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For those of you who didn't win and would like to purchase Natalie's book, she's offering a 20% discount to my blogging chums! YAY! All you have to do is go to this link and type in "dancingbarefoot" (no quotations) in the coupon code section. Thanks Natalie!
Now onto Wednesday's Walk!
Welcome to Wednesday's Walk Down Memory Lane! I hope you'll join me and my Wednesday Walk "chums" - if you'd like to know how to participate, just click on the button above. It's EASY! This is a fun opportunity to document some of the things you don't want to forget and share those memorable times with others so we can enjoy them too.
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Sorry to have a somber spirit for this one. Sometimes that's just the way it is. I was browsing through some old pictures looking for something to write about for Wednesday's Walk and I kept coming across pictures from the months after Anna died. I was flooded with feelings and emotions that surprised me. It's been 4 1/2 years, but when I look back at those pictures, it's almost as if it were yesterday. I can remember how it felt. We were in such an altered state.
After Anna was gone from us, it felt so odd and wrong to do things without her. We tried to carry on as usual, but how can you just go about life without someone who's been there for 6 1/2 years. Anna added something to our family that made us complete - we were like a puzzle with a piece missing (it just doesn't look complete without it).
When people would come for a visit, they'd say it just wasn't the same without Cecily AND Anna in the window watching them come to the door - or watching her wave from the porch when they left. Cecily and Anna had their little "they're here!" reaction when people came (which involved laughter and squeals).
I'd hear Silas' voice and think it was Anna. I'd start to call to her to come for bible reading, supper or a bath and have to stop myself - sometimes I'd get a panicky feeling at moments like that. Life just felt so strange. She was supposed to be here with us, yet...she wasn't.
When I look back at these pictures...there's a noticeable gap - and I can see the unnatural expressions of my family - a family trudging on with broken hearts. I thought I'd show you some pictures that stood out to me for one reason or another. Thank you for letting me have this moment - I don't do it often, but I guess I just needed to remember this today.
28 comments:
Oh, I so know those days...they take you back to the moment and you hurt all over again! Sorry that you have to go there, but so glad you have the lovely memories to treasure...I know having her to hold and touch is the desired need today! HUGE HUG! Shi~
p.s...sent you a package today, enjoy..:)
Anna was so beautiful.
I can definitely see the "gap" in the pictures but I can also see Anna there in spirit.
I can see the gap ,too. Anna sure was cute as a button. She sure was.
Oh, dear Lynnette. My blog is a bit of a downer today as well. It has been very cathartic to write down the current events, though, and remember back to when someone too close to me tried to end her life.
Yes, there is a gap in your pics...but even more so in the hearts of your family. Thank you for honestly sharing with us.
Pamela in TX
Beautiful pictures and yes, I can see the "gap". Anna was sure a precious little girl, I can just see it when I see her pictures. :)
WOW I won! Thank you Lynnette!
I'm so excited!
I can only imagine how it feels to look at those photos of her - where she is so full of life and then to look around and she is not there. I can only imagine how it feels to look at photos without her in them - because as I looked at them this morning I could feel the difference still. She was a very precious child to all of you and her life is NOT gone - it lives on inside of each of you. There are tender moments which you have shared where I see her still with Cecily or Abigail. I see her in you. Her physical body may not be here with us - but her precious life lives on in all of you!
Thanks for sharing more of your tender loving heart with us!
Blessings and love,
Jill
I had to smile when I saw her bruise. Elayna fell last week against the corner of the wall and has a very similar bruise and black eye... I feel like I have to explain the bruise to everyone because it looks so horrible! :)
We feel that same gap when we go to see Jeremy's family. He lost his 25 year old brother in the fall in a car accident. Something is missing now. It is hard to think about that fact that he is really gone from this life. But, God in his faithfulness, helps us through those hard moments. I'm so thankful for that.
You know what, dear friend...In every photo where you commented that she was missing, in my spirit I heard each time, "Mommy, I'm right here! I'm with you!" Anna will always be there, in your hearts, your thoughts, in everything you do...because beautiful Anna IS a part of your family! I see her in every smile on your face, and they are always big and vibrant smiles, from ear to ear! Thank-you for being transparent with us, and for letting us in to those vulnerable places of life! Praying for you all especially during this season, as you purge things not needed, and allow room for new growth. Much love to you, beautiful one!
Lolli (aka lisa)
Lynnette,
I want you to know that you can always say what's on your mind here and we are always here to listen. I love seeing pictures of Anna. She was such a precious little girl and I feel so honored to have a chance to get to know her through your writings. It's been about 4 1/2 years since my Mom died to and I can relate to how it sometimes feels like just yesterday. I just want to say from the bottom of my heart that your story of Anna's life really did change my life, and I will be forever greatful for your book and your story, because they both brought me back to the Lord. I cannot wait to meet Anna one day. I just wish I could come right over and give you a big hug!
Love you,
Kristin
p.s. I totally forgot again that Wednesday was here....gotta go figure out what to write about!
Never be sorry for tearfully remembering your beautiful daughter. She was absolutely precious!! As I looked at the pictures I could see what you're talking about. In a few of them it seemed as if there was an empty spot where she should be standing or sitting. Maybe that's because she was always close to her sisters and her family. I still have a perfect picture of that little angel in my mind - she sure was a beautiful girl. Even though God is healing your broken hearts, you still miss her so much, understandably. I think it's great that you share about Anna and keep her memory alive, she was a truly loved child and blessed so many with her smiles and giggles, and with her life. Be blessed today, my friend! (hugs) Love ya!!
Thank you for sharing those memories with us.
May these precious memories always be in your hearts in both good and bad days.
Hugs to you and your family.
Oh, hugs to you...those pictures are striking, because you are right, it is so evident that there is someone missing. I could never tire of seeing pictures of precious Anna. Thanks for sharing ♥
Dear Lynnette,
My heart goes out to you. My twins where miscarriage alittle over 13 weeks and when my sweet little girl Emily went to heaven after 17 minutes of being in my arms I felt so hurt,and heartbroken. Even though my little one's didn't go up with our family I still feel very incomplete! Pictures don't look right..I go to the store and count my children when I think one has strayed away and "NO" matter how many times I count 5 there always seems to be someone (s) missing. I can't imagine losing a child I've had for 6 1/2 years...may our Lord hold you close in His almighty arms and comfort you with a great comfort that He can only do.
In CHRIST JESUS your chum,
Trennia
Tears are flowing this morning my sweet girl. I miss our Anna too and yet I still feel like she is with us in so many ways. The memory of that sweet child will always remain in our hearts.
You all have been through so much,...and by the grace of God you have continued living and you even live joyfully,...counting your daily blessings! This is a testimony to the power of God. He gives you strength. (Me too!)
God is good all the time. And His love for us is soooo faithful.
I love you all.
Mom/Grams
Thank you so much for sharing! I feel the same sometimes looking at pictures. After my brother died, I always envision where he would be standing now.
Thank you for sharing this. I participated in Wedmesday's Walk for the first time. I'm going to try to do it every week but I'm sure my other ones won't be as long! But I enjoyed it!
Dear Lynnette,
Thank you for sharing these pictures with us today. Anna was a beautiful little girl! I love that big, beautiful smile in the last picture! She's beaming with beauty and joy! (((BIG HUGS)))
Love,
Tonya
Never apologize for sharing your feelings - the happy, sad and all those in-between!
Many who read your blog have an empty spot in their photos and your blog has helped to heal many.
I do see the gap in every one of the photos without your sweet Anna...thank you for sharing this moment in time with us. I know you are happy and full of joy...but I also know that as long as we walk this earth, there is a missing place in our hearts for those who are no longer with us. Until we meet again in Heaven's glory...we will miss their presence. Praying God's continued comfort and grace for you, today...sweet friend.
Love to you,
Kelly
Dear friend,
I am so sorry your heart is sad. I can see the sadness in your eyes when I see look at those pictures. Thank you for sharing with us today - I love Anna's pictures.. whenever I see her sweet smile, and twinkle in her eye, I think about how God wanted her here in your family and for the rest of us for so many reasons. You can see how special she is just by looking at her. She was an angel here for us all to love.
Your heart will heal forever, and I am thankful you are so open to share this Walk today with us. We all learn from you - thank you.
Thank you for your sweet memories. I never knew your Anna here on Earth, but I will know her in heaven. I am so glad for your blog that introduces me to her and shares your love. Thank you for sharing Christ through your stories of your loss. . .
She sure is beautiful, Lynnette. And yes, I see the gap.
{{HUGS}}
~Amy
Thank you, Lynnette...for sharing your sweet Anna. I have been so struggling these last couple days...just out of the blue - two of "those days" and its good to remember that ITS OKAY...to take two steps back - and I will be going forward again soon. I love all your photos of Miss Anna - precious!
I can't even imagine the emptiness of losing one whom you have held. It was hard to lose my pregnancy, but in some ways she was never real to us.
I can't imagine being a mama who once held a child & then lost her. You have my heartfelt prayers. Also dear Cora's mama who lost her recently.
Thank you for sharing Anna with us. In some ways that must help as you make sure she is not forgotten & other people can appreciate her life & her sweet smile.
Thanks for having me at the sharing. :)
Lynnette, those are beautiful pics! I KNOW Anna is missed.. I missed her in the gaps as well in your photos. Thank you for sharing with us!
I understand the pain that can overwhelm you at times. Thank you for sharing your hurts and your joys. I think it is healing to take those moments to grieve again. It helps the other days be more manageable without our loved ones.
There's no need to feel the least bit apologetic. I'm glad you share all of your heart. Even the pain is beautiful, because you allow Jesus to shine through it.
Hugs to you!
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