Yesterday a small gift came from a stranger at exactly the right moment. It actually felt like Maxie's spirit had inspired this lovely angel to send us some love just at a time when I felt like I had lost all of my hope. I won't explain the details of the day (or rather, week). I have been in the deepest, darkest pit of grief for the last week or so for various reasons. I just haven't been able to imagine the sun light coming through and ever touching my heart again. Probably coming home from Cancun and then again from the sacred bubble of my Arizona conference experience had something to do with it. But, yesterday afternoon I left the house for a few hours and when I returned, feeling broken, there was a package on the doorstep. It came from a blog reader of mine. A woman named Emalee in Utah, who I have never met. She quilted a little blanket for Baby M. Oh my goodness! I just love it. I can see how much love went into the stitching. I hope she doesn't mind my sharing the card. It is just beautiful.
Dear Abby and Ted,
I hope you enjoy the blanket. It is a little crooked, as it is my first attempt on my own. Hopefully Baby M does not notice.
I chose to include stars in your blanket because of a book I've been reading lately. One of the characters calls the love of her life her "moon and stars".
Because Maxie loved Goodnight Moon and had "eyes as big as moonpies", I thought he could be the moon and Baby M the stars.
I also included stars because they punctuate the darkness, but do not change that it is night. They just provide some direction, hope or safety. I believe you when you say it is dark.
I hope Baby M can provide some light in that darkness just like the stars.
I hope you like the gift, and that if anything, it lets you know that people care about you. Even those you've never met.
Love, Michael, Emalee and Sam
Here is it, on the glider Ted bought me for Mother's Day last year.
Little Jakey is chillin' right behind it.
Just beautiful! Right? I am kvelling (google it). There have been so many moments like this. Just hearing from friends and family and strangers on my blog, by email, through phone calls, texts and occasional visits - I know that we are not alone. We are surrounded by love, even if sometimes I have such heavy blinders on that I cannot see it. Thank you Emalee, for reminding me how beautiful this world can sometimes be. I have needed it so much.
10 comments
what a beautiful blanket and letter. I am full of tears for your family's pain and hope. you all deserve so much of this type of love and understanding
You are surrounded by love. All the time. You and Ted and Maxie and Baby M. are in our thoughts, always.
And what an awesome gift.
Oh my goodness, that is so beautiful.
Wow Emalee! Such a beautiful gift, with such a beautiful message for a family we all love so much.
I am absolutely speechless. I am so glad there are wonderful people in the world to balance it out. Emalee's letter was beautiful. Abby, you, Ted and Maxie are truly loved.
Wow wow wow. That is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen/read. Just beautiful.
Wow...the world needs more Emalee's...so sweet.
Emalee's words are beautiful, as is her quilt for baby m. you, ted, maxie and baby m are truly loved by so many people.
That is so beautiful and thoughtful....
What a beautiful, kind gesture. I am so touched by this story.
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