Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Christmas Card

I had not been looking forward to Christmas, for the obvious reasons.One of them is I didn't want to send out cards, mostly because I didn't know what to put on them.I knew the time was coming and I had to decide. If you know me this is something I love doing. It's so much fun sending and receiving Christmas cards. I love comparing them from the year before and seeing how the family has changed or grown. Our family has changed so much in this past year and has grown. So I didn't really know what or how I was going to do the card. I prayed about it. Then I came up with an idea. I thought it was a great idea but I knew it would make some people uncomfortable. So I prayed again. I talked to our photographer, Jenny at http://www.jennyevelynphoto.com/ , and she agreed to do the photo. When we were taking the photo I still wasn't sure I was going to use it. Jenny emailed me the photos and I loved them. I cried. I cried tears of saddness, that this was even my reality and then tears of happiness, that I finally have a family photo. These pictures mean so much to Travis and I . I sat late at night online making our cards. When it was time to send them to be printed, I hesitated. I just wasn't sure.

Our cards didn't go out until the week of Christmas. Delayed by days and hours because of worry over how Landon's photo on the cards might be received. I think sometimes I worry too much about whether or not my grief is convenient or uncomfortable for other people. I sent the cards despite my fear. This is our family and this is our reality. I love them. I just hope the ones that received them saw an angel and not just our baby that has passed.

Here are the pictuers that were on our card...Our First Family Photo!!




My Boys, Van Ericson & Landon Thomas






I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and I am looking forward to the New Year! I believe God's blessings are going to flow on our family and many more!

With love from Travis, Melissa, Van & our sweet Angel in Heaven Landon Thomas

3 comments:

  1. Melissa I am so proud of you for being just you. You are such a speical person and you have to be true to yourself and your greiving process. I am honored to have been able to help you capture this years christmas card. Love you. Jenny

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  2. Your family picture is beautiful. I'm so glad you shared it here...and also on your Christmas cards. This post shares something I think many grieving parents struggle with...worrying about whether their grief is convenient or acceptable to others. (You said it better, but I'm too tired to go back and check your exact wording!)

    I wanted to stop by and thank you for sharing your heart with me on my "peeling back layers" post. Also, wanted to spend some time in prayer for you. I've read a little more of your journey, and my heart just breaks with and for you. Your sweet family has walked through so much. I am so sorry for the loss of both of your precious sons, Patrick and Landon. I would love to send you a Dreams of You Memory Book. If you would like one, please just email me (sufficientgraceministries@gmail.com) and let me know.

    Praying God's continued comfort and sufficient grace for you and your family as He carries you on this journey...

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  3. I don't know you, but I came accross your blog and feel like I need to say something to you. My heart goes out to you and all you have been through. You have a very beautiful family and I know you miss those boys who are in Heaven. Reading your story makes me realize how in great our Father is that he has taken care of you and all your boys through this very trying time. I will never know what you are going through but I just wanted to say that you are in my prayers.

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