Saying goodbye…and picking up the pieces
With heavy hearts we got back from Ireland last night. It was one of the most difficult journeys we have ever made. Thursday last, we buried Ben, our baby boy. And despite this trip, being filled with sorrow, grief, tears and laughter, we are happy that we made it. The comfort and security of our home surroundings helped us say “goodbye”.
Before we left though our 7 and 5 year olds wanted to visit Ben one more time. The previous day they had given me a bunch of daffodils that I was to bring to Bens’ grave. They needed to check that I had done as they asked. On seeing the flowers, I got hugs and kisses…and they ran off to play hide and seek among the grave stones. My joy at seeing them so carefree is filled with sorrow for the brother they will not grow up with.
9 Responses to “Saying goodbye…and picking up the pieces”
Leave a Reply
Dear Moira,
Our thoughts were of you, all of you, every day while you were in Ireland. Thank you for sharing the photo. It looks like such a special place and it appears that he is being watched over.
Love, Suzy
Thank you for sharing this with us. The girls picked great flowers to place on Ben’s grave. We are thinking of you all.
Lisa xx
Oh Moira, I’m so very sorry to hear about Ben. He was a lucky soul to have been loved by you and your family.
Moira, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Looks like a beautiful, peaceful spot for Ben x x
You are one of the bravest and strongest sisters anyone could have. I would give the world to have a happier ending for you…but alas can not.
Ben would have had a fantastic creative mother…and 2 big sisters to help him along. May ye all meet again in the next life and enjoy happier times.
What a lovely resting place for Ben. It must be achingly bittersweet to enjoy and cherish the beautiful daughters you have while you mourn the beautiful son you’ve lost. You’re a wonderful mother to all three of them, and my thoughts are with you, with Nick and with the girls.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I am sure he will always have a special place in your hearts.
It is not the role of a parent to say goodbye, in this manner, to a child …. it is on so many levels, unnatural. That you, Nick, the girls and your family have been able to give Ben a memory does not make it any easier – but certainly most cherished. We admire your love and strength. Know that we too, are here, for any added strength you may need in the days, weeks and months ahead – in being there for you, we too can cherish Ben.
Deborah
Being deeply loved isn’t always enough I guess because little Ben was so deeply loved by you and your family and it didn’t matter. He will forever be with all of you though and the incredible strength I have come to know in you will help get you through the times ahead without him. For the rest we are here to help give strength and try to make you smile and laugh for the good times ahead.
Scott and I have held you close to our hearts through these last few weeks.