Hannah's birthday is in two days. And the whole week has just felt very heavy. I expressed this to Dan on Sunday or Monday and wasn't sure if this year was feeling harder than other years or if it's always just a crappy week. I have a feeling it's the latter and that it just sneaks up on me every year.
Then I woke up on Tuesday morning with a song in my head and a crazy idea. This year is Hannah's golden birthday (she'd be turning 5 on the 5th). I already had some ideas of ways to incorporate "gold" into the ways we acknowledge her birthday, but I decided to ask others to participate too. I posted on Instagram and Facebook that I'd love people to take a picture of something gold or yellow and share it with me. And I've been overwhelmed with the response. I have quite the collection of photos already. I'll post a full album of them on Facebook tomorrow, but here's a sneak peek:
A funny thing happened as these yellow pictures started coming in. The week felt lighter. People were remembering our girl with us. We didn't have to carry that alone. Just like five years ago, when our world crashed around us, and we felt held and loved and supported like never before. People had our backs. People loved and grieved for our daughter with us.
The week is still hard. I wish this wasn't reality. But this will always be our story. I'm just grateful for friends who are willing to be a part of the story with us. And for a God who remains faithful through it all.
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
