Saying Goodbye

Yesterday, people all around the world were saying goodbye to 2014. They were reminiscing on what a wonderful year it had been; celebrating the blessings and accomplishments that the year had brought them.

Yesterday, Eric and I, along with our parents and siblings, said goodbye to Ian. We said goodbye to what could have been. Goodbye to a nephew, a grandchild, a son. I said goodbye to a huge part of my heart that I will never get back. 

At 1 P.M. on December 31, 2014, we laid our sweet Ian Joseph to rest. Surrounded by those that love us most, and in the thoughts and prayers of so many more, we said our final goodbyes. That day was one of the hardest days of my life. No parent should ever have to bury their child, especially a child that never had the chance to see how wonderful life could be.

Though I will never get to see Ian smile, laugh, walk, and grow up, I do cherish the fact that I got to carry him for 16 wonderful weeks. I got to hear his little heart beating away. I got to see his little arms and legs moving on the ultrasound screen. I got to hold his perfect little body and tell him how much I loved him. And I cherish the fact that one day, I will get to see him again. 

As easy as it is to dwell on the lows in life, I know I can't ignore all of the highs that Eric and I experienced this year. We celebrated one wonderful year of marriage. And after this year, I can honestly say that we can make it through anything together. I am beyond blessed to be married to my best friend. 

We were able to move back to our hometown after both finding jobs that we love. Our parents graciously allowed us to move back in with them until we were able to close on our house. 

We picked up our first "baby", Bailey. I never knew how much a dog could brighten your life. She puts a smile on my face every day.

We found out that I was pregnant. Though the outcome of this pregnancy was not what we expected, creating a new life with the love of my life was a beautiful, miraculous thing.

We were finally able to close on our house! I can't tell you how great it feels to own our own home and have something to call "ours".

We experienced a deep love from family and friends that I never thought was possible. I can't thank you all enough for the love, support, and prayers that you have given us this past year, especially in the past month. Eric and I will never be able to repay you for all that you've done.

So as we say goodbye to 2014, I welcome 2015 with an open heart. Here's to a new year full of friends, family, love, and most of all, happiness.