Today is a tough one. The twins turn 7 months old. The first “milestone” if you will, where Madison continues on & Mason remains. The comfort is that milestones no longer have meaning where Mason is. He’s whole, complete, healthy & happy. 

I would be lying if I said we are doing well. We are merely surviving. Every day takes all our energy to do just the bare minimum. To wake up, to parent, to survive. 

We are doing grief counseling for ourselves & getting guidance from professionals on how to help Riley. Appropriate language, children’s books & a safe home to talk about Mason, answer questions & let Riley know that all emotions are okay, is the goal. 

The other night at dinner, she randomly asked what Mason was doing. We said he was in Heaven. She asked to go see him after dinner. We explained it’s not a place we can visit but we can always talk to him. She said, “I love you Mason! Huggies!” 😭💙

Alex returns to work this week & my saint-of-an-employer (& friend) held my job for me & I will return on April 1st. 

There are not enough words to express our gratitude to everyone! During this dark time, it is you all who have kept us afloat & pushing forward. From showing up at the funeral to the flowers, cards & tremendously generous GoFundMe donations—we are forever indebted & grateful! We wish we could thank each & every one of you individually. Please know that your kindness & love is not going unnoticed & you all have taught us how to show up for people when they are struggling. You are our glimmer of hope during this time. 

I would like to leave you with a recording of the slideshow & Mason’s service. It was a beautiful service to honor our Stud Muffin. Our 3 favorite songs & moving words spoken by Tim (Mason’s uncle/godfather) & Pastor Tom. 

https://vimeo.com/918524747/ac185b50ee?share=copy