Passionate

I guess you could say I've become passionate about preemies since our boys were born almost two years ago. Last year we participated in the March for Babies and raised almost $2,000. It was awesome and I was overwhelmed with gratitude for all of our family, friends and friends of family who helped support us this wonderful cause and the March of Dimes. Last week, I received this in the mail. I was really shocked at how we made the top 10 for family teams in the Illinois Division.

This year Stephen and I decided to do it again and raise money, I've invited a few friends I know who've had preemies this last year to join us and help us. Again, it's been overwhelming at the response.

This past week has made me reflect as to why I do this.

I've had a two friends who've lost babies recently, because they were born too soon. My heart goes out to them. I know every experience in the NICU varies so much, but when you have to face loosing a baby....because of being born early. It makes my heart physically ache. Ache for my little Angel Ethan and ache for them as a mother who's had to say goodbye to their little boys. When I hear of their experiences, all those feelings of loosing Ethan and last few hours with him come to the surface and my heart explodes with emotion. I am a mess.

What strength and faith these two mothers have. They both are great examples to me.

One friend gave birth to her little boy at 20 weeks. They were able to spend about 30 minutes hugging and kissing him. She shared a deep and personal testimony which reaffirmed mine.

"We are honored that we have the blessing to be parents to such a perfect little spirit who just needed to come to earth to receive a body, and now has returned to the loving arms of our Savior Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. We have added motivation to live our lives in order to see him again someday. We look forward to that time.....What carries us through is our faith in the plan of our Heavenly Father and in eternal families. We know we will see our son again and look forward to that glorious reunion."

It's hard to express how grateful I am for eternal families.

Another friend I knew in high school. I've been following her blog the last few months about the incredible journey of her precious little boy Marshall.  Born at 27 weeks just before Christmas weighing only 14 oz. He truly was a miracle. What a strong spirit this little guy had.

Sure does make you hold on to your family just a little bit tighter. These two valiant spirits must have been needed more on the other side of the veil.  I know that our Heavenly Father truly does love us and although we have challenges and trials that come into our path of life, he never leaves us alone.

We have just over a month left before our March for Babies walk here in Dallas. This past week has given me much to reflect upon as to why I do this. Please help us in this great cause!

www.marchforbabies.org/holdenboys