Learning to breathe

I went to the chiropractor to get an adjustment the other day. While sitting in the waiting room I listened to the receptionist scheduling a photo shoot for her family. She mentioned how many would be in the shoot, including a foster baby that they had thought they were going to be able to adopt but turns out someone else will. When she hung up the phone I inquired about the foster baby. He is 5 months old and they have had him since he was born. They will have the opportunity to visit him but the receptionist was unsure if they would pursue visits for a time, not wanting to cause confusion for the baby.

I told her that I felt for her but didn't say anything else immediately. There were other people in the room and the timing didn't seem right. 

After my adjustment, as I took care of payment with the receptionist, I felt that I should share with her about our angel girl and I told her "so you can see, I really do feel for your loss. Our situations are different, but if it were me, after what I've been through... Visit that baby, regularly! He is a part of your life, and you are a part of his and you will always regret not starting the habit early or not seeing him enough."

With tears, she asked how I was holding up... I think I'm fine until someone genuinely asks... Then I realize again and remember what a wreck of emotions I carry, which I explained to her.

It was a short moment but something I felt quickly brought this woman and I very close. I wouldn't have had that advice for her if I had not gone through this.

I thought tonight about the woman at the well who met Jesus and gave him water.
I feel as though I sit on the edge of the deep hole has been dug in my life, I have toiled with sweat and tears to draw out water. This world cannot satisfy my thirst He has promised that it will be worth it. That what I give him will be returned with interest. And I will share my thirst for the day his promises are fulfilled because I hope others will be strengthened in their own passion, to cling to the savior.

J has lost a total of three teeth now and likes to remind me of this often by pointing out his gaps. 

Phillip has learned how to say "Let go!" and other phrases. We are working hard to use words instead of screaming in frustration.

Nate and I have been apart since July 27th. That's only two weeks too long and he still has one week left at his job in Provo. Mountain home is not the place I have dreamed of living, it's brown, dry, unpleasantly full of dusty wind... As another temporary home it will have to do...

4 weeks later

Words have been said, 
"My daughter is dead", 
Tears have shed, 
And still in my head, 
Her memory lives on, 
Though her body is gone. 
The ache is my heart 
Seems stuck on restart. 
I want to stop hurting, 
The healing returning...
The process is stalled, 
All those moments recalled.
I don't want to seem weak
So I'll work a mad streak.
My soul still longs to cry
In spite of eyes so dry.
In those quiet moments still
My hopes and fears spill
How do I keep going?
How do I trust God's knowing?
I've long loved my savior
Finding comfort in his favor
His destiny was to suffer
In a garden with no sucker
To hang on a cross
Feeling all of our loss
All part of a plan
So much larger than man
Because He came again
Death has no permenant stain
My pain shall be for a time
And then Destiny again shall be mine

My husband has now started a blog as well for those who would like to hear his side of our story. He captures some of my feelings as well in delicate ways.

http://nathanielcassanionlife.blogspot.com

Two weeks after...

Lynn: There is the part of me that knows I should not be so afraid of losing my other two after what happened. Yet, I am terrified every time they go to sleep that I may end up finding them the same way. Every time I walk into the bedroom where she slept, or the other room where I tried to resuscitate an empty frame, I relive the horror and I feel sick to my stomach.
We have bought monitors and done a sleep test for our other two and still I go in to make sure the monitor isn't lying...
I have had people tell me that I am so strong, it feels like the exact opposite of how broken I am inside. I've started saying, "You find out there's not much choice but to keep going."
Others have said we must be amazing people to have had such an angel in our home. A part of me feels like we must have screwed up because she couldn't stay...
I am trying to remind myself that we can never understand all of God's reasons, how he must have so much good to come of this, to make it worth it. It doesn't change how I hurt, it just helps me hold on to the hope of seeing her again some day. I feel an inkling of how God must have ached, LETTING His Son suffer and die, for all of us to live again and be forgiven.
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  • Luisa Perkins My heart aches for you.
  • Faith Hofer     
  • Tammy Stephens Clayton  There are no words. What you are feeling/fearing is normal. Love you and you are in my prayers.
    23 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • Dustin Lisa Blake Lisha... its lisa, and you of all people know what a spaz I am, I was the opposite, I couldn't get anything done with my first and it made me really crazy because I had a friend who lost 3 babies, 1 to sids, and 2 still borns, I was always terrified, until the twins, and came to the realization that gods will is just that!!! We can easiliy make ourselves crazy or we can just trust in gods plan. We cannot watch them every second of the day, and you are such great parents, Dustin said how amazing you both were, and yes... strong. and you are sill so strong for posting your fears, I'm soo sorry for your loss, and not being there for you, thank you for
    21 hours ago · Unlike · 2
  • Dustin Lisa Blake EVERYTHING!!!
    21 hours ago · Unlike · 1
  • Carmen Stanley Lynn I am so sorry for all of the pain and suffering you and your family are going through.Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost. Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. It is a natural response in complete accord with divine commandment: “Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die.” (D&C 42:45.)

    Moreover, we can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life.https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1992/04/doors-of-death?lang=eng


    www.lds.org
    This morning Elder Boyd K. Packer spoke of the “fountains of life.” This afterno...See More
  • Carmen Stanley I accidentally hit enter on the above comment before I was finished. The above quote is not mine but from Elder Nelson. I hope his words will give you and your family comfort. We will continue to pray for you.
    21 hours ago · Unlike · 1
  • Jennifer McBride Oh, my dear. I'm so sorry. I'm glad you're finding comfort in faith.
    19 hours ago · Unlike · 1
  • Mariliana Correa Lynn, you are always in my thoughts... I hurt for you. My mom lost a 9 month old to croup... her heart gave out even though she had a tracheotomy. I long to meet her one day. And I would maybe not be here had she lived....You see, I was born a few years later.
    16 hours ago · Edited · Unlike · 1
  • Emily Weber Zuta Love you guys. HUUGS
    15 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • J.P. Kersey My heart is with you Lynn and I wish there was something I could do,but I can't.....only He can and He is right beside you surrounding you in His loving arms!
    14 hours ago via mobile · Unlike · 1
  • Mitzi Genrich Alisha, I love you! When I find myself fearful, and there are so many things in this world to truly be afraid of... I speak one of God's promises out loud. Satan hates to hear God's Word and God is faithful to His promises. Philippians 4:6-7 is one I use often because He promises us peace beyond our understanding and I need that kind of Peace!! You are awesome and strong and strong doesn't mean you don't hurt or have fears, it is the courage to continue on in spite of your fears and to smile and laugh at what is good even while you hurt for what is soo sad and painful and I have seen you do both of these things.
    12 hours ago · Unlike · 2
  • Lee Ann Layton Setzer Lynn, I know you're not trying to be eloquent or poetic, you're just sharing your soul, but it's a beautiful soul, and every time you write, it touches me. So wish it didn't have to hurt so much.
    11 hours ago · Unlike · 1
  • Erna Nell Blackburn HUGS, HUGS and more HUGS!!
    9 hours ago · Unlike · 1
  • Kristina Dietz Fry My heart and prayers are with you and your family! Losing a child is any parent's worst nightmare. I'm heartbroken for you! I wish I could just give you the biggest hug! I'm so so sorry!
    9 hours ago via mobile · Like
  • Angelique Boyles Littlejohn We love you! If there was a magic wand I could wave to take away the pain, I would do it! I must admit I have the same fears and haven't suffered as you have. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
    9 hours ago via mobile · Like