Some years, there hasn't been much of anything to do in my local area to mark Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in October. This year, there were several events and I participated in almost all of them that I knew about and those that I was free and able to make it. I wish the events could be spread across the year, rather than having to be all lumped together. Not that I'm complaining, it would just be nice to have more things to go to in Lily's honor throughout the months. :)
The second annual North Carolina TEARS Foundation Rock & Walk was held on Saturday, October 22nd this year. I've been able to walk in it both years. It was held at Lake Benson Park in Garner, North Carolina, which is a lovely spot. Just like last year, it was a beautiful Fall day, perfect for the walk!
At the start of the walk, they had the pathway lined with butterflies, each with the name of a different baby who was being remembered and who we were walking for. We each got to take home the butterfly with our baby's name on it. :)
I of course loved all the butterflies everywhere!
Team Lily's Legacy 2016!
Our team this year consisted me of, my twin big brothers, Adam and Joseph, my sister-in-law, Kala, my niece, Harvest, and my Bible study leader/friend, Terri. My mom was sick and wasn't able to make it. I was disappointed more people didn't come. Sadly my aunt, uncle, and grandmother who were planning on being in town that weekend couldn't make it. And I didn't get much response, interest, or commitment from local friends. The walk is important to me... things like this, that I do in Lily's honor in March and October primarily, are like the equivalent of what could have been her birthday parties. These are the only things I can do as her mommy and I appreciate those that understand that and make an effort to be there. Instead of dwelling on my disappointment, I choose to be thankful for those that did come.
I brought my Lily Bear, created by Molly Bears (a beautiful ministry that makes weighted bears for families that have lost a baby that weigh exactly what their baby weighed at birth, to help fill empty arms). Lily Bear weighs 7 pounds 9 ounces. :) I thought it would be a sweet way to incorporate her into the day. I wanted to have Team t-shirts made, but was unable to get them ready in time. That's a priority for upcoming dates and events. Here is Lily Bear and Harvest at the Rock (hence the rocking chairs) & Walk. 🐻 I love this sweet photo! Also, Harvest wore her butterfly shirt in her cousin's honor! As I told Kala, it is incredibly healing and such a gift to have my beautiful niece to go to these things with me. :'-) That little girl has me completely wrapped around her finger.
Harvest and Lily Bear riding together in the stroller on the walk. :)
It was wonderful to see friends that I haven't seen for a while. I love each of them and their precious babies and it is an honor to walk with them and for all our babies.
One of the friends I saw was Rachel, Rosie's mommy. I will share a post about how I met her soon. Here we are together holding our butterflies for our baby girls. :)
And just for fun, I will end with this hilariously random video of the Chick-Fil-A cow swinging at the walk.
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