The Family You Choose

For various reasons, this has been a tough weekend for Jeff and me. We'd planned to attend a wedding in Connecticut tonight, but, as the week drew to a close, it became abundantly clear that the trip just wouldn't work for Lily. Much to our dismay--and the sadness of our friends--we cancelled the trip at the last minute and decided to stay home. And so, while we are desperately missing those friends we love in Connecticut this weekend, we are simultaneously finding ourselves surrounded by such love from a "chosen family" who surrounds us here in Virginia.

The first in that bunch is Lily's godmother, M. Perhaps you remember her from this post when she offered me incredible support in the wake of our first loss? She has been by my side since the beginning of this journey, and watching Lily's little hand grip her finger so tightly is such a joy for me; Lily knows this is someone we need to hang on to!

This group photo is from a festival we attended in town today; it was a last-minute decision (since we only decided to stay home on Thursday night). The picture is tremendously joy-full for Jeff and me. In it, Lily is surrounded by men and women who love her and her parents so deeply. Throughout the afternoon, Lily was "stolen" from us repeatedly--just long enough for Jeff and I to sneak away and get a glass of wine or enjoy a pulled pork sandwich without juggling Lily in the other arm. We have chosen family all over the US and beyond--and we are deeply grateful for all of them--but today we realized just how incredibly blessed we are by this particular group.

It's the eve of Father's Day, which is perhaps even more poignant to me than Mother's Day. When we returned home this evening, Jeff gave Lily her bottle while I put things away, and this is the pair I found upon my return to the living room. I'm not sure who is more contented or more peaceful, but I know that Jeff is marveling that he will hold his little girl in his arms tomorrow, that he will remember his lost children, Blueberry and Beanster, even as he celebrates the one who snuggles with him first thing tomorrow morning.

We are so very, very blessed by the family we choose--and, if you're reading this, it's likely we count you among that number. Our hearts threaten to swell and burst on days like today, and we are in absolute awe of the fact that you all love us so much.

Thank you, for loving Lily and us to such unfathomable depths.