It's hard to believe that 12 months have passed. Last year Dave and I were expecting our first child, a daughter we named Charlotte. She was due in July but died halfway through the pregnancy, leaving us stunned and overwhelmed by grief.Today is the first anniversary of Charlotte's death, and I want to take this opportunity to honor her.
While our lives were filled with tremendous pain after the loss, the support and kindness of others helped us move forward. Losing Charlotte also gave me a new sense of openness, encouraging me to embrace the world around me and express myself through writing and photography.
She is the reason I eventually started this blog, which has turned out to be an incredible and unexpected gift.
Erica.... to you and your husband,... hugs and heart-deep wishes for a peaceful day as you honor Charlotte.
ReplyDeleteErica, Thank you for sharing your gift.
ReplyDeleteHugs, tears and hope for the future to you two.
ReplyDeleteI truly value your outlook on life, and thank you for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it never goes away, hopefully with each each passing day, it gets a little easier to bear.
ReplyDeleteErica, your grace and big heart really moves me. I hope you had some peaceful moments today and could feel some of the love that surrounds you. What a beautiful tribute to Charlotte...thank you.
ReplyDeleteCedar, Anonymous, Linda, Erin, Matt and Margs -- Thank you so much for your kind words. Hearing from all of you really helped me get through a rough day. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for missing this post Erica. My heart goes out to you and your husband. I'm glad you've been able to move forward while finding a way to honor your daughter. She will be forever in your hearts and souls.
ReplyDeleteSending you a hug,
Sharon
Thank you Sharon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, touching way to honor your daughter. I wish blessings of peace to both you and your husband.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks Heather.
ReplyDeleteErica, I have been so blessed to see how you honor Charlotte every day and to see your love for her shine through in everything you do. And what a gift Charlotte has been- her spirit lives on in all of our hearts and is strengthened every time you share your wonderful talents with us through this blog. I am so honored to have been able to witness some of what you and Dave have gone through this year and how your love and faith in eachother have kept you going and have made you far stronger than you probably ever thoght you could be. I had all three of you in my heart and prayers on Friday and wish you so much joy this coming year.
ReplyDeleteJulie, thank you for such sweet words and for being there for us!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you guys. This is the first time in awhile I have checked out your blog. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
ReplyDeleteHope to see you tomorrow night if you can make
it. We need to catch up soon and get a cup of coffee/tea.
Erica, what a beautiful blog, and this post was a lovely tribute to your daughter. Your writing and photography are a wonderful way to honor her. Thanks for sharing it all.
ReplyDeletetia
Hi Caroline -- Thanks so much for stopping by. We managed to get through the anniversary, and writing this post was very therapeutic. Let's definitely catch up soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Tia -- Thank you so much. So good to hear from you.