Thank you, Joni. You've been on this trip of mine for almost 25 years! I think we've met, and I apologize if my senior brain is forgetting the details, but I feel like you've been a good friend for a very long time. Thank you for that. I hope life is good and full for you these days too. Much love, Bar
Dear Caroline, I wish everyone could know the feeling of being completely supported by love. Woodstock and the surrounding communities were incredible. I don't wish for the hard parts, but I'm not sure you get the best of humanity without those hard parts. We were lucky. I'm glad you're getting a glimpse of it. xoxo
Five degrees this morning! Thank you for your photo of the ice-clad Pussy willows. They are survivors - as are you. Survive and thrive. I am listening, and I'm better for knowing your on-going connection with Forrest.
When my child was an infant (I was all of 22), I knew a girl with a baby boy, who was just a few months older than my son. He had a very rare and fatal blood disease. They spent a lot of time at City of Hope in California. He was so compromised that a small cold would turn into pneumonia and he’d be in an oxygen tent in the hospital.
I had a chance to hold this dear babe in my arms for a while, while his mother was making arrangements to get her small, sick baby to the hospital once again. I remember holding him, looking at my son, and thinking, “my baby is healthy.” Why?
I learned so much at that moment about a mother’s love, compassion and understanding the shoes that others walk in.
Dustin also died at the age of 2. His mother said to me, “He chose me to be his mother. He was put on earth for a short while and it was my job to make that lifetime the best it could be for him. That’s why he chose me to be his mother.”
I’ll never forget the life-changing wisdom that came from such a young woman.
I bow to these mothers and, in my heart, share their grief- even though my son was healthy.
One of the hardest moments for me was trying on coats at Burlington Coat Factory in Kingston a few weeks after Forrest died. There was a mom there chastising her little boy for being energetic and curious (and, for her, out of hand). She was really tough on him. Way too tough, and I could hardly stand it. I started to weep. Everything in my body wanted to tell her how important it was to take care of that little boy. In contrast, I was so grateful to see parents who were caring for their children, especially when they spoke to them as if they were as important as everyone else. Respect was what I loved to see. I felt like your friend felt about my job as Forrest's mom. It's always felt like his short life was the short life it was meant to be. Interesting how that belief doesn't necessarily line-up with other beliefs of mine, but that's ok with me. Thank you, as always, for being there and for caring about us for so long and so well. Love, Bar
Bar...We listened then and are listening now. I continue to be amazed at your strength, compassion and resiliency! Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Proud of you!
thinking of you Bar. Forrest was a beautiful son and your memories of him shine through each and every day. Thank you for sharing - straight from your heart! Sending you big hugs!
Dear Chrisy, Thank you. He was a bright light, that's for sure. Still warms me up. Big hug back! Enjoy those two little ones in your life. Love "meeting" them. xo
I love this and I love you. Your beautiful stories of Forrest have been on my mind since last week because I saw the upcoming anniversary on my calendar. Thank you so much for sharing Forrest with us, amazing mama. xOOOO
Sending big hugs 🤗 your way. I always thought it was so amazing how you shared your journey with us and so deeply appreciated. 🩷
Thank you, Joni. You've been on this trip of mine for almost 25 years! I think we've met, and I apologize if my senior brain is forgetting the details, but I feel like you've been a good friend for a very long time. Thank you for that. I hope life is good and full for you these days too. Much love, Bar
Your beautiful story of you and Forrest before and after--whew. WE have had a glimpse into your interior of love
Dear Caroline, I wish everyone could know the feeling of being completely supported by love. Woodstock and the surrounding communities were incredible. I don't wish for the hard parts, but I'm not sure you get the best of humanity without those hard parts. We were lucky. I'm glad you're getting a glimpse of it. xoxo
Five degrees this morning! Thank you for your photo of the ice-clad Pussy willows. They are survivors - as are you. Survive and thrive. I am listening, and I'm better for knowing your on-going connection with Forrest.
brrrrr. But so refreshing!! I love you, Doris. Thinking about you a lot. Merry Christmas!
When my child was an infant (I was all of 22), I knew a girl with a baby boy, who was just a few months older than my son. He had a very rare and fatal blood disease. They spent a lot of time at City of Hope in California. He was so compromised that a small cold would turn into pneumonia and he’d be in an oxygen tent in the hospital.
I had a chance to hold this dear babe in my arms for a while, while his mother was making arrangements to get her small, sick baby to the hospital once again. I remember holding him, looking at my son, and thinking, “my baby is healthy.” Why?
I learned so much at that moment about a mother’s love, compassion and understanding the shoes that others walk in.
Dustin also died at the age of 2. His mother said to me, “He chose me to be his mother. He was put on earth for a short while and it was my job to make that lifetime the best it could be for him. That’s why he chose me to be his mother.”
I’ll never forget the life-changing wisdom that came from such a young woman.
I bow to these mothers and, in my heart, share their grief- even though my son was healthy.
One of the hardest moments for me was trying on coats at Burlington Coat Factory in Kingston a few weeks after Forrest died. There was a mom there chastising her little boy for being energetic and curious (and, for her, out of hand). She was really tough on him. Way too tough, and I could hardly stand it. I started to weep. Everything in my body wanted to tell her how important it was to take care of that little boy. In contrast, I was so grateful to see parents who were caring for their children, especially when they spoke to them as if they were as important as everyone else. Respect was what I loved to see. I felt like your friend felt about my job as Forrest's mom. It's always felt like his short life was the short life it was meant to be. Interesting how that belief doesn't necessarily line-up with other beliefs of mine, but that's ok with me. Thank you, as always, for being there and for caring about us for so long and so well. Love, Bar
Beautiful, Bar. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Dear Terri, Thank you for listening. xo
Bar...We listened then and are listening now. I continue to be amazed at your strength, compassion and resiliency! Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Proud of you!
XO Mary
Dear Mary, Thank you for all kinds of things. I'm glad you're part of this circle. Been thinking about you a lot. Love from here, Bar
thinking of you Bar. Forrest was a beautiful son and your memories of him shine through each and every day. Thank you for sharing - straight from your heart! Sending you big hugs!
Dear Chrisy, Thank you. He was a bright light, that's for sure. Still warms me up. Big hug back! Enjoy those two little ones in your life. Love "meeting" them. xo
I love this and I love you. Your beautiful stories of Forrest have been on my mind since last week because I saw the upcoming anniversary on my calendar. Thank you so much for sharing Forrest with us, amazing mama. xOOOO
I love being his mama. That part sure does linger and I’m grateful. Thank you thank you. Xoxo
Dear Bar - Thinking about you today, and the months before and after Forrest's death, when I learned so much about life from you. Sending you love <3