12 Days of Christmas {Not Forgotten}

“This week, three and a half years after we said hello and goodbye to Ella, a friend sent me a small package. IMG_6854 Inside was a note that said “remembering your precious child with you this holiday season” And there, wrapped in tissue paper, was a small wooden Christmas ornament with Ella’s name and birth date burned into it.   I wanted to sit down right were I was and just stare at this piece with her name on it.  This gift was precious to me for so many reasons.  First, there are very few times I will ever get to see Ella’s name in print.  She won’t have her name on coloring pictures or school work.  I won’t be filling out doctors forms or even signing her name on birthday cards.  But when I do see her name written down, it always give me pause.  It reminds me- she was here, even if for just the blink of an eye.

Second, I love that I have friends who are so sweet and kind to think of me.  We didn’t just go through the horrible grief and shock of her death.  Three years seems so short yet so long.  It gives me comfort to know that others remember her too and she has not been “forgotten”.
 
Lastly, I am so thankful that because of this gift and a few others I have bought or made, Ella has a place in our Christmas celebrations.  She has four ornaments that proudly go on our tree every year.  My kids smile and oh and ah, when I pull them out and each asks to put them on the tree “in a special place mom!”.  So far decorating our tree each year has been a time where I stop and let a few tears go thinking of the little one who isn’t here with us.  But I am proud to honor her and proud to think of her as I look at her ornaments nestled in with the ones for my children here with me now.  I am grateful that she is not forgotten.”

-Shannon H, Hope Mom to Ella

Hope Cards 2 Hope Cards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, we are excited to partner with Denise from Rural Beginnings for Day 8 of our Christmas Giveaways. Denise has graciously donated a set of her Scripture Memory Cards (pictured above) to our readers.  One winner will be chosen at midnight tonight to receive this beautiful product!

 

Hi! Welcome to Rural Beginnings and thanks for stopping by! My shop is a little mix of different types of home decor, primarily Scripture prints, but I also have some personalized wedding/anniversary prints that make lovely gifts! I also do custom designs!

Hi! Welcome to Rural Beginnings and thanks for stopping by! My shop is a little mix of different types of home decor, primarily Scripture prints, but I also have some personalized wedding/anniversary prints that make lovely gifts! I also do custom designs!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

6 Replies to "12 Days of Christmas {Not Forgotten}"

  • Shay Gutierrez
    December 8, 2015 (2:36 pm)
    Reply

    These would be so inspiring!

  • sara
    December 8, 2015 (2:55 pm)
    Reply

    Well, the 1st year without Katherine, two people gave us an ornament with her name on it…and we’ve been able to put in on our tree.

  • Lisa
    December 8, 2015 (3:35 pm)
    Reply

    When our sweet girl went to heaven 3 months ago we had several memorial pieces sent to us by close friends. We treasure each of them.

  • Karen
    December 8, 2015 (6:23 pm)
    Reply

    Only one person outside our immediate family knows about our two losses and her asking how I’m doing and not acting uncomfortable when I talk about them is very comforting. My husband was very supportive and was the first to suggest naming our babies, even though we didn’t even know the gender. That meant so much to me.

    • Ashlee Schmidt
      December 9, 2015 (5:19 am)
      Reply

      I’m so glad you have found a safe community in Hope Mommies for you to share about your precious babies!

  • Ashlee Schmidt
    December 9, 2015 (6:11 am)
    Reply

    Congratulations Kelly! You have won our Day 8 Giveaway! Please check your e-mail tomorrow for further instructions on how to receive these items!

    And thank you for everyone who participated!

    Continue to follow the blog over the next 4 days for a chance to win one of our other giveaways in this 12 Days of Christmas series!

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