Red Envelope Day

I'm not a very political person and I know there's always more than one side to every story. But when I saw this campaign (below) I knew I wanted to share and encourage others that agree that every life is important to act on their belief. It's one thing to have a bumper sticker that says what you believe, but when called to act, do you?
I remember reading before Kristen was born that in the U.S. 9 out of 10 Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21) babies are aborted by the encouragement of genetics counselors because it will be "difficult" and there is a possibility the baby won't make it. How would I have felt if I was told "Tara, your baby MAY only live for a few hours at best (or maybe not at all after birth) and it's up to you if you want to take that option away from her because it might be a difficult situation to go through." Granted, I would never wish the loss of a baby on anyone, or even news that there's something wrong with their baby, but even though we only had a few moments with Kristen, wouldn't give them up for anything. She was my baby. She was Katelynn's sister. I couldn't imagine the thoughts that would haunt me for the rest of my life - what if she would have lived even for a moment, I wonder what she would have looked like, I wonder what it would have been like to hold her little hand, and the thoughts would go on for ever. I couldn't imagine the thoughts of the mother who's baby was healthy, yet for whatever reason, was still denied an opportunity to the gift of life.
Please know, I don't judge anyone that has made that decision due to health complications or not, it's not a decision that is ever made lightly. Yet, I have met a number of T18 moms (as well as moms of healthy babies) that have made the choice not to carry their babies to term, and they second guess themselves all the time. I can't change the past, but I hope I can help change history. If I can help just one baby get to meet her mommy even if just for a moment, help just one baby to be welcomed into this world as the precious life that he is, help one mother not live with regret or 'what if's', I will at least try. If Kristen was only given 64 precious hours, who am I to deny that of her?

Red Envelope Day www.redenvelopeproject.org
Prepare red envelopes and mail them on March 31st to the White House. You can buy them at office supply stores or at party supply stores. On the front, address it to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington , D.C. 20500

On the back, write the following message.

This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion. It is empty because the little one is now unable to be a part of our world. Responsibility begins with conception. (or the message above on the Red Envelope photo)

We will all mail the envelopes March 31st, 2009. Prepare the envelope as soon as you can but mail it ON March 31.

Let every one of your friends know who you think would send an envelope too. I wish we could send 50 million red envelopes, one for every child who died [in the U.S.] before having a chance to live.

Three missing days

Kind of a weird day - it's like three days in history that have been repeated for the last 5 months simply disappeared. Today would have been Kristen's 6 month birthday - but instead it's March 1st, Kristen's 6 month birthday of being born into heaven. I had been doing really well during the first part of the month but somewhere over the last few weeks the lack of dealing with emotion (and not really being aware that was what I was doing) started to catch up with me. I have had a few friends here and there make comments that "brought me back" and reminded me I'm not alone. I wanted to share a few notes they have sent.

"something caught my heart... so I'm sorry if I say this wrong.. but I don't have 3 times more kids. You will always be the mother of 2 or more if you have more... but in my heart, your baby girl will always be a part of you. She's a piece of your daily living - you go on.. being a mom of two! And being a "Stay at home mom" is soo much harder and amazing then any other job! Be proud! You do more then you know! And I'm sure your family knows that with all the love! And anytime you want to speak about your babe in heaven... speak free with me. I have not forgotten baby Kristen."

"I just wanted to let you know I am sad there isn't a Feb 29th so Kristen can have her full 6 month birthday. But I guess it's fitting that since she isn't with us that the 29th should be missing as well."
(It makes me feel kinda bad for those born on a Leap Year, only getting to truly celebrate their birthday once every four years!)

I also had a friend tell me she still gets angry about what has happened, how unfair life can be, why it had to happen to us, and how she should be watching two little kids when she comes over to babysit, not just one.

So many different sentiments that bring comfort in so many ways.

Just kind of a weird day.