My Dearest Penelope & James,
Tomorrow is your fourth birthday. What I wouldn't give to have you here to celebrate with us. To watch you open gifts and blow out candles and run around with your friends and family. I don't really know what our lives would look like had you lived. But I've pictured it a million times and no matter how crazy it would be, I wish you were here.
Four years ago was my last blissful pregnant day with you. I grieve the loss of you both. But I also grieve the loss of who I was then. The me before the flood of grief, anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD. I was lighter, happier, more innocent. I am not the same person that I was four years ago. It's hard getting comfortable in new skin.
But now here we are, almost four years later. I've forged through the deepest depths and come out okay. Most days are good. I still think of you and miss you every day. But life has leveled out. Your two sisters keep me busy, very busy. I often wonder how insanely busy our lives would have been with you here. When I was pregnant with you I never really stopped to worry about how hard it would be to bring home newborn twins with an almost two year old at home. I just figured we would make it work. I'm sure we would have.
While losing you both was the worst thing I have experienced, please know that I don't regret you. Not even for a second. While it's been hard, extremely hard at times, I am so glad that you are my children. You have taught me how to love in a whole new way. A love that is so great that is crosses life and death. You have taught me my own strength. That even when I am faced with absolute devastation, I will survive. You have given me voice for the baby loss community. There may not be many people listening, but I will always speak of you. I will not be silent just to make others comfortable. You are my children and I will always speak of my love for you.
So Happy 4th Birthday my loves. I love you from here to eternity.
Love,
Mommy
Happy almost Birthday James and Penelope. Your mama does such a beautiful job loving you and giving other mothers the courage to keep talking about their children who have passed away. There are many of us listening and through her words we get to know you. I might not know exactly who you would be, but I know that you both would have been courageous and kind just like her.
ReplyDeleteYou're so sweet Heather. Thank you 💞
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