Saturday, April 17, 2010

Family.

Our family have been amazing to us during our grieving. My dad and sister were here for a week, Greg's sister Amy was here for five days, Greg's parents came the night Maelee was born and will leave in just a few hours and my mom leaves on the 24th. And the family that hasn't been here have been praying and loving us from afar.

They have been here for us, grieving with us, crying with us, allowing us to not say anything, to hole away in our bedroom or Maelee's room... and they have been serving us by cleaning, fixing and doing projects around our home. I won't even start listing all they've done.

It's been nice to not have to think about taking my medications or fixing my plate or being alone. And just as I was starting to freak out about Greg going back to work at the office on Tuesday (graciously, he's been able to work from home for the last few days) and my mom leaving next week ... my mother-in-law booked a ticket to come back on the 25th and my mom may come back in May, too. Not having a job or school to distract from the fact I'm not home with Maelee.... well, needless to say I'm anxious about being all alone during the days.

And thanks to those friends who have brought and are bringing us meals. It has been a big blessing for not only Greg and I but for our family.

And thanks to all those who are reading our blog, posting comments, keeping updated on our grieving, remembering Maelee. We all check the comments often - it really does help reading them and the e-mails...though it's hard for me to respond quite yet. Like Greg said, it's not so much what you say, it's that you are saying something. Thanks for the cards and packages in the mail, too. It's nice to have something like getting mail for Maelee to look forward to each day.

And thanks for all the prayers... we need you interceding for us to help us get through this suffering.

Just that Maelee must know how much she is loved... we know how much we are loved. It doesn't make this less devastating but it does make it more bearable somehow.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Heather and Greg...you have no idea how your lives and Maelee's are affecting people all over the world. Thank you for sharing your sorrow and hope with us. It takes courage and strength that I am sure you wish you didn't have to find, but it is being used in mighty ways! You have amazing friends, church family and family that love you dearly and that speaks volumes for you both! Continuing to pray and intercede on your behalf! Love you, Aunt Ruth

Seth Franke said...

Hi Heather! I'm so happy and so thankful that your family continues to be with you and provide so much support. Take care. I continue to pray for you and your family, and I read your blog every day!

Sara said...

Heather & Greg -
Thank you for sharing your hearts -I've also been keeping up with your blog each day. It is hard to read knowing how much you both are suffering, but I can see God working and that is awesome. If you need anything (really anything!) we're only a phone call away...
Love you both,
Tyler & Sara

Anonymous said...

I love you dearie, and I'm continually praying for you both. All 3 of you are constantly on my heart, and I think of y'all often. Please know the "McLeod Girls" are here for you - we'd love to help in any way that we can!

Love you!
Bri

TheSpeights said...

Heather,
You guys never leave my mind. Family is amazing. I know first hand how much their support means and how it keeps you sane. Family seems to always know what to do. They don't plan it, they just swoop in and do it. You have amazing family and friends. There's not a day that goes by that we aren't thinking, praying and crying for you guys. Your tragedy has certainly effected many people and know that you are not alone in your suffering.

On a side note, please know that we are here to help any way we possibly can, too. I'd love to help with ANYTHING. Groceries, food, gas in your car, sweeping, mowing, vacuuming... you name and I'm there. Never feel weird asking. I WANT you guys to ask. I want to help make your lives easier in some way.

We love you all so very much. You guys remain in our prayers.

-court

Anonymous said...

Still reading. Still wishing I was still there. Still thinking of the three of you all day long. Amber

Tengesdals said...

Greg & Heather- we are still here praying and hurting for you/with you. -Jon & Bets

Anonymous said...

We are still are praying and thinking about you guys everyday.
Ireland's

Anonymous said...

Precious Heather,

When my mom went to be with the Lord, I remember how it was good for me to think of her seeing us from Heaven and knowing how loved she was. Revelation 6:9 - 11 allows for that view- it's not just a Hallmark notion. That helped me too.

I know my grief for that is really a completely different thing from yours, but I'm glad that you are encouraged by that too. Yes- she is loved, SO LOVED. You are so loved.

There is a whole community around us in China that is lifting you up (and there are countless others in the states praying too).... and many others have heard of ours and your Hope in Christ, through this tragedy, as they have seen us broken in grief these days with you. I can't help but think that must make Maelee glad too.

reading, praying, loving you-
Matt and Jill

Anonymous said...

Heather & Greg:
I think of you two every day and pray for you. Both of your families are such blessings!
Love,
Teresa

Anonymous said...

I think God definitely gave us family for times like these, when we can't function on our own. I remember my mom coming after we had our first miscarriage. She was so great. She put verses all over the house (stuck them in our drawers, on my shoe rack, etc...) that reminded me of Jer. 29:11. I know we see it everywhere, but it's still so special to me because of seeing it during that time when I felt like I had no hope. So, just as a reminder, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Love you guys so much, and you have awesome parents and family. Praise God for that!

Becky and Jason