Sparkatopia

A few days ago, Becky brought to my attention a family in her hometown of Idaho and their 1.1 micro premie Eden. Baby Eden Swenson was born on December 28th. Eden was only 23 weeks. 4 months early, boy that little one just wanted to meet mom and dad. Becky and I kept tabs on Baby Edens progress via a blog that was set up. Daily we would check the progress of that little one. Neither Becky nor I have ever met the parents, Jeremy and Rachel, but their strength is amazing. My daughter Clara was born 6 premature. She had to spend a few days in the NICU here in Wisconsin and I saw some pretty small people in there, but I do not recall seeing anyone this small.

Today during lunch, Becky IM’d me to say that Eden had passed. Against all odds, Eden held on for 10 long days. My heart was ripped in two. I had to close my door at work and just let the tears stream down my face. I admit it I’m a softie when it comes to children. How can a family in Wisconsin be so touched by a little girl in Idaho. How does that happen?

During my drive to get the kids for what I call “big kid weekend” I vlogged about Baby Eden and the impact in my life.

Then tonight when I came home and saw the good-bye posting, WOW, it hit me again. I had to just pick up Baby Drew and hug him tight. I wish I had the right words…but are there really right words for this situation? I know of no Hallmark cards that can help.

Baby Eden, you certainly must have been a choice spirit to only need 10 days on this earth. Oh how blessed you are!! Heavenly Father must have a lot for you to do to prepare for the rest of us! What a special family to help you on your short journey. Till we meet again!

This week while in church, I was sitting in the “customary” Clifford back row pew, where we always sit and have sat for quite some time. I like the back row cause I can keep tabs on whats happening while still sitting in the chapel, without sitting on the harder chairs setup in the overflow area. Well after Sacrament meeting concluded, I kept my soft, warm spot, playing with Drew and readying myself for Sunday School which is taught in the same room. In between feeding Drew and a quick cat nap…at least I’m honest that I doze in church–I noticed the sweetest thing that I thought I would share.

Sitting a few rows in front of me was a college student who was here on internship. We shall call him B.A. to protect his identity. He was flanked by his new bride in the right as well as his sister, and his mom on the left. Now B.A. is a tall man. He’s got to be 6′7″or better and have the wing span of a B-52… huge! Well what got me was when he put his arms around his wife and his mom at the same time. Just the sweetest form of family love. The sign of a true man is one who honors his mother and treats his wife like a queen. B.A. comes from one amazing family and I learn so much from them each and every day. We really need more strong family bonds in this world.

Here’s a pick of the Clifford fam taken last week at Church, the week of Baby Drew’s blessing. Pretty great, broken arm and all. I love you Clifford’s!!