Ten and a half years ago, our first born decided to arrive a little early on June 18, 1989 — Father’s Day. He suffocated during the delivery and was revived. He lived seven precious days and died in my arms. I quickly became pregnant and spent the holidays on bed rest.

I sewed Christmas ornaments with his name and birthday on them, and asked my husband to plant a tree outside my window so I could watch it grow. Holidays in general were not fun nor exciting and it was very hard to watch others enjoy them. Then I would thank God that they weren’t experiencing the pain that I was.

Creating a blanket that was a memorial to my son gave me some solace. My family still uses it and it will be our family heirloom. I want every year to include memories of him. Five years after my son’s death, my family felt they needed to back away and not be involved. They felt ready to move on.

During the holidays, I remember my son by including my three subsequent children in activities like visiting the cemetery where we decorate and arrange his special toys on his grave. As we decorate the tree, we admire each ornament I made in his memory and we will buy metformin online.

Now, ten years later, I find myself volunteering for church activities for children in my son’s age group and feeling pride and peace in knowing the things that he may have been interested in and done. It also comforts me to know in my heart that I will see him again.

I want to let other grieving parents know that with time they will find ways to remember the child they lost and still find joy during the holidays. They will also discover that the holidays mean more to their spirit than ever.

Erin Osai
Boardmember, Hand of the Peninsula
Mother of Eplahame Jagger Osai June 18-25, 1989
Alyssa Osai April 28,1990
Kali Osai January 2, 1993
Rosemarie February 1, 1996