The nurse put cool metal to his chest,
smiling at me as his rhythms were recorded, he whispered…
“Hadley is in our hearts, Mommy.”
“She is honey,” I nodded, in my achingly proud voice, perfected since they began to speak her name.
We sat in the beating quiet until my shy daughter spoke up.
And asked the nurse if she could borrow the stethoscope,
because she wanted to hear her sister too.
———-
We are walking for the March of Dimes again this year because we have preemies who have survived against all odds.
And because each of them deserves a sister whose heart beats just as strongly as their own.
I would be thrilled if you could help me reach my goal this year. I have set it rather high but it’s the least I can do.
Edited to add: Was just given an idea… Looking for ad space? Your donation to my March of Dimes team will give you…
$25- 150 x 150 space for 6 months
$50- 150 x 150 space for 12 months
$100- 300 x 300 space for 12 months
$1000 and I will write your blog/company name across my face for the walk (kidding… maybe)
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Your children are such a beautiful reflection of your kindness, Jessica. What a wonderful cause to be a part of. XOXO
So aching yet sweet, always. Donation coming your way.
This gave me chills and I would be happy to donate. xoxo
You are inspiring my friend. And your words are so beautiful.
I am really inspire in your story..Thank a lot for sharing I really appreciate this post to us..
This is so heart touching. You have such amazing and strong kids.
Best wishes.
Thanks for sharing.
-Brian
This is very touching but also sad. You’ve raised a good campaign. How long has this been going?
I hope people will share!
-Coraline
You know what I always love about your posts – somehow you can make me tear up and giggle (the $1000 offer plastered on your face) all at the same time.
I walked this before with our friends (I remember it was in Troy) in honor of their son, who they lost to CdLS, and their daughter who was born with the same genetic condition. Would love to support both you and their family again. Going to donate now. Such a great walk for a great cause. Hoping you reach your goal. 🙂
Thank you so much Elena and I am totally not above being a walking advertisement :).
Donation done. We walk every year too but I am never as on the ball as you are – we usually set up our page in March or April . . .Thanks for the inspiration hopefully I will get my act together a little earlier this year. Take care.
Thank you so much Lanie, wish you lived closer and we could all walk together. As soon as your page is up we will be supporting you too.
so beautiful. Of course we’ll help, too. might even walk with you!!
We would love it!
Yes March of Dimes is near and dear to my heart too- thank goodness for wonderful doctors and nurses and science that made it so my baby is healthy and strong and wonderful today
Do you have a March of Dimes page where we can donate securely? We don’t have much but I want to give. For Hadley.
You should be able to click on the widget right at the end of this post. Thanks so much Sam!
Teared up in that first part. Bless their hearts. Sending a donation your way now!
You are so sweet Courtney, thank you.
love the march of dimes. donation done. be well, jessica & good luck with your goal!
Thank you so much Wendy.
What amazing, lovely kids you have!
What a beautiful post and tribute to Hadley! As a mom of a preemie, I admire this so much, what an amazing cause.
What a perfect moment.
Of course your wee ones will always feel her in their hearts.
What a Perfect little post in honor of Hadley.
m.
I love so much that you do this every year.
I will never ever forget you balloon story from last year. So beautiful.
What beautiful amazing young children that YOU are raising. And how special that they can feel and hear Hadley in their hearts. Did you take a listen too?
Hugs to you and your family!
What an amazing tribute to their sister.
Beautiful. Of course we will help. xo
Just beautiful. Thank you for opening your heart.
Your words, their hearts, both perfection. xo
They have such character. And strength. You should be proud of them.
oh wow…that just about knocked me over…
I’m amazed at how you could hold it together for them…
Oh my. I was sitting here with a glass of wine and for a moment I. could. not. swallow. Such raw grief for what we all are missing. I will walk and I will raise money every year for the granddaughter that I cannot hold until we meet again.