Caden was up all night. I mean, literally, up all night. If Matt and I got a half hours sleep we were lucky. Caden was in a lot of pain so we comforted him, did what we could to ease his pain and stayed awake holding him in our arms. Although we did not sleep, we considered ourselves lucky.
Why?... Because Caden was with us all night. While many would be spending the next day complaining to their coworkers about their lack of sleep, I am grateful for my lack of sleep. To me, it means Caden is here with us and for this, we are blessed.
 |
| Caden finally fell asleep around 4:30 a.m. |
Too many Mommy's and Daddy's said good bye to their little one's this past week. Too many precious, innocent angels earned their wings. Some, from the day they were born, never had an opportunity to leave the hospital. Others were doing well and then suddenly fell ill and yet other's had been fighting long, hard battles struggling to hold on. Yes...today I am very lucky.
Everything in life is about perspective. While many are grateful for what they have because they see what we go through on a daily basis, I am grateful for what we get to go through on a daily basis. The very fact that Caden envelops our lives is a blessing. His daily struggles, which become our daily struggles, are a gift and we are thankful.
Today's post is dedicated to all the little one's who have briefly graced this Earth and left behind lessons of love and strength for all of mankind. These warrior's fought hard battles and far surpassed expectations. They hung on to give their families time and left behind a legacy that will remain in our hearts forever. In their short lives, they have given more, expected less and loved unconditionally. Without the use of words they have told stories that will always remind us of just how precious life truly is.
Although they have left us far too soon, I believe with all my heart they are in a better place. As much as I can in no way imagine the pain these families are going through, I believe these children will live on in the goodness of others who were impacted by their short time here on Earth.
Their presence lives on in the acts that follow by those who became a part of their journey. Maybe we will all be a little kinder, a little more patient and a little more appreciative of the gifts we have. Maybe we will take time to enjoy the little things, hug more and hate less. Yes...these little one's will always be with us.
They are the gentle breeze on a warm summer day; the sweet smell of fresh cut flowers; a beautiful butterfly dancing; a breathtaking sunset on a summer evening. They will watch over and protect those children who continue to fight. They are the small miracles that occasionally happen and no one really understands why.
God bless the little one's lost and those who continue to fight.
I leave you with this...
THE BRAVE LITTLE SOUL by John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?" God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," he asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone." The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity."
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you". God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.
In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.
Thank you for this. I was up all night long with my 5 month old and got up this morning cranky and angry. Even though I already know it, you're post made me realize yet again how lucky I am. I'm so blessed to have a healthy baby and get to rock and nurse him all night long. Yes, I'm tired but he needed me and I'm lucky to be his mom. So while he's happily napping now, I'm going to try and get some work done but instead of being bitter, I'll do it with a smile and look forward to when he wakes and I'll be needed again. Thank you, your most positive attitude changed my day. God bless you and your beautiful family.
ReplyDelete