Friday, April 8, 2011

Far, Far Overdue

Once upon a time (four years ago, to be exact), I found out I was expecting. Nervous as any new mom, I bought "What To Expect When You're Expecting." On the inside of the book there was a bookmark with the book's website, detailing forums and such. I decided to head to that site, where I joined the forum for women expecting in October 2007. I 'lurked' for a while, but eventually decided to make my presence known and join in the conversation. We discussed everything...from weird pregnancy stuff to politics. There was some inevitable drama, but for the most part we were a happy bunch who got along.

We all had our little ones around the same time. We went from talking about pregnancy to talking about infants. Cheering each other on, helping each other out.

Then Dakin got sick.

And I can not tell you how they rallied around me.

Women I had never met...praying for me and Dakin, checking up on me, sending cards and gifts. Engineering lunch to be delivered to me at Baylor. Sending me words of encouragement. One night, after Dakin had gone to sleep, I was down the hall at the computer, on the site, when I started noticing Dakin's picture on their posts--one of the women, a graphic artist, had created a blinkie with the words, "Dakin, WTE's strongest little boy. Stay strong, little fighter." One of the women who lived in the Dallas area came to the hospital to visit us and brought her sweet little boy to meet Dakin.

As I am remembering these things I am still brought to tears, trying to type this. People I had never met cared so much about me and Dakin. They never forgot about us.

And they still haven't. Though the group isn't on the WTE site anymore, we have a group on facebook, where we talk and post daily. We have laughed and cried together. We have had crazy conversations. And I know I can talk to them about anything. If I need encouragement I can find it there.

I don't know how to thank them. I can't tell them how much their friendship and support have meant and continue to mean to me. They have, in a large way, helped to lighten this load. Thinking of these amazing women, I think of this song:

"Oh, I believe there are angels among us,
Sent down to us from heaven up above.
They appear in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.
To guide us with the light of love."

The morning Dakin couldn't breathe anymore I left the house with him and didn't come back for two and a half months. I was mostly alone in the hospital with him for that time, and the sweet gestures of these women helped get me through it. They are still helping me get through this. I don't get to keep up with them as often as I would like, but they mean the world to me. Thank you, women of the Pumpkin Patch.

(next time I need to talk about our church family. I was just thinking about these wonderful friends tonight and thought I would write about them)

8 comments:

Kristen said...

We had everybody sing that song at Georgia's funeral. A lot of people thought that we were singing about Georgie but Mike and I were trying to say thank you for all of the amazing support that we had received especially our palliative care team - true angels.

I am so glad that you have a support network. I love to read your posts and hear all about Dakin's progress!

((((HUGS))))

Jodie said...

How woderful those women sound! I am so glad that you had them there for you and Dakin and big Dakin in y'alls time of need.

Kristy said...

You are an inspiration beyond measure to us. Your love for that sweet little boy, your optimism, and your tenacity are all so evident. I am so thankful to have 'known' you the past four years and I'm glad to have you too!

Kate said...

I feel blessed to have known you all these years, even without meeting in person. Your story has inspired me-your strength, Dakin's strength, your family's strength. I think about you guys often, even if I don't post too much. My girls all know about Dakin, have watched him grow through the years through his pictures and your words. They have prayed for him and asked about him and think of him often. You are an amazing woman, an amazing mother. We, the moms of the Pumpkin Patch are lucky to have you. You show us how to keep going on the darkest of days, your story, your life, you and Dakin inspire us to be better people. Thank you-you truly are one of the Angels among us.
Kate & Chloe

Christie Y Brown said...

We are always here for you!!! I printed off 2 pictures of Dakin in his outfits and put them with my creations photos to show off at craft shows... Someone noticed them this weekend and asked... I started to cry and told the story and said "I was honored to be asked to make him his first birthday costume, he's still our little superman"

Even without that honor, you are all very close to my heart. Our "patch" was brought together for a very special reason... I wish that I kept up with everyone better... Hugs, love and everlasting peace Christie, Zackary and the rest of the pack

cheryl said...

OH, Devon, YOU are the angel! We are all in awe of you and your strength. You are an inspiration to so many. And, Dakin...sweet, sweet Dakin...he is such an amazing little guy and that smile just brightens my day!
Love you, girl!!!

April said...

True friends are a great treasure! I'm so glad you have them!!

k and j said...

this is so cool :) makes me miss a lot of those ladies. especially now that i don't have FB :( wah.