Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Our big surprise...



While we were in Hawaii my parents called to let us know that Mac's headstone got set in! You may remember that they originally just put in a little index card sized paper that said his name and the date he was buried. Josh and I had decided that we wanted to wait until Mac's first birthday to put in his real headstone, and so Josh's sister and her husband bought us a temporary headstone that could be there in the mean time. I remember how much that meant to me when they gave it to us for Christmas...I was amazed that they would think of us in such a selfless way and help us enjoy our Christmas without Mac.

When my Mom called to let me know that this new one was in- I couldn't help but break down and cry. It is such a huge milestone in our lives. I never thought I'd be in the situation that I am in, but I was so happy to finally have his official headstone. Happy about a headstone?! I couldn't believe it... but I was happier then than I had been this whole year! Something for Mac to have that is all his own. When we went in to design it they threw around some ideas- gave us our options and then sent us home with a rough draft.

Everything that I would suggest, Josh would acknowledge, let me know it was a good idea but... and then he'd shoot out his idea. We did this back and forth for a while when Josh turned to me and said, "Ya know- I haven't done a lot for Mac and I feel like this is the one thing I can do just for him." After that I did not say another word and Josh designed the entire headstone by himself. It was so touching and I had never thought of it that way... Mac's headstone means more to me now than anything- something just for himself that Josh played the main part in. Mac's Birthday is next month, so his Birthday present came in a little early but it was just the boost I needed.

8 comments:

Ashley said...

I think that is a wonderful headstone. You guys are really cute. Happy early Birthday Mac! :) You are amazing, Cali.

~Rachel said...

I love it! Great job designing it! I am sure Mac loves it! And I agree..you guys are amazing!

AnneMarie said...

So well said, Cali. It looks great.

Travis and Kira Evans said...

Looks Great! :)

MeKell and Aaron said...

The headstone looks awesome! Kudos to Josh for some great design work!! Love your pics from Hawaii, by the way, and I'm still jealous that I couldn't come too this year!! :-(

Emily said...

Lots of tears reading your post, beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time!

Brousseau Family said...

I am soo excited for you! You have been waiting for probably what feels like forever for that headstone. And I love it - what a touching thing for Josh to be able to give to his son. It looks perfect. . .

NatPalmer said...

We don't know each other, but I am a friend of Jessica Madsen. Last year I heard about your story & just barely checked back for the first time since then to see how you guys are doing. I wanted to tell you how you've affected me personally. I gave birth to our 2nd boy at the end of last April. He was born early & his lungs were underdeveloped, so he had to stay in the NICU for a week & was on oxygen for 6 weeks total, plus had a few surgeries later. It was during his first 6 weeks when Jessica blogged about your family. I visited Mac's blog & was deeply touched. I had been frustrated & sad that Carson had been going through so much, with a "poor me" attitude. After reading your story, I realized we all face different trials & ours wasn't so bad! My outlook changed right then & ever since, I have counted our blessings instead of pouting over stuff that isn't in our control.
Thank you for sharing your experience & helping me get through a rough patch. Carson is doing great now. I wish your family the best! :)