Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sending Our Love to Heaven


To celebrate my mom's birthday we decided to start a tradition of sending our thoughts to heaven.  Normally Brett just humors me with my crazy ideas but this one, I could tell, was special to him.  My mom was special to all of us.  It was very therapeutic to write down my feelings and actually feel like my mom would somehow get them.  Jane and Tobe believed and so did I. 

 







Brett later took me out.  We met up with some friends to celebrate Beth's birthday and then Brett and I went to dinner just the 2 of us.  

A friend of mine had told me that certain holidays and birthdays (mine and my mom's) would be difficult.  I think the reason it was so difficult is because the day comes and the void is noticed.  There is no one here to celebrate.  I loved sending the balloons to heaven because it actually felt like we had the chance to wish her a Happy Birthday and she knew it:)

We Celebrated You Mom!!  
Happy Birthday!!

19 comments:

Debbie said...

That is such a great idea. I KNOW she got the messages! She thought Jane was something else. I have the picture of Jane looking up at the stars in my picture book. Your mom sent it to me. Someday...

Dawn said...

My kids were confused as to why they weren't joining us for Mom's Birthday party, so we did the same.

We made homemade birthday cards and then went to the cemetery and watched them float to heaven. It was magical. I loved it.

Things change and life has to go on, but we will always find ways and days to celebrate the greatest person we know - Mom.

We missed her and we missed you. I am glad you were okay and made it through. Thanks Brett for taking care of my sister and making the day special.

Becca said...

oh, i love that idea, amanda. what a great tradition for your family. been thinking about you--hope things are going well for you! p.s. watched hsm3 yesterday and loved it!!!

The Brannon Family said...

I have no doubt that your mom not only got the messages, but was with each of you yesterday!

Lyndee said...

That is the best idea ever. My sister sends yellow balloons every year on my nephew's bday. I will have to tell her about the letter's. Happy Bithday to you mom.

Lee said...

What a great way to remember your mom, and help your kids too. I am thinking of you.

severts6 said...

What a great idea and a really special way to celebrate!

kami @ nobiggie.net said...

What a special thing to do on her special day. I'm glad you had your family all around you on that day.

Erica said...

That was a really neat idea. I'm glad that you were able to do something to remember your mom on her birthday.

Alyssa said...

Even from heaven your mother is still "bringing the family together". I loved the pics of all of you gathered around the table to write down your thoughts about her. I, too, loved the symbolism of you releasing your words upward for your mother to receive. Letting the thoughts float away and rise higher and higher can be a bit freeing. Oh, and thanks for the embedded link to "Beth's" blog. I snuck a peek at her "Gift" blogsite and cracked up hysterically at their humor and the manner in which they are dealing with their difficult trial. Proof that sometimes a good laugh can knock out a cry. Have a good day. Thanks for the comment on my blog. You should be counting down to Dawn's visit by now. Is she still coming? AH

Alan said...

it was good bowling with you for Beth's birthday. Great post.

Logan and Ashley said...

That is such a good idea. The kids looked like they loved it!

Jenna said...

What a neat idea...I know your mom is proud of the mom you are. Missing and thinking of you...

Unknown said...

That is sweet, I am sure your mom knows exactly how you are feeling!

Beth said...

it really is a beautiful idea. that just might be our new tradition. thank you.

Barney Family said...

Amanda, I am going to cry! What a great idea to keep her in everyone thoughts. I am sure in some way she was looking down upon you and was listening to your thoughts. She is proud of the great mom and person you are. You are amazing.

Kellie

The Gatherum Family said...

Love that you guys did this. We do it for every major event as well as some spur of the moment days when we miss our gma Kimmie and Uncle Nathaniel. Anyways, WHAT???? Call me, I am sorry, I mean, I know what you mean about it all. Just call me. TRUST me it took a LONG time to try to be postive and happy with the whole situation. I'm pretty open tomorrow. Call my cell first, 801-635-7211. I need your numbers too, I'll get them from you when I talk to you. Hope you are okay.

Kelli @ writing the waves said...

I love this, Amanda. So sweet. I hope you've been doing okay this week. I'll try to call you soon. I've been thinking of you. I wish I could hop in the car and drive on out there to see you guys. The kids would have SO much fun together! (and we would too, of course.) It's been way too long.

Anonymous said...

What a great idea to remember your mom with. I love this and think it is something that the your kids will remember. Hope your doing well!