Soft Pink

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Happy Birthday, Gracie Ann!

One year ago today, you came into this world already into the arms of Jesus. You touched more hearts in your short life than anybody we know. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. We miss you everyday and will continue to honor your life as much as possible until we are together again. Your family misses you lots, also. We are all forever changed because of you, Gracie. You are always in our hearts and we have so much love for you. We wish you were here with us. We often think about what you would be like, what your favorite toy would be, when would you take your first steps and what your first word would be. I could go on. God has been so good to us and has carried us through these days without you. Have fun at your big birthday celebration in Heaven. We love you, Gracie Ann! 

Psalm 66

1Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
2sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
3Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.
4All the earth worships you
and sings praises to you;
they sing praises to your name." Selah
5Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
6He turned the sea into dry land;
they passed through the river on foot.
There did we rejoice in him,
7who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah
8Bless our God, O peoples;
let the sound of his praise be heard,
9who has kept our soul among the living
and has not let our feet slip.
10For you, O God, have tested us;
you have tried us as silver is tried.
11You brought us into the net;
you laid a crushing burden on our backs;
12you let men ride over our heads;
we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance.
13I will come into your house with burnt offerings;
I will perform my vows to you,
14that which my lips uttered
and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.
15I will offer to you burnt offerings of fattened animals,
with the smoke of the sacrifice of rams;
I will make an offering of bulls and goats. Selah
16Come and hear, all you who fear God,
and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
17I cried to him with my mouth,
and high praise was on my tongue.
18If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
19But truly God has listened;
he has attended to the voice of my prayer.
20Blessed be God,
because he has not rejected my prayer
or removed his steadfast love from me!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Remembering

One year this day, we went to the doctors since I hadn't been feeling Gracie move and we got to hear her heartbeat one last time. We did not know that would be the last time, but thankful to God for allowing that to happen. 

As we draw close to Gracie's first birthday, I feel such sadness to not be able to celebrate the first Christmas and birthday. I have been doing a lot of reading of my blog lately and remembering the last weeks and day she was born into the arms of Jesus. I find comfort in knowing that she is perfect in Heaven and that we will be reunited some day, but it doesn't always make it easy or make me feel less sad. I wish she was here with me and Corey.

The following excerpt is taken from a blog, which I attached the link if you would like to read the whole thing, it is written by a widow. I found such comfort in this and reminder that grieving is okay and good.
"I think it is important to note here that we should not assume someone is no longer grieving, or not grieving as much, because a number of years have passed.  I am among those who, before I became a widow,  mistakenly thought that the one-year anniversary marked the end of the grieving process, that somehow things became easier and got back to “normal.”  Where did that idea come from?  That’s not accurate.  I believe grieving is actually a gift, a good and necessary gift, a process, and a journey that, because of the depth of our love, may last until I see my Bud again. And, yes, the severity of my grieving is increased during the holidays.  But as I respond to the pain and embrace with gratefulness the comforts he sends, I learn endurance and perseverance; and I realize that everything is part of the process of sanctification.  And I am overwhelmed—not by my grief—but by his love for me." 
http://www.girltalkhome.com/blog/comfort-at-christmastime1
I am only approaching the first year, but I feel my heart will feel this sadness for as long as I am here on this earth, like the writer mentioned the one year doesn't mean the end of grieving.  
Grieving the loss of a child is a process, it begins the day your child passes and ends the day the parent joins them.~B.J.Karrer

Please remember to say a prayer for all those that have lost a loved one, especially those recent unexplainable losses in our nation.  

A friend shared this sweet picture that she had found online with me the other day...so true for me.
 



Wednesday, September 19, 2012

One year today...

One year ago today I started this blog, with at first writing a note  a few days before on Facebook to let you all know about the news of our pregnancy. I was super nervous about starting this blog as I am not much of a writer, but this blog really became an outlet for me to lift some weight, share my experience and what I was feeling, which was much needed in my journey with Trisomy 18. This blog helped me to feel comforted by so many of your comments and knowing that with each read people were praying for our baby. 

At the time of starting this blog I was really praying for a happy ending. My happy ending. As the days continued I read more and more stories of others who had walked this road of Trisomy 18 before me and knew that I needed to find my happy ending in not bringing home our baby, but in growing in my relationship in Christ, who I needed to rely on to get me through this journey so much more than I ever experienced and in hopes that our story can change the lives of others down the road. As I continued to rely, pray and read God's word, I began to pray for God's will for our baby's life and for my husband and I's, not my own will. It was a bit of a freeing experience as I continued with the pregnancy. I use freeing kind of loosely, because it didn't lift all the weight of worry and fear that I felt, but I knew God had Gracie's life in His best interest and that He created her just the way she was for His purpose. 

I read the following verses the other day and wanted to share with you, as they brought some comfort and insight to myself. 

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 - “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil. 16 If you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you today, by loving the Lord your God, by walking in his ways, and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his rules, then you shall live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. 17 But if your heart turns away, and you will not hear, but are drawn away to worship other gods and serve them, 18 I declare to you today, that you shall surely perish. You shall not live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to enter and possess. 19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

Gracie is engraved into my heart and soul, with that I am changed forever and for the better at that. Thank you, God, for allowing me to be a mother to a beautiful angel and for granting me the courage to be open with my family and friends. I pray that one day in your perfect timing, God, that you will fulfill our desire for Corey and I to write a story of a brother or sister for Gracie.

Thank you so much for reading and continuing to read our story. Please feel free to share if you ever know someone who is going through what we did or similar.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

6 Months Ago...

On June 30 it was 6 months since we had Gracie Ann. Gracie had already left this world before she entered it. My heart just breaks over and over again when I think about it, which is still often. I can't believe that 6 months have gone by, when at times it feels like just yesterday. At the same time it feels so long ago and I find myself not being consumed with the loss of our baby girl. I have been feeling more like myself in the last few months, which is a blessing, but the healing process isn't over. It has been almost a year since finding out about Gracie's diagnosis and July is when I started having the tests done. For about a year, I felt like I was walking on the outside looking into my life and being weighed down by worry and grief. I do think that these next 6 months could be difficult because it was just a year ago we were going through many doctor appointments, testing and with each test hearing bad news. So the coming months have many reminders that are still close to my mind and heart. If you could continue to pray and think of us that would be greatly appreciated. 

I am finding so much comfort in my God since this all began, who has graciously brought me through one of hardest things in this life to experience. I don't think I would be where I am at if I didn't have my faith and hope in God. He continues to bring comfort in His word and through others in my life.

I am doing the Bible in one year plan, and the other day I was reading Psalm 112. It has really stuck out to me and touched me, especially verses 4-8. I would like to share it with you.

Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
    who greatly delights in his commandments!
His offspring will be mighty in the land;
     the generation of the upright will be blessed.
Wealth and riches are in his house,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
    he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
    who conducts his affairs with justice.
For the righteous will never be moved;
     he will be remembered forever.
He is not afraid of bad news;
    his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
    until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever;
    his horn is exalted in honor.

10 The wicked man sees it and is angry;
    he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
     the desire of the wicked will perish!

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Happy 2nd Anniversary to Us!!

Corey and I have been married two years today!! I wish I could look back and say that was a wonderful, blissful second year of marriage, but it wasn't. It was sad, difficult and exhausting, but God did provide a few blessings for us. We got to meet and hold Gracie, which I am so thankful for. Also, He provided us with a house that we continue to just love each day we are here. We found out I was pregnant right after our one year anniversary celebration and we were so excited. I remember thinking next year for our anniversary we will have a baby to celebrate with and slowly the dreams and excitement were taken away as we started seeing the doctor. God gave me the most wonderful husband, who never faltered in his faith in God and love for me in this last year. He has such a quiet strength about him that was so needed this last year. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to be his wife. We have been through the hardest thing a newly married couple could go through and it only brought us closer together and made our love for each other stronger. Corey is and continues to become my best friend, whom I love more each day. I love doing life with him. I pray that this next year will be a year of happiness and fun for us!!! It sounds superficial but honestly it would be nice. Thank you, God, for all your blessings that you have given us and continue to give us.

 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

(1 Corinthians 13:4-13 ESV)


Happy Anniversary, Corey! I love you!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Happy? Mother's Day

Mother's Day was not as a happy as it should've been. I was wishing for Gracie to be here with us and to be selfish, celebrate me. I like to think she was celebrating up Heaven. I was so blessed to be her mommy for that short time here on earth. Thank you all to you wished me Happy Mother's Day and shared with me. You all made unbearable day more bearable. We happened to spend the whole day in the car driving back to Oregon after a quick trip to see Corey's sister graduate from college. It was an good way to spend the majority of the day. Corey and I spent a little bit of time looking at her pictures throughout the pregnancy and after she was delivered in the evening, which was a sweet time of remembering and reflecting on what we went through. I pray that all who have lost a child were able to find comfort in our Heavenly Father and that you were felt loved and blessed on Mother's Day. I continue to miss and think of Gracie daily. Please continue to pray for our healing! 

I ran across a few helpful things and some sweet things were shared with me. I would really like to share them with you, in case you have friends or family go through something similar or you as reader are going through a loss of a child.

The following is from this website...such a sweet letter...get the tissue:
Dearest lovely girl,
Although this Mother’s Day is creeping into your wounded heart right about now, I want to say Happy Mother’s Day anyway. Not because I want to erase your pain, but because I want you to see the beauty in your pain. The beauty is simple, that at one time or another you held life within you.
You, sweet, lovely, full of flaws and quirks; of pain and joy, YOU held a small life within you.
It could have been a life in your dreams that never came to be, it could have been a life that you had growing in you for just a few short weeks, it could be a life that you gave birth to and held, that you rocked and fed and cared for that was taken from the earth and from you far too soon. But YOU held that life. You held it tenderly with love and hope. You prayed for that life.
You loved that life, most likely for some, before it ever came to be. You loved that life, most likely for some, that NEVER came to be.
So I want to say Happy Mother’s Day.
To you who dreamed for a child but it hasn’t come true.
To you who dreamed for a child but it was answered in an unexpected way.
To you who dreamed of the child you knew of for only a few short weeks in your womb.
To you who gave your baby up for adoption
To you who grew a baby only to lose it a short time after they were born.
To you who raised a child only to lose them to an addiction or an accident.
To you who won’t be told Happy Mother’s Day this Sunday because there is no little child clinging to your hand but there is certainly one clinging to your heart.
Every baby counts, even the one you dreamed about. The one you prayed for that isn’t here, they are still your child, and you are still their mother. You still cared tenderly for that very dream, that life you hoped and prayed for and covered with love even before you knew them.
The mother whose baby, or dream of, has been lost, ripped, changed, paused or taken from them. To you, this weekend, I say Happy Mother’s Day.
No one else may see a baby, but your heart does. And my heart sees your baby,too. So even with one less baby here on earth or one less baby here in your arms, the one in your heart wants to tell you…
Happy Mother’s Day.

I shared this on Facebook, but thought I would share it with my non-Facebook friends and family:

Very helpful and information for those who know someone who has lost a child:
How to Help a Grieving Friend Blog Series 

It is so helpful to have people out there going through or have gone through something similar and have these words put on their heart to share. I wish there wasn't, but God didn't promise a life without heartache and pain.

Friday, March 30, 2012

Finding my direction, with God's leading

On March 14, after being back at work for a week and half, my boss came into my office and told me that I was being laid off due to budget cuts and today, March 30, is my last day. This is bittersweet, because sweet, I didn't really enjoy this job and bitter, it paid very well and had great hours. The location I was at was actually closing next year, so I knew the end of this job was at some point, but was surprised for such an early departure. I was also a bit discouraged at first with the news because I just got back and prepared my heart for coming back to work. It was also turning out to be good for me to get out of the house and having a purpose for each day. So, it leaves me back to job hunting. Praying I find something with more people around and more of an exciting job.

Today is also 3 months since Gracie was born. I can't believe it has been 3 months already. It tends to feel like just yesterday and at the sametime too long ago. I miss her and long to know more of her. Not a minute goes by that I don't think of her.

I am curious to see God's plan for me in this next season. I have been going through lots of changes and life altering events. God is good and He provides. He knows where I am headed and I am not to worry about tomorrow.

A few things that were shared and that I have read lately, that seem fitting for where I at in my life.

A verse my sister texted me:
"Lord when doubt fills my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer!" Psalm 94:19 

From http://www.girltalkhome.com/:
"What if, sometimes, there are mists and fogs so thick that I cannot see the path? ‘Tis enough that You hold my hand, and guide me in the darkness; for walking with You in the gloom–is far sweeter and safer than walking alone in the sunlight!
Dear Lord, give me grace to trust You wholly, whatever may befall; yielding myself up to Your leading, and leaning hard on You when “dangers are in the path.” Your way for me has been marked out from all eternity, and it leads directly to Yourself and home!"
~Susannah Spurgeon

Monday, March 5, 2012

Two Months

Two months have already gone by since I gave birth to the most beautiful tiny baby girl, and who had already made her journey to Heaven. I have a feeling for the first year at least I will feel life has a bit of a pause on the 30th. I miss her so much and often think about what life would be like with her still with us. I know it would be great and she would be one spoiled little baby.

I started work today. Mixed feelings regarding being back at work. One feeling is that it is good to be back to a routine, get out of the house and wake up with a purpose for the day. Another feeling, is sadness that my life is going back to as it was before Gracie, with no change. I am not worried about whether to work or not. I am not worried about finding childcare if needed. I am wishing for those worries. My desire is to be a stay at home mom, and this going back to work is another realization that Gracie isn't with us here.

I had a few comments from some regarding my smiling in the pictures from the hospital and they can't believe it. I just want to share what was going through my head and heart in case others noticed. Believe me my heart was broken, but God was in that room that day. I felt an indescrible joy and peace that day. I think those in the room would probably say the same. I believe that with all the prayers and our faith in choosing life for Gracie against all the odds, that God met us there and He had His arms wrapped around Corey and I and the rest of the family and friends with us at the hospital. I loved being able to get the chance to hold her and share her with others, even though it is not how I wanted it to be. When we walk with Christ, we are often asked to do things that we don't want to do. God knows what is best for us and He will bless us when we choose to do the hard stuff in life and follow Him. I pray that any mother and father facing grim results for their baby, that they will choose life for that baby. Corey and I were beyond blessed and taken care of through the pregnancy and after her birth. I am so grateful God gave me and Corey the strength and courage to choose life for Gracie. The time with her was so sweet, sad, and difficult, but that sweet feeling stands out to me the most.

Below is a verse that I came across the other day, which is what I desire to do with what we have been through with Gracie. I hope we are given opportunities to comfort others going through similiar experiences and to be a light to the path of faithfulness.

 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.

Please continue to pray for our continued healing. Thank you!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Sharing is Caring

I just finished a really good book. I felt like I was reading what was in my head and heart throughout the book. It is a beautiful heart wrenching description of what it feels like to lose a child. The author had very encouraging words on how to heal and grieve. It was called, I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy by Angie Smith. Recommended to any one who has lost a baby or even knows someone. 
I wanted to share with you some things we did to remember Gracie, in case you are going through what we did or know someone. I joined a Trisomy 18 website where I found this information from mothers who walked this road before us. There is a organization called, Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep, where a volunteer photographer will come to the hospital to take professional pictures of your baby at no cost. We actually used a friend of our realtors and she use to volunteer for them. The grandmothers purchased an extra of her outfit and blanket, so we have a keepsake of what she was buried in. A family friend got this for me, but it was on my list to get, was a mold to do hand and footprints in and it came with a frame for a picture to put next to the mold. So precious. I also, thanks to my sweet husband, purchased a ring with her birthstone to always wear and have close to my heart. I hope these ideas help someone, as they have helped me thus far and I am sure will continue.
A quote I read this last weekend, on www.girltalkhome.com, titled When We Cannot Trace Him, "Our times are in God's hands; it is well they are so. Believers are not to expect great wealth, long life, or to be free from trials. But all will be ordered for the best. And remark from Job's history, that steadiness of mind and heart under trial, is one of the highest attainments of faith. There is little exercise for faith when all things go well. But if God raises a storm, permits the enemy to send wave after wave, and seemingly stands aloof from our prayers, then, still to hang on and trust God, when we cannot trace him, this is the patience of the saints. Blessed Saviour! how sweet it is to look unto thee, the Author and Finisher of faith, in such moments!" ~Matthew Henry I have just found some comfort and wisdom in this, and wanted to share.
Corey and I were able to get away for a few days this last weekend. We were unable to make it to Victoria due to lack of documentation for my husband. Misunderstanding of the information given to us of what we needed. Oh, well, it happens. We ended up just staying in Seattle and had a wonderful relaxing weekend. We had brunch at the Space Needle one day, which we both would highly recommend. It was so wonderful just to be able to get away just the two of us and have fun exploring the city. We got hooked on this show on Discovery called Gold Rush, which I found on Netflix, so we have started watching that. Crazy guys digging for gold. Nice to enjoy silly things like that together.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Today was Gracie estimated due date and yesterday was one month since I delivered her. Time is moving on. I am on maternity leave till the end of February, which has been really nice to rest and do things around the house I wasn't able to do towards the end of the pregnancy. Corey and I are also going to go on a little getaway to Victoria, BC and make a trip to California. We are taking advantage of the time off I have.

The time off though is sad at the same time, because of the reason I am off, but there is no baby to take care of. I should be losing sleep, not getting more sleep. I have started to work out to get in shape after being pregnant, but I have no baby to show for the weight I gained and trying to lose. I think of all the things I should be doing during this time at home, but I am not. I know that I had a baby and I was pregnant for 8 months, but at times it almost feels like it didn't happen. All I have physically to show is pictures. In my heart and mind though, I still see her and feel her in my arms. I hang on to that closely. Her sweet face will always be in the forefront of my mind and heart. Grieving is a process with many emotions and thoughts I am finding. I miss Gracie so much and I think of her every second of the day. Corey and I are doing well considering, and have faith that is stronger than ever. This journey happened for a reason and have already seen Gracie's life used in other people's lives to bring them closer to God. I pray that our journey will continue to be used for His glory.

Encouraging verses I have had shared with me and read:
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. "The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!.” Psalm 37:3-7

Please continue to pray for our continued healing of the loss of Gracie Ann and for our future family. God has been so faithful and I know He will continue to be. A friend who has lost her baby the day after Gracie was delivered has said, "We got taste of a motherhood and it was so sweet." We can't wait to get more of that feeling. You all have been a huge support during this time. We are so very thankful for our friends and family!

Here are some pictures of Gracie Ann:



My parents, Grandpa and Granny

Corey's parents, Grandpa and Nana

My sister, Auntie Betsy

Uncle Cameron and Auntie Betsy

My mom, Granny



Daddy's hand





Friday, January 13, 2012

Poem for Gracie - By Grandpa Steve Darlington

A week ago today we laid Gracie Ann to rest, and it was such sweet sorrow. With family, our friend Erik did such a sweet burial service for her. It has been one of the hardest things to do through this journey, watching our little baby being lowered into the ground. John 16:33 - I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” One of my favorite verses and one that reminds me that God has plan for us and that He is with us through the pain and sorrow.

Last Saturday, we had a memorial service for Gracie and again our friend Erik did a beautiful service for her. As hard as doing these cermonies for when someone passes, I am so glad we did them. It was time of closure and hope in reminding us that Gracie is with Jesus and we will all meet her again someday. Also, a time to honor Gracie's life, short lived, but one that will impact us and many others for a lifetime. My dad surprised me by reading a poem that he wrote for her. A beautiful poem that I will treasure for as long as I live. I would like to share it with you all, his permission was granted.

Gracie Ann Kukis

Gracie Ann a name so sweet
For a life so short,
But not ours to ask why.
But ours to love for a lifetime.

Gracie Ann loved into this world,
By parents that loved you so,
And trusted in God without fear
To bring you into this world for a time so dear.

Gracie Ann who will be missed for a lifetime
By a father that you would have adored
As he shared with you a faith in Jesus
So strong you could not resist.

Gracie Ann in you, we would see your mothers
Love come through in your beauty,
A beauty that would radiate from the inside out
Displayed in your pretty manners and love for life.

Gracie Ann the countless hours you would have
Spent with Granny Laura sharing
her love for plays, movies and books,
Especially her love for Charlotte's Web. 

Gracie Ann your time spent with Nana Kukis,
Would be filled with learning a love for gardening,
And of course a love for games, hours I am sure
would be spent under the shade playing Candyland. 

Gracie Ann your love for music would come from
Your Grandpa Pete, who would do patio concerts
Just for you with his banjo and other instruments.
I am sure a "Jesus Loves Me" would be included.

Gracie Ann from your Grandpa Steve you would
Have to put up with hours of silly jokes,
But we would love watching the world pass us by without
taking it all too seriously.

Gracie Ann family would mean so much to you,
You would have many "favorite" aunties and uncles,
Great grandparents, cousins, and friends. 
Gatherings for all occasions would be treasures for a lifetime.

Gracie Ann the One who knitted you in your mothers womb,
Has called you home all to soon, but we all know you will be
There waiting for each of us as we make our journies home,
where we will find you resting in His arms. 

Here are few pictures I would like to share with you that the photographer got to me for the memorial service. I can't wait to see the rest.
Gracie Ann

Gracie's sweet foot, with our wedding rings and a braclet my mom got for me