Last week at this time we were winding down from a week at the beach. It was quite a fun week. We went to the beach and I had fun watching Hannah jump over waves and draw pictures in the sand with her feet. I was reminded of the special bond between Hannah and Dylan and am so thankful for both of them. They both are incredible people that have their own separate path in life, but when they connect, I see a beautiful bond.

While staying at the condo, Hannah was making friends any moment she could and we met a wonderful family that was on vacation from Atlanta. Hannah connected immediately with the oldest daughter and they played together every moment they could. I am so amazed at how much Hannah came along in her swimming while we were there. When we arrived, she had a hard time getting her body far enough under water so she could dive or do an underwater handstand. By the time we left, she was doing an incredible handstand underwater and I know it was due to her watching her new friends swim and play.

I wish I had some pictures of some of things that Dylan was able to do. He enjoyed playing golf with my dad and my brother and from what I hear, he had a fabulous time and can’t wait to do it again.  I’m really happy that Dylan is able to pursue the things that make him happy and that he can do so well.  Thanks to my dad and brother for supporting him in his love of golf!

We were able to spend some time at a shopping area called Broadway at the Beach. There are a few rides there that Hannah likes to ride each time we go and was affectionately calling it the ‘circus’. Not quite a circus, but hey, it works for me She rode the teacups and the whales (all electronic, I assure you) and the moved on to the fountain in the center of the shopping area. She LOVED it! She jumped in there, dress and all and had a blast. In fact, we went back a few days later and were more prepared with bathing suit and all and she was a bit more timid. She said she liked it better with the dress on.

We were able to spend lots of time with family, which I love…it’s good to connect with those that have known you your whole life and to hope those connections will last, even if you do go on separate paths in your life. The love is still there and will always be…this is something that I hope they know. My parents, brother and sister-in-love, aunt and uncle…they ALL are a blessing to me.

Hannah and I spent a few hours going back to the ‘circus’, but it was a bit hot, so we ended up going into a wonderful store, called Yours and Mayan and we were able to buy these scarves in honor of my friend, Lauren. It was fun just hanging out with my daughter. She is a gem.

So we ended our time just playing together in the pool and with all the other families gone, we had the pool to ourselves for most of the day. Hannah was able to swim as much as she wanted and we had lots of joyful moments together. I am so thankful for moments such as these and would not trade them for any amount of money you could offer me. These moments are priceless.

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The simple things. Like knowing your family is there, like knowing you are happy and knowing that you have very little worry. Embracing those moments of each day that are the most precious of gifts and having the assurance that there will be another opportunity to do the same again tomorrow.

When they are taken from you, how do you assess the damage?  With grace and courage and love…yes, most profoundly, love.

Elijah Rainbow, may your spirit remain a constant presence in your mum’s life and in the lives of your earthly sisters, and may your smile be seen in the beauty that surrounds them each day. You are loved, dear one and are missed beyond comprehension.

This IS love, written from a grieving mommy’s heart:

“Now I will learn how to comfort those who have lost a child, I will learn how to love those who have family in jail, I will learn how to be a single parent and I will learn how to love the people around me who are well-meaning but not comfortable with our lifestyle.

These are huge areas in which I will be stretched and growing in grace and love, and I embrace the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness, however painful it may seem at this time.

Know this: God is good. All the time. Of this, I am convinced.”

I love you, dear sister.

To receive updates on the family without the hype of the media, like Lauren’s page on facebook.

If you can donate financially to the family, they are in great need of support.

To keep up with ways to help support the family, like the facebook page, Sparkling Elijah Rainbow.

Most of all, pray. And rejoice with and love those that are closest to you. Let nothing stand in the way of facing each day, with love.

“Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds ;
    rejoice before him—his name is the Lord. 
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, 
    is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalm 68:4-5

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I am selling  some bracelets that I designed for $10 plus shipping and will be giving all the proceeds back to Lauren and her family. If you would like to view the bracelets, go read my post on The Jewel Vine. I have my Etsy store linked to that post and you can purchase the bracelet from there. Please consider giving in some way, whether it is through buying an item in remembrance of Elijah’s life or directly to the cause of helping Lauren financially (follow the links above). They are in great need of our help, encouragement and love. Thank you.