When the Anniversaries Have Passed...

...I am always able to breathe a sigh of relief.
The anniversary of the kids Micro-Preemie entrance into this world brings back so many painful memories.
The month following brings daily thoughts of "__ years ago I still had all three of my miracles here on earth with us..."
The anniversary of Eric's passing then brings me to the end of part of the pain... Not that I miss him less; not that I don't find tears randomly entering my world; but the reality that we have passed these days of when there was three still alive brings an odd sense of calm...


So today; I am thankful.
Thankful for my survivors and my other children.
Thankful that against all odds Levi is able to run and play and amaze me with his sense of humor.
Thankful that against all odds Vivian is capable and excels at almost everything she tries to do.
Thankful that Megan, even in her Senior year and with all the crazy things that go along with it, is happy to help out with and spend time with her little brother and sister.
Thankful that Matt has grown to such a caring, thoughful and helpful young man.
And yes, thankful that I got to spend the time that I did with Little Eric that first month.


This year is hard, what with the divorce and all. My goal for the holiday season this year is to remember to be thankful for the smallest of blessings...


Erika
© erikalandon 2011

When is it okay to lie? Words from a couple seven-year-olds...

On the way home from gymnastics we have the greatest conversations...

Levi is a story teller like his Daddy. He loves to embellish his stories. So, routinely I will listen to a story and then ask "Levi, if I were to ask someone that was there with you, would the story still be the same?" Ultimately he will come clean.
And that was how it started on the way home...

"mom, I saw 8 rabbits at the park today!"

"really, wow! Would Daddy tell me the same number if I asked him about the rabbits?"

"well, I saw ONE, but it was really cute!!"

"nice!"

then, contemplatively quiet from Vivian..."there's only some times that it is okay to lie"

Really? When viv?

well, like if your friend is missing and you know something you can lie and say you don't... (isn't that backwards?)

Levi pipes in - You mean if your friend gets kidnapped and you see it happen and the bad guy says "don't tell anyone!" you can say you won't and then get away and tell a grown up so they can find your friend.

I like your idea better, Levi... AND I love that you and your sister can work together to finish each others' thoughts and navigate this world!!



Erika
© erikalandon 2010

Eric Scott Landon Jr. Our Angel in Heaven; On Your Angel Day

To my angel, on your Angel Day:

I love you and miss you. I wish your time with us here on earth had not been cut so short, and I cherish every moment we were able to spend with you.

We love you, Little Eric.

© erikalandon 2010