the NAU game in honor of our little man and to recognize that he is always on our minds and in our hearts. After the team's victory, the players and coaches awarded the game ball to Adam and that made the day even more special.

Post by NAU Football.

In a couple weeks I will be traveling back to Ann Arbor to take part in a memorial service put on by Mott for families that have suffered the loss of a child. It will be special to plant a tree in the arboretum in memory of Lucas, and I'm looking forward to the trip and to seeing our hospital family too.

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and October 15th specifically is Remembrance Day. It's an opportunity for continued grieving and is also a time to be thankful for the ways Lucas impacted our whole family and to be thankful for the time we were able to spend getting to know him.

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Many of our Michigan friends and others across the country may have heard the story of Chad Carr, Lloyd Carr's grandson, being diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor. He is four years old and was a friend and classmate of Hadley's. I was so proud of her for thinking of him and for asking her brother angel for help. Chad's mom Tammi and her family are asking for as many prayers as possible for Chad. He needs a miracle and his family needs as much support as possible. For more about Chad's story, click here.