We knew it was coming… the start of a long season of holidays without Lincoln. It started last month with his birthday, and we now have to get through a holiday every month leading up to the anniversary of his death in February. The week leading up to Halloween ended up being really rough for Jeremy and I… I try so hard not to torture myself with the thoughts of what I should have been doing leading up to this October 31st (picking out Lincoln’s costume, etc). But my heart knows… I broke down after I got home from work Friday as the sweet little kiddos were coming up to the house for trick or treating. Jeremy always dresses up and sits out on the porch, and sings Christmas carols (he’s so crazy haha). He does it all to make the kids and parents laugh and have a great time. He gets so excited, I just know how wonderful he would have been with Lincoln, and how much fun they would have had together. It just breaks my heart. He should be here. But he isn’t. It’s never easy, but some days are a little easier to get through than others. I’m feeling like those days just might be a little more few and far between over the next several months.

I am so grateful that we did get to experience so many holidays with Lincoln, while he was here with us. There are so many wonderful memories we can think about as these days go by, but at the same time he will be so obviously missing too. I remember he was still so little, just over a month old when we had our first and only Halloween together. Our friends came over to visit, with their kiddos in costume. I, of course, had a mini photo shoot with Lincoln in his “My First Trick or Treat” onsie from Grandma and Aunt Rachel.

 

My First Trick or Treat 🙂

I miss him…

It just hurts so much… it goes way down deep inside, it penetrates the heart, body, and soul. I always ask God for just enough strength to get through each day, one at a time. I’m sure to a lot of people it seems like a lot of time has passed, but Jeremy and I are still so new in our grief. Everything I’ve read says the first 24 months are the hardest, but I know we are going to get through this. We are pressing on in honor of our son who doesn’t get to, and that includes adjusting to our “new normal.” We are back to just Jeremy & I, but we are forever changed. We are a family of 3.

I have come to realize that I like the “new” Stephanie more than the “before” Stephanie. This Stephanie is Lincoln’s mommy. This Stephanie loves more fiercely and passionately than ever before, and would give her life for those she loves. She is brave. She is hurt. She relies and trusts in her Savior like never before. So while I would give anything to have my son back, and not have this broken heart, God is taking the pieces and shaping me into someone “new.”

HAPPY HALLOWEEN LINCOLN! MOMMY CAN”T WAIT TO CUDDLE WITH YOU AGAIN ONE DAY!

Cuddles with Mommy ❤