Books from hEvan

We have been collecting books for our little program we call Books from hEvan for awhile now.  Mrs. Funderburk, Danielle's 2nd grade teacher donated books to the school library in Evan's name after he passed away.  Marsha would then take the kids out on "GG" dates and they would also buy books to donate to the school.  I wanted to make this an official program, but at the time was unable to pursue much because of the intense sadness of grief I was experiencing.  Soooo, after a few years of collecting books from friends and our kids birthday parties (they would ask for book donations instead of gifts)  we took 68 books to the elementary school and middle school where the children attend.  We designed a label with help from a friend (Melissa Palmer) that we stick inside the book that includes a picture of Evan.   I hope to have this program continue.  It is another way for Evan's legacy to continue.   If you are interested in donating books to this program, please let me know.  You can either donate to your local school and I will send you Books from hEvan labels so you can include them in the book or you can contact me and I will donate to local schools here.  Thanks, and I hope Evan's legacy will be read around the world.

Evan's Grave Marker

I am finally posting Evan's Grave Marker.   Evan's grave marker was placed on September 7, 2011 on his 5th birthday, 3 years after he passed away. Finally having a grave marker that represents Evan feels like a huge burden or weight lifted off my back.  That's the best way I can describe it.  The marker turned out more beautiful than I could have imagined.  I am so grateful.....yes, that's it...
grateful.

I wanted to be there when the grave marker was placed, just like I wanted to stay to make sure Evan was lowered there the day he was buried.  I can't explain why, but I am sure there are others who can relate to how I feel.

Every August until after Christmas is the hardest time for me.  I hope I will be able to enjoy that time of year, like I used to.  Each year gets a little better, a little easier, a little lighter. It will be 4 years this August without Evan.  How we still miss him so much, but grateful that he has such a beautiful marker as a reminder to all who see it...that a beautiful little angel once walked amongst us...

Article about drowning in The Gainesville Sun

I was contacted by our local newspaper about Evan.  Some of my comments are published in the article.  This is a good start to more awareness! http://www.gainesville.com/article/20120504/ARTICLES/120509756?fb_comment_id=fbc_10151052732954968_28386313_10151058774469968

Wonders and Signs...Signs and Wonders

Yesterday while driving to pick Kailey up from Dance Camp, I was listening to the Joy FM.... I was thinking a lot about Evan and how it's been 3 long years since we've seen him. The radio went silent... then the song, In My Arms by Plumb started playing ...that's the song my cousin Brianne had used to make a beautiful DVD in honor of Evan. My heart was pounding and I couldn't stop tears from falling. As I pulled into the parking lot to pick Kailey up, the radio station turned back to the Joy FM...with a different song in progress. I called Jim and barely could speak....asking how that could've happened. He said, "Evan is probably trying to tell you he's thinking about you." I picked Kailey up and told her what had happened. We then had to drop by Danielle's school to pick up her grades from last year (which I just hadn't made time to do previously). After we picked up the grades, we headed back home...the song came on again...for just a brief moment. This time Kailey heard it too!! We were in awe. Had Evan tried to communicate with us? Was he letting us know he is still watching over us? I WONDER....

The hug

I have so many things to post. So much has transpired in such a short time...has it really been 6 weeks since I have last blogged? And two months since Evan's birthday, and 3 months since his one year in Heaven....so much to post...so much....

I have a beautifully sleeping baby....a little miracle....a ray of light...our "Sunshine baby"...it's funny how nick names develop.....I guess I better hurry and post before my newest angel awakens.

I will post on just one miracle today. Last Friday some friends of ours took us to Disney World (they have a family member that works at Disney) ....we got in for free! It was wonderful....so thrilled to have "fun again"... as a family...

I was sitting enjoying some musical performers, running to get fast passes and then nurse Savannah while the gang went on Pirates of the Carribean. Then a family walked by with a beautiful little boy with the blondest of hair and the twinkliest of eyes....waving at the performers...They stopped to watch the band, I just stared at this little boy. His face was shining, he was so happy. He was smiling at everyone....he looked and reminded me of Evan. Tears did stream down my face, not for saddness, well maybe a little, but thankful that I could have this moment of reflection. How I miss my sweet Evan. He would have loved this magical place.

That night I had a dream. I rarely dream of Evan, though I pray for that often. I saw Evan sitting in what looked like a store...I looked at him and he was smiling so big. I said, "Evan, there you are!" We both ran to each other and hugged. During the hug, I knew I was dreaming, but I didn't care. I hugged him so tight. I could feel his chubby little hands around my neck...it felt so real. When I awoke, I was not sad, though right now the tears stream down, I felt such warmth and happiness and excitement for someday I will see him and give him a "REAL" big hug.

Hugs are powerful.