Laying Her Head Stone

Who knew that it takes nearly two months to have a headstone laid on a grave?  I didn't.  But then there are lots of things I've learned since Hazel died.  I've learned that death and life go hand in hand.  There is not one without the other.  When we go to visit Hazel at the cemetery, I am always struck by the emotions that are so apparent here.  We certainly are not the only family grieving the loss of a loved one.  When I see others visiting the departed here I see love, sorrow, longing and sometimes even peace.  People come here to remember, to honor, and to share physical space when it is not possible to share time.  Until now,  I feel like I have been oblivious to a whole other side of life; a side of life called death.  There are many who already know this side of life very well.

Yesterday, March 29, 2014, We finally placed Hazel's headstone.  I was glad to see it done so that others can know that my baby girl is here.  I have new sympathy for those who have had to bury children or loved ones in unmarked graves during difficult times.

Here's the little marker that Sofia made until we could get the permanent marker in place.  Hopefully it's still there. 

 

 

Here's the new marker:

We didn't buy a vase for our site. But the caretaker offered to give us one, "because I want to".  We were so grateful. It means that we can have a permanent place to stand the flowers without them being knocked or blown over.   You can see the temporary QR code that we ordered.  The permanent one should be engraved in stone and will be placed on her marker this coming Wednesday, April 2.  This will allow visitors to Hazel's grave to access this website and learn more about her short but important life on earth. 

 

 

 

The Empty Room

I don't know how many hours I spent trying to figure out how to fit 5 kids in 2 bedrooms.  We tried everything.  Finally, we decided to move Hazel's crib in with our 11yo, and put the 3 middles together in a separate room.  It seemed like  a good solution.  I'll never get to know how well that would or would not have worked.  Her crib is still up.  It's still empty.  All of her things are right where I left them the day she was born/died.  I can't seem to remove them.  They help keep her place and her memory in our family.

...and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Prov. 18:24)

For quite some time, our family has been trying to relocate. But for some reason it just never worked out. Time and time again our plans fell through. We were so discouraged. We felt stuck in Bothell with no way to escape!

After Hazel died we understood why. Our Father kept us here, knowing we'd need time to heal among friends who would love and support us through unspeakable pain. I have not always been able to open my heart, or my front door, to the many people who have offered their love and service to us. But just knowing it's available has helped me.

Thank you to everyone who came to the service, and to those who have supported us with thoughts, prayers, emails, FaceBook comments, flowers, cards, gifts, and food.