Taking an "Andrew Moment"

May 4th is recognized as Bereaved Mother's Day. Today, I'd like to share words from Rare Bird Mom Karen Peet, who lost her son Andrew one year ago today at the age of 27. Karen writes so beautifully about her children and I'm very grateful she allowed me to share these thoughts with all of you.

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Andrew- my sweet boy.

Today makes 365 days….one full year without you here with us. But oh, how you live on in my heart!

When you have a baby, most especially, but even a toddler or young child, every little step or plan or activity you do is curated with that little person in the center of it all. They are completely dependent on you. And even when careful arrangements are made, because “breaks are needed”, or you’re doing something they can’t participate in for varied reasons, they remain, almost constantly in your thoughts, your heart and your soul, till you see them again. You’re connected no matter the time or distance or reason. And you cannot wait to see them again- even if they were “driving you crazy”!

That was our 27 years with Andrew. We- HE never grew beyond that “phase”. It’s hard to explain to your heart that suddenly, you’ve moved from infant care to an empty nest. I can’t count the times Jeff or I have caught ourselves mid thought, realizing there weren’t logistics to plan and there’s no reuniting or coming home to him. Because this is our new forever.

As I said before, and continue to feel, despite the immense challenges- worry, fatigue, fears, uncertainties, heartaches….. We just miss him and his sweet self- who was simply content to be with us, and never demanded or asked anything of us, yet we gave our all to him. Because that’s what love….most especially PARENT love, is all about.

Andrew left us at 5:30 PM this day last year. I would love for you to pause for a moment at that time today, to simply reflect, pray or share with someone- gratitude for a body that works, and the good things and people in your life. Sometimes we get so caught up in all the challenges. Andrew’s presence- no matter where we were- created that immediate “pause” for everyone he met.

It wasn’t always voiced to us, but oh so clear in faces…the eyes of strangers happening upon him.

So take an “Andrew moment” today- I feel that is the best way we can honor his life, as he taught that great lesson to all he met along life’s path. And I will add to my gratitude, the great relief I do also feel, knowing he is in God’s hands- the best caregiver of all- who has now given him that healthy body to live on in. And to know that one day we will be together to celebrate that together.