"An Ugly Pair of Shoes"

I am wearing a pair of shoes. They are ugly shoes. Uncomfortable shoes. I hate my shoes. Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair. Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step. Yet, I continue to wear them. I get funny looks wearing these shoes. They are looks of sympathy and fear. I can tell in others eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not theirs.They never talk about my shoes. To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable.

My shoes represent every parents worst nightmare. To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them. But, once you put them on, you can never take them off. I now realize that I am not the only one who wears these shoes. There are many pairs in the world. Some women are like me and ache daily as they try to walk in them. Some have learned how to walk in them so they don't hurt quite as much. Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go by before they think of how much they hurt. No woman deserves to wear these shoes.Yet, because of the shoes I am a stronger women. These shoes have given me the strength to face anything yet they have also broken me.They have made me who I am. I will forever walk in the shoes of a woman who has lost a child.

~ Author Unknown

This Little Light of Mine....

We would like to thank our dear friends and fellow bereaved parents Alisa and Mike for having us over for a very special dinner last night! Not only did we get to spend some quality time together we also lit some very special candles in honour of our daughter Emersyn who passed away last April from SMA Type 1 at the age of 7 months and in honour of Mason, Mike and Alisa's beautiful son who passed away from Cancer last January at the age of 8 months old. We also lit a dragonfly candle in honour of all children that are living with SMA or Cancer and for those precious angels who have been taken by these terrible diseases.

Mason must be so proud of his mommy, daddy and beautiful baby sister Ella as they continue to remember, honour and connect with him in everything that they do. We could truly feel Mason and Emersyn's light and love with us during our visit as we believe our angels are together and are good friends by now.

Jason and I so badly wish that Mike and Alisa did not belong to this 'club' that no parent ever signs up to be a part of, however we are so grateful to know them and be able to lean on each other through our grief journey's. Thank-you for such a special night, we feel so close to Emersyn and Mason when we are with you guys and that is such a precious gift.

"This Little Light of Mine I'm Going to Let it Shine"..... for Emersyn, Mason and all of the beautiful children that have been affected by SMA and Cancer.......

Many thanks to Alisa and Mike for a great night and to everyone who participated in the candle lighting ceremony last night; we hope your evening was as special as ours.

Love,

Melanie, Jason and Emersyn xoxoxo