Saturday, October 2, 2010

2nds for Shyla (Giveaway!)

Today is the 2nd of October.  Crazy.

It's notw been 13 months since Shyla was born. 

I have such a conflict when it comes to the dates of the events of last August and September.  You see, I don't really know what day her spirit left her earthly shell and went to be with Jesus.  That day I will probably never know.  I know it was in the last days of August, but not the specific day.  I know the day we found out she was gone.  August 31.  And then there is September 2nd.  The day her body was taken from mine.  I have a hard time calling it her "birth" day.  Her spirit was given to the Father before this day.  So when people asked when my daughter died or when she was born, I feel like there is a five minute explanation.  When the last of the month rolls around, what day can I really call hers?  I have struggled with this from the beginning.  The lone singular date on her stone even bothers me.  "September 2, 2009" does not tell the full story, but just part of it.  I hated that was all I could put on there and as generations pass and some one looks at that stone years from now, that is all they will know.

I have tried to make peace with this and realize it is ok to call that her day.  But it has been hard.  As all the "one year" marks came and went last month, I think I finally have decided that the 2nd will be her day.  I will always remember August 31, but the 2nd of every month is what I have counted as the time passed for how many months she has been gone. So, from now on...the 2nd's are for Shyla.

To mark this "2nd"  I would like to do my first ever GIVEAWAY!!!  This months giveaway is for a copy of the first book that really touched my heart in the days and months after my loss.  I'll Hold You in Heaven by Jack Hayford gives us reason to not just hope, but to know where our babies are and that we WILL be with them again!  I will also been sending a few gifts designed specifically for the person who wins including a candle with your child's name, a pink and blue ribbon for October 15th and a few other goodies!

For one entry, be a follower of this blog (just make that your comment).


For another entry, share with me the first book that really was an ecouragement to after your loss.

For a third entry, share the giveaway on your blog or facebook and just comment letting me know you have done so. A winner will be chosen one week from today (Saturday, October 10).

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm a follower! :D

michelle hs said...

(1) i'm a follower of your blog.
(2) the first book i read after xavier's stillbirth that was of great comfort to me was 'grieving the child i never knew' by kathe wunnenberg
(3) i will post your blog on my facebook status

i'm glad you chose a day to remember shyla. i have a hard time on the 4th of every month because that was the day xavier was stillborn, but we found out on the 3rd, and he wasn't due until the 6th (several months later)! the first week of the month is not good for me in general now! maybe if i chose one day it would help, maybe not. by the way, awesome giveaway!

Maggie said...

1) I'm a follower! :)

2) The first book I read was, "An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination". I love this book and I definitely recommend it for anyone who has experienced a loss. It's so true and so real.

3) I'll post this giveaway in my blog!

Thinking of Shyla and remembering her with you. What a fun giveaway! :)

Unknown said...

So far the book that has helped me the most is a book called, "For They Shall Be Comforted," I an't remember the author, but I was able to relate to it A LOT! I heard that "I'll Hold You In Heaven" was really good, and it's on my "to read" list!

*Not sure if you were wanting 3 seperate comments, or all in one.

Alissa said...

I'm a follower! Hugs to you and Shyla always.

A book that was a great comfort to me was "Tear Soup". Simple and easy language for everyone to read and understand what grief is really like.

Thank you!

Unknown said...

OK...I just blogged about your giveaway! :D

Heather said...

You know I'm a follower, both here and on FB! <3

The first book I read after my loss was Safe in the Arms of God. It took me a while to want to read about loss, because at first, I truly didn't want to take steps to heal. I wanted to stay right where I was. But several months later I picked up that book, and it helped a lot.

I'm probably going to create a blog post later today, and if I do, I'll mention your giveaway! I'll let you know. :)

Sarita Boyette said...

I'm a new follower. I can't remember the 1st book that I read that helped me, but I recently read Angie Smith's book about Audrey Caroline "I will Carry You". I pre- ordered it and got it in April, but I wasn't ready to read it then. I read it the other day before our daughter's birthday and I was really "ready" for it. I loved how the story of Lazarus was woven throughout the book.
Hugs to you as you honor your precious Shyla Joy.

Anonymous said...

I am a follower but ironically this is one of the first books I read after I lost Jonathan. Love this book.

Lori said...

I already have this book but loved seeing the books others recommended...the first book I read was A Grace Disguised, by Jerry Stitser. It's on loss, not only of a child, but several children, a mother and a wife, all tragically at the same time. It spoke to my heart. I think I put Amazon over the top right after Matthew died because I ordered a ton of books...many listed here...and Safe In the Arms of God was one that was precious to my heart too...

Laura said...

Following your blog