Since Lucy died, the outpouring of love on our family has been amazing. The support we have felt from our friends and family and even strangers has helped carry us through the darkest time of our lives. I couldn’t believe when we had hot meals delivered to our door for four whole weeks after coming home from the hospital. People helped take care of our children, they offered to do grocery shopping for me, to clean my house or do yard work. Beautiful flowers came to our door after Lucy died and our mailbox was full of sweet cards, letters, gifts, money, gift cards and books day after day. Several people paid for the Gideons to donate Bibles in memory of our Lucy Dair. I have been shocked by the generosity and love that other people have lavished on us.

My parents’ neighbor, Connie, who is an artist, wrote Lucy’s name and birth date with her foot prints and it is so beautiful.

One of my pastor’s daughters made me a prayer shawl while I was going through my high risk pregnancy. A prayer shawl is just a shawl that someone knits or crochets, and while they make it, they pray for you. I received the prayer shawl as Lucy was dying inside me after the blood transfusion. Those were some of the most terrifying, anxiety-ridden days of my life. I knew something was horribly wrong and Lucy wasn’t kicking. I slept with that prayer shawl every night until Lucy died, and it comforted me. I now picture myself wrapping my future miracle baby in this prayer shawl after he/she is born.

My friend, Melody, who makes the most beautiful, unique jewelry, art and accessories sent me this necklace (check out her shop.) It is so special to me. My boys love looking at it and naming each egg, “Liam’s egg, Asher’s egg, baby Lucy’s egg.” I love being able to celebrate the fact that I’m a Mom of three, even though I only have two with me.

My sister gave me this bracelet, that I love. I love wearing Lucy’s name on me, since I rarely get to say it. It’s very special to me.

My friend, Anna, who is a very busy woman with four little ones of her own, spent a whole evening showing me how to start a blog. I was so scared to start a blog, but she encouraged me to do it. Her help getting this blog started has been one of the most healing gifts I have received. She has an inspiring blog of her own, by the way, encouraging us Moms to be healthy, strong and happy. www.momstrong.org 

These are just some of the more personal gifts I have received. There is no way I can name all of the gifts people have given us. I know I have not thanked everyone personally and I’m embarrassed that I haven’t. My grief has truly taken over so much of my life, it has been hard to remember to thank everyone. I want you all to know that I am so thankful for all of the gifts of love. Thank you to every single one of you. You guys are amazing.

People have not only encouraged us with gifts, but with words that have lifted me out of the pit time and time again. I have had so many women tell me about their miscarriages and stillbirths and it has reminded me that I am not alone in my suffering. I know it’s hard and it’s awkward to talk to someone who is lost in their own grief. Thank you, to those of you who have. Your words have felt like a life raft being tossed out to me as I struggle to stay afloat. I have had several people say, “I don’t really know what to say to you, but I want you to know that I’m sorry and I’m praying for you.” Perfect. When I visited my family in Memphis my cousin Valerie said, “We want to hear all about Lucy. Don’t feel like you have to hold back.” It was wonderful. I appreciate every comment on my blog and Facebook posts about Lucy. Every single one of them is read and appreciated. I have had horrible days where I just can’t seem to stop crying and sometimes just one encouraging comment on my blog can lift me out of my grief fog. I’m so thankful for all the people who have prayed for us and for Lucy while she was fighting for her life. I know your prayers have given us peace and strength to keep going. I can never express how much all of you have helped me in my journey through this grief. Thank you so much, to all of you. Your love and support is irreplaceable.