So much has happened since our last post. Our son just celebrated his 4th month. We have been healing as a family and soaking in the joy of his presence in our lives. We have returned to the normal riggers of raising 3 children. Some days are more challenging than others but we are so grateful for the happiness they bring to us.
Since our last post we celebrated Penelope's first anniversary of her passing. It was tough to get through. We went to the cemetery to place flowers. Oddly, we didn't feel the same connection/emotions at the cemetery for her anniversary as we did for her birthday. Maybe because the birthday was the first time going back after her burial. I personally do not associate the site with her. I feel her everywhere. We probably will not be back until her 2nd birthday.
On her anniversary we held a poetry reading in honor of her life. I read 10 poems that I had written throughout the year. I hope to upload the recording onto the blog so everyone can hear it. It was incredibly healing. We had friends and family there to support us.
Shortly after her anniversary we received a note from the family that received Penny's heart. It was an amazingly bittersweet event. We wanted so bad to hear how the little girl was doing that we didn't factor in how we'd feel once we did. The family was very gracious to us in the letter and let us know the child is doing better and on the road to recovery. We aren't sure if we will meet them yet. They have offered. We haven't yet written back. It is something we are working through.
On June 7th we ran the NJ Sharing Network 5k. We had a team of great and caring friends running with us. We were able to raise almost $500 for the organization. I ran it with our 6 year old. The day before I explained, as best I could, about organ donation and how Penny was a donor. Really wanted her to understand why we were running. I think she did.
In HeavenSentPenny news; we plan on sending a couple of care packages out soon. We are putting our hearts into these first two HeavenSentPenny boxes. Will have updates on how they come out.
We hope to be more frequent in our posts moving forward. The last 4 months have been a whirlwind. Our minds have been so occupied with the little guy and healing as best we can. We are still so very grateful for the support we received after our loss and all the support we are still receiving from our amazing family and friends. It really has been the only way we have made it this far.
Thank you again for following our journey, whether through Facebook, Instagram, the blog, or just knowing our story in person. We want so much to pay it forward. Should you know someone who has recently experienced an infant loss please direct them to us. We would love to be a support to them.
Erik & Leslie
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