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By Jessica Watson

Life after loss with autism, preemies and a rainbow baby

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A Special Thank You

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Last weekend someone I have come to know through blogging and twitter ran a marathon.

The day before this marathon she asked for running buddies, people who would take a mile and motivate her to get through it.

I asked:

(The 11th is Hadley’s Angel Day, a day I dread as much as a cherish.)

The fact that the eleventh mile was the start of the hill was not lost on me. It was the start of our hill as well. We hit bottom and the only thing we could do was push forward and hope to head uphill again.

She thanked me, but I don’t think Kelly realized how much I needed to thank her.

When we lost Hadley my biggest fear what that people would forget her.

Since so many never met her or held her, I feared that myself and my husband would be the only ones to remember her in the years to come.

I was wrong.

To think that someone I have never even met would carry my daughter’s memory with her as she pushed up that hill and soared ahead to mile 12 is more than I could ever ask for.

So when the race was over and I asked her how the hill was, she replied:

And I wasn’t surprised….

she had wings.

Thank you Kelly, for carrying my daughter with you.

140 characters could not do justice to what that day meant to me.

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  1. MamaRobinJ says

    I remember Hadley every time I read your blog or see your face on Twitter. I do. She is in the hearts of so many people, you never have to feel like she’s forgotten or you’re carrying her on your own. We’re right there with you.

    And what an amazing connection to make as a way to support each other.

    • Jessica says

      I could not ask for more than this. What an amazing comment you have left. To know you think of her is more than I could ever hope for.

  2. Tonya says

    Way to go, Kelly! Way to run the hell out of that marathon and especially mile 11.

    Hugs to you both. xoxo

  3. MommaKiss says

    I remember seeing Kelly’s picture – the wings – talk about divine intervention, right? So so special. As long as you keep Hadley alive in your heart and memories, and share those with others, no one will forget.

  9. Ilana says

    That is just gorgeous. As always, your writing about Hadley touches me so deeply. The bonds we make through blogging are really exceptional things.

  10. Kate says

    I cried through this entire post, what an awesome way for people to get to know Hadley through your blog. Thank you for sharing her with us, that’s an honor.

    I’m glad Hadley could carry her though the 11th mile!

  12. angela says

    This made me teary. And Hadley will not be forgotten; you have forged a beautiful tribute to her here and with your own spirit.

  14. ChiMomWriter says

    We’re truly lucky to have the ability to create the communities that we do, not only in person, but online. This is a great story to be shared, and I’m glad we all have the opportunity to know Hadley in a tiny way.

  17. molly says

    Awwww, that’s so sweet. I truly believe in guardian angels. I’m sure Hadley will use her wings to help many many people 🙂

  18. Natalie says

    I’m so glad that this was the first post I read today – it made my heart happy 🙂

  19. Galit Breen says

    Jess, Kelly- this is amazing, incredible, wonderful. I have tears streaming down my face and just read this to my husband (also teary). Much love to you both. Meant to cross paths through this crazy blogosphere, yes? XO

  20. Kelly says

    Jess, it truly was MY honor…thank you so much for the encouragement and getting me up that hill!

    XOXO

  21. Runnermom-jen says

    That made me cry a little…I think I need a Kleenex box handy every time I read your blog.
    And that was awesome that you all took a mile for her marathon.