Monday, March 16, 2009

10 Months


Wow we are only 2 months away from Lindsay being gone a year. This just hit me this past weekend while we were in Boston. Groen Buliders had their business meeting in Boston this weekend, so on Friday afternoon we packed up and headed to Boston on Am track. We were able to take Tanner with us this weekend. He was very excited about riding the train and taking the T around Boston. Lately when talking about going away this past weekend he was thinking that we were going to the hospital. So we wanted to show him that we can go to Boston and have fun and not go to the hospital. He had a great time and was able to swim and walk around Boston.
We decided to stay an extra night in Boston before heading home on Sunday. We ended up staying in the Hyatt right by the airport. You may not think that staying there is such a big deal. But until we got up to our room did it really hit Jon and I. This is the same hotel that we stayed in the night before Lindsay's surgery. The room was set up the exact same way and the memories just hit me hard. I could picture everything that happened that night. I really wasn't sure that I could even sleep in the room because it made me so sad. I just prayed and asked God to help me to get past it and only think of happy times with Lindsay.

We are not only coming up on a year of her passing away but next month on the 7Th will be a year since her first surgery. Thinking where we were last year to where we are now is not at all what we expected. No one could have prepared us for what was to come after surgery. But through this whole time God was with us and he never has left us. He has taught us to hold on to each other and most of all to hold on to Him. We have learned that you need to take one day at a time and to enjoy each day to the fullest. I miss her everyday and think about her all the time. But one day we will be able to see those blue eyes again and see her smile that melted your heart. Until then we will hold on to her memories and the happy life that she had with us. We would like you to keep us in pray during the next 3 months. April will be her surgery dates, May will be a year of her going home to Jesus, and then in June we await the arrival of Baby Groen. I have yet to clean out her crib and get ready for the baby. I know that in time this will need to be done but I don't feel that I am ready yet. Also to keep praying for Tanner. Lately discussions have come up about going to heaven and dying. I think as he is getting older he is started to think and process Lindsay being gone more. He had to grow up fast last year and go through a hard time that most 3 and 4 year old's don't ever go through. He is really excited about the baby coming and talks and asks questions a lot. I know that he will be so happy to have someone else around to play with.

In other news; This Wednesday we will be finally putting together the Lindsay Baskets. I have decided to have our MOPS group from church help me put them together. I am very excited to get them done and soon delivered. My friend Jodi and I got together last week and put a few samples together and let me tell you they are cute. I was going to add pictures today but I will wait until after they are all done. So check back later in the week for basket pictures. I also have gotten in contact with the social worker on 8 south and we have the go ahead to bring them to the hospital. She thought this was an awesome idea and thinks that the families will love them. We don't have a date picked yet to deliver them but I am hoping maybe next month.
Jon and I also have been thinking about Lindsay's birthday coming up in June and what to do. We found out that on her birthday Children's Hospital Boston will be having a walk to raise money for the hospital. We thought this would be an awesome thing to do and a great way to celebrate her birthday. We are hoping to have a team of people join us in Boston on June 14 to walk and celebrate. I will post more info on this in the next few weeks because we will need help raising money for this event.

I just came up with a few more things to be praying about so I will list them for you;
1. All our heart baby friends
2. That the families who will receive our baskets will be blessed and that they may find Jesus.
3. That we will be able to continue to make baskets after this first round is done.
4. Baby Groen would arrive before June 14 so I can be apart of the walk :).
5. Baby Groen to continue to grow healthy inside and for a safe and healthy delivery.

We again can't thank all of you who still continue to follow our blog. The Lord has truly blessed us these past 10 months and we Thank Him everyday for allowing us to be Lindsay's parents. Lindsay Bear, We miss you so very much and we love you even more!!!

11 comments:

GarretJulie said...

Wow, I can't believe it has been 10 months already. Lindsay was the first thing on my mind this morning when I realized the date. I miss her much and think of her often.
I am excited for the walk on her birthday and hope that it works out that we can be apart of it. What a great way to celebrate her 3rd birthday. And also looking forward to meeting Baby Groen.
We love you very much and are sending big hugs today.
Love ya lots,
~Julie
P.S Wish we were closer to help with the baskets but I am glad that those lovely ladies are going to help you make them up. I am glad you have them!!!

GrannyApple said...

Lindsay, Granny misses you tons and can't wait to be in heaven with you. The way things are going down here, it may be very soon. Thanks for making my heart smile whenever I see your pictures. I love you a bushel and a peck and a great big hug around the neck.
Love,
Granny

Anonymous said...

I also checked the blog this morning because of the date and I have been waiting for your update. I cannot believe it has been 10 months. This time last year Lindsay and all of you were out here with us and she was hunting Easter Eggs and preparing for her surgery. None of us ever dreamed where the year would take you. We keep you in our prayers everyday and we love you all very very much. We miss you Lindsay Bear and love you.
Love, Uncle Mark and Aunt Jeanne

Bill Welte said...

I have been thinking about you guys all day. Sometimes I am not sure whether to say something or not say something ... I couldn't end the day without telling you how proud Mom and I are of you, and how grateful we are to the Lord for the way you have grown through this year. We know that God is using all of this for His glory even though we don't understand right now.

There is not a day that goes by that someone doesn't share a story of how Lindsay's life touched their. I think it will be cool when we all get to heaven to hear the hundreds of stories.

I love you, Laura, Jon and Tanner. And I love you, Lindsay Bear.

Anonymous said...

Laura & Jon, your writings these past months are somewhat like a road map of your journey "through the valley of death".
You have shared past joys and sorrows and the anticipated job of Baby Groen.
To bear one's heart and share one's hurts is not easy.
Thank you for letting others have a glimpse of your walk.
Thank you for sharing your sensitivity to the needs of others it helps one check one's own heart.
LVS

Anonymous said...

To all of you...I have been so blessed and honored to follow your journey...I am amazed at your strength and courage...The Lord is using your family in a mighty way...I will pray for all your request and know that you will continue to look up and realize you are never alone...may the love of the Lord be with you always...Melanie Vara (Whiting Bible Church)

The B Family said...

Laura~ I am thrilled for the Lindsay Baskets! I know your little girl is so proud of her strong mommy! Can't wait to see the pictures of them...please know that they WILL make an impact on so many families in the greatest time of need and desperation. Your little girl will bring them to HOPE that only comes from One Source! You are amazing, friend! I am thinking of you and holding you close in prayer as you walk these next few months.
Love & peace~ Rebecca

Dover Mops said...

I had so much fun working with you Laura, getting things done for the Lindsay baskets. If I am haveing a rough day I always like to come to Lindsay's blog and read what you have written or the comments that people leave cause they just lift my spirit. I love how close you and I have come and I can not wait to meet Lindsay on Heaven and tell her how wonderful of a mother she has and tell her all the silly stories that we shared. I am so excited about the walk in Boston for Lindsay's birthday and getting to spend time with your amazing family. I know that it is going to be a great day filled with lots of laughs and tears. I am rounding up as many people as I can... ~Jodi

Anonymous said...

Whew...it's been awhile since I visited the blog, but it only takes a second for all the memories of the past 10 months to flood back. I've been thinking a lot, too, about this one-year anniversary arriving, and wondering how the time has gone both so slowly and yet so...quickly...at the same time. I miss that little girl. I miss the family that you two and Tanner were with her. But I will never forget what I have seen in you and through you these past months. God has been faithful and if this time has felt locust-eaten, it is always God's to redeem. Laura, Jon and Tanner - I love you guys and I (and my family) continue to pray for you. Thank you for your continued blogging and record of God's nearness. I look forward to hearing what God has for you in the future...

With love, Sus

Anonymous said...

Tuesday, I realized it was getting near the date of the first entry last year..and made the journey back to that first blog.

Laura and Jon, thank you for the blessing you have been this past year. Walking with you and praying each step of the way while watching your spiritual journey has blessed me so. Thank you for always being so open with your thoughts and hurts and joys. Not always easy.

The joy of looking forward to the new life in your family is exciting. You and this little one are in my prayers.

God continue to bless you.
Love, hugs & prayers,
Miriam

Alyssa Groen said...

Thanks for sharing your heart so openly and honestly, Laura. I hope my boss doesn't mind the tears and noseblowing that are happening in my office this morning. :)
I've been wondering how you guys are doing, as we approach some really tough one-year anniversary dates, so I am grateful for this update. You will definitely be in our prayers.

Love you tons,
Alyssa