Thursday, June 2, 2011

If I only knew...

I thought we were doing well.

Today, was hard. Such a small word to describe the enormous pain of reliving every moment of one tiny life.

I feel so much guilt.

We were getting ready to go to bed and I couldn't remember if I prayed the night before he died. I looked at Erik - my eyes filling with tears, "Did I even pray? I must not have prayed hard enough."

How many times did we visit the NICU on his second day? Was it really only three? What kind of mother visits her sick, premature son only three times in an entire day? I never should have left his side. I wouldn't have ever left his side if I knew...

The last visit we had with him was perfect. I held onto his tiny hand and stroked his delicate cheek. I remember talking with his nurse, we were all so hopeful for Sawyer.

The last thing I said to my baby was that I was sorry for not being there more. That every single day I would be able to visit longer and longer as my body healed from the c-section.

It was so hard to leave him that night because he looked so good. His color, his stats - he was stable for the first time since he was born. We went to sleep with peaceful minds, thinking that we had better rest up because the coming weeks and months that were ahead of us were going to be long.

If I only knew...

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Sawyer's first birthday

We let balloons go for you.

Sadie gave you a beautiful windchime with tiny dragon flies.

Mommy and Daddy read poems. We all sang "Happy Birthday" and watched as a hawk circled gracefully above.

After dinner, we went back to the cemetery. It was dusk. The sky turning from dark blue to black right before our eyes. Instant stars twinkling in the night sky.

I had to go back. I told you how sorry I was that on the day you were born, we never had the chance to see you. If I only knew Sawyer, I would have never left your side. I would have stayed with you every second of your tiny life and held your hand.

I know you are safe. I saw where you went, and each day here on earth is just one closer to being with you again. All of our love...

One year

Happy 1st Birthday Sawyer.