Heavy heart this Christmas…
Last week my friend’s wife was overcome with a rare bacterial infection which resulted in an emergency c-section at 36 weeks. Their beautiful little girl passed away after a short time on this earth, and now my friend’s wife is fighting for her life. My friend has setup a Facebook page with regular updates which I am following closely. So many friends and loved ones are praying for Amanda Hansen’s recovery.
Separately, I have been meaning to write about my friend Ferly. She and I are both bloggers, writing about the highs and lows of fertility. I was so excited to find out that we were pregnant together and felt such kinship as we went through the same routine appointments. During Ferly’s 18 week ultrasound, instead of finding out the baby’s sex, the doctor said the baby wouldn’t survive. I was devastated to learn the news. Ferly has been blogging so eloquently about growing her family, which she has organized as a series on her blog: http://giftsweuse.com/family-life/growing-our-family.
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean people aren’t experiencing pain. Maybe this Christmas we can step outside the comfort of our celebrations to recognize those we wouldn’t normally pay attention to: the bothersome homeless person, someone who is struggling to find work, people who are sick or alone. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, even just a simple prayer or lighting a candle.
On this Christmas Eve, we look forward to the hope that tomorrow will bring. I wish that for you and for everyone.
So much love for you, my dear readers.
xoxo,
catherine
Janine Huldie
December 24, 2013 at 10:46 amI am so sorry for both of your friends’ losses. My heart breaks reading about them here and will totally keep them in my thoughts and prayers. Also, want to wish you, Dean and your families a very, Merry Christmas!! 🙂
Joi @ Rx Fitness Lady
December 24, 2013 at 11:33 amGood reminder Catherine! I am praying for hope with you for all! Sorry for your friends losses!
Ferly | Gifts We Use
December 24, 2013 at 11:34 amAw, thank you so much for this Catherine! I was taken aback to read my name here on your blog. What a pleasant surprise it is. Thank you for journeying with me through our loss and faith. Also, thank you for taking our journey and gifting it forward. I hope your readers find hope in the midst of our loss and wonder where once there was worry. Merry Christmas lovely!
~ Ferly
Gifts We Use {to grow, love and serve}
Dana
December 24, 2013 at 12:10 pmKeeping both of your friends in my prayers, Catherine. I share your wish for hope this Christmas – may it be a peaceful one for you.
holly
December 24, 2013 at 1:36 pmpraying for both your friends.
Life is so precious.
You are so right! Take the time to see others who need some help, it will go along way to bringing them Christmas.
Tamara
December 24, 2013 at 6:50 pmOh, that is so hard and so sad. I’m so sorry for these losses and I’ll pray for your friend.
Patrick Weseman
December 25, 2013 at 9:54 amWill be keeping them in my prayers. Also, keep you and your family in my prayers.
Amber Day Hicks
December 25, 2013 at 5:43 pmpraying for them & I’ve also been keeping you in my thoughts & prayers my friend! XO. ~A~
Michelle
December 26, 2013 at 5:41 amOh Catherine, I am so sorry for your friends…I will be keeping them in my prayers.
I hope that you and Dean had a wonderful Christmas and I am continuing to keep you in my prayers as well!
Mo at Mocadeaux
December 26, 2013 at 6:57 amOh Catherine, I’m so sorry for the losses your friends have experienced. I will keep them – and you – in my prayers.
AwesomelyOZ
December 26, 2013 at 12:51 pmThat’s so sad.. brought tears to my eyes.. I have a 6 year old son and sometimes we forget that there are so many who’ve lost a child or the hope of one. Within my family there have been miscarriages so we know the difficulty and strain it can put on a family. Hoping that everything turns out for the best and keeping them all in our thoughts.. Have a great one Catherine and hope you had a great Christmas Holiday -Iva
Roaen
December 26, 2013 at 10:23 pmso sorry to hear about your friend’s losses… “Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean people aren’t experiencing pain.” – how true that statement is. also, to add, sometimes the holidays brings out old wounds and/or exacerbates pains. 🙁
Kate
December 27, 2013 at 7:33 amI hope there were some smiles for you this Christmas despite the heartache. xo
vanita
December 29, 2013 at 7:21 pmYou’re pregnant? Congratulations!
Jean
December 29, 2013 at 7:22 pmThis is heartbreaking!
I cannot imagine your friends’ pain.
I will keep them in my prayers.
Charlotte
December 31, 2013 at 2:33 pmOh, I’m so very sorry to hear about these losses, Catherine. My heart goes out to your friends and I wish them much peace this holiday season. It’s important always to give thanks for the many blessings in this life. A reminder like this is always necessary.
XOXO