Tag Archives: toddler sids

3rd Anniversary – December 20, 2011

I’d forgotten how exhausting a newborn could be.  Alexander’s younger brother, Daniel was born November 17 and has been keeping me very busy.  I barely have time to sleep much less do things like update my blog.

I’ve been so tired, I don’t think I’ve really had a chance to process my feelings about Alexander’s anniversary.  It’s hard to believe Alexander has been gone 3 years.  On his anniversary date, we spent a quiet day at home and went to cemetery in the afternoon.

Recently, a friend asked me if it gets any easier.  I told her I don’t think it gets easier.  Alexander’s loss has become part of me and is something I must deal with on a daily basis.  Some days are better than others. Now that Daniel has arrived, I’m trying to find a balance between being happy for the child that I have here with me and being sad and missing the child that is gone.

I talk to Daniel about Alexander and we look at pictures of him. I think Alexander and Daniel would have been great friends and I wish my boys could have grown up together.

I need a sign

Why do perfect strangers think it’s o.k. to ask questions about my pregnancy? When are you due? Is this your first?  I think I’ll pull my hair out if one more person asks me if this is my first pregnancy.   I’m thinking of getting a t-shirt made with ‘No, this isn’t my first pregnancy.  My first child is named Alexander and he died in December 2008. Now, back off and stop asking me questions.’  The sign may seem a little harsh but I’m so tired of strangers asking questions.  Why can’t they  just leave me alone and let me enjoy my pregnancy.

Since losing Alexander, I have definitely become more sensitive.  Questions I thought were innocent before can now cause a deep wound.  It has also made me realize that you just never know what a person’s situation is or what they’re going through at any given time.  So, it might be better to wait and let them take the lead in what they want to share.

2nd Annual Alexander’s Run

Today, was the 2nd Annual Alexander’s Run.  Though the weather forecast predicated rain and a mix of snow, we decided to have the fun anyway.  We had no idea how many, if any, runners would show up on race morning.  Some people didn’t make it but Dan and I were truly surprised, overwhelmed, and grateful for all the support we received at this morning’s event.

The tents we’d arranged for didn’t arrive on time but no one complained as we had to scramble for tents.  The runners were patient as we opened registration late.  The kids who did come in costumes were cheerful as they stood under the tents and grooved to the music of Alex Mitnick.  It was an amazing day and I’m so glad we continue to celebrate Alexander and the other SUDC children with this run.

Another birthday has come and gone

Since Alexander passed, the first week of May has been difficult for me. This year was no different. Alexander’s 4th birthday was May 3 followed quickly by Mother’s Day a few days later.

I didn’t want to see or talk to anyone on Alexander’s birthday so spent the day alone in quiet reflection looking at his pictures and videos. When Dan got home from work, we went to the cemetery and released 4 balloons.

On Mother’s Day, Dan and I visited a local sculpture park. We had a nice lunch and walk through the park while talking about Alexander and life. It was a little hard to see the park full of families with their young children but I’m glad we went.

I recently bought myself a charm necklace.  The sterling silver charm includes Alexander’s name below a raised heart.  I love it and wear it almost every day.  I find myself rubbing it constantly throughout the day whenever I think about Alexander.

I wish he was here now to give me a big hug.