Thursday, April 21, 2011

Jakin's Due Date

Today was Jakin's due date.  It seems like such a long time ago that he was born. 

We spent the day making all kinds of donations.  First we took some hangers to the pregnancy center.  They have just switched out their clothes in the baby boutique from winter to summer and needed some hangers. 

Then we went to the funeral home to donate the books we have been collecting for the Grief Resource Lending Library.  We started this venture after Jakin left us.  In leui of flowers we asked that friends and family donate to the lending library we would be starting.  After almost 5 months, we made the first actual donation of books and found out they have quite a bit more money for us to access and supply the library with books and resources.  Idealy, this will be a place that people who are grieving can go and borrow a book.  We donated 30 books today!

Inside each book, there is a dedication:


Then we went to the regional hospital and donated 4 more care packages for parent's who deliver their baby stillborn.  This is the third or fourth time we have taken these packages.  The nurse there said that they (the nurses) really appreciate having these to give the patients.  She said they gave the last one they had away 2 days ago.




Next, Ben wanted to donate blood.  He usually does it every couple of months so we stopped by the blood center and he donated.




Then on to the last donation of the day.  My hair.  This is the 5th time I have donated my hair and I was so excited to do it.  I had planned on doing it after Jakin was born.  I have donated shortly after each of my babies have been born.  Here is the before shot of the back...



And here is the after:



It will look much nicer when I get to dry it and fix it (and my eyes are open...sheesh...I wish I could take a decent photo!).  I will send it in to Locks of Love tomorrow! (If you are interested in donating your hair as well, you can also look into Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program. They make wigs for cancer patients.)

We are all at home now and getting ready to get settled in for a family night.  We're thinking of grilling and watching a funny video.  Thanks to everyone who linked up my last post to remind us of something funny.  We appreciate the thoughts and prayers and laughter!

12 comments:

Alissa said...

What a beautiful day to celebrate the life of little Jakin. What you did amazes me, yet I can see the strength that it gave you to do it in honor of your baby boy. Sending hugs and "laughter" your way, my friend.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Those are beautiful dontations to make. How wonderful to donate your hair. Your cut looks really cute.
((HUGS))

Lisette said...

You amaze and inspire me.

Jaime said...

WOW! What an amazing way to spend Jakin's day and spread your love.

PS Love your new hair!

x <3 o

Amanda said...

What a beautiful day to celebrate your son...I love how you donated all of those things..what a great idea! I also love your hair btw! I have a stack of books that I need to get to our hospital as well..what a good reminder to do that! Much love!

Rachel @ Finding Joy said...

This is a beautiful post that is inspiring and encouraging. Thank you so much for being faithful in your journey.

God's richest blessings to you!

Jen said...

Beautiful ways to honor your son!

Sarita Boyette said...

Mattie, I love all these donations you made for Jakin! Remembering him on his due date - sending you & your family hugs & prayers.

Caroline said...

What a wonderful day remembering Jakin !!
loved everything you did.

Andrea said...

Mattie, what a wonderful day! :) I love the library idea you have and think it's great that you have been able to donate so many books - also love the inscription you attached inside. <3 Jakin <3

Gottjoy! said...

What a beautiful way to share your hearts and love for Jakin. What are some items that went in the bags you took to the hospital? I would love to get ideas to donate to our local hospital.

Holly said...

Wow, seeing your hair in the before really shows how much you got cut off! You honored Jakin so wonderfully. ♥