When Hadley passed away, another grieving mom suggested I get a piece of jewelry to hold a bit of her ashes.
I sat at the funeral home, looking through catalogs of jewelry I never knew existed for such a purpose, and settled on a teardrop-shaped necklace.
I wore Hadley’s necklace every day for years, feeling the weight of it at my chest as I put it on every morning.
I held onto it at holidays and birthdays and moments that were perfect, almost.
There are days I don’t wear it now, someone pulls me away before I can put it on or the morning rush doesn’t include time to fasten a necklace.
And there are days I run back inside to grab it or carry it in a pocket, always meaning to put it on.
She will always be here. Never in the way I want her to be, but here in her sister’s smile, her brother’s giggle and the first star that catches my eye.
The weight of her memory will always sit delicately on my chest,
forever fastened to my heart the moment she left my arms.
I wish so much peace and love and hope to all of the moms out there who have lost a child. It has been five years since we said goodbye and I promise the days get easier. The pain won’t always be so sharp, the memories will soften and you will smile again.
I promise.
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My brother suggested I might like this blog.
He was totally right. This post actually made my day. You can not imagine just how much
time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Your necklace sounds beautiful. I wear one with just their initials on it. I never take it off – I probably should at least to clean.
Thinking of you and Hadley extra. Sending hope and hugs. xoxo
For some reason, I am reading about a lot of moms who have lost their child lately. It’s been a weepy time. I love the thought of your heavy tear-shaped necklace holding a part of Hadley.
Just beautiful as usual, Jessica. I have a necklace that is Joey’s fingerprint that I wear most days. It really does make me feel like a piece of him is still with me.
We had a really nice day, thank you so much for your kind words.
I think the idea of the necklace is so beautiful, to be able to hold this memento of her against your skin, in the palm of your hand, but no matter what she is always and will always be in your heart.
xoxo
I never knew that you could do something like that with a loved one. It must be so very sacred to you to keep her near your heart always.
I will be thinking of all those moms today…and you…and I will count my blessings that my child is safe and healthy.
xo
Thinking of you, Jessica.
Thinking of you and all the moms who need a bit of extra love today.
That is a lovely idea. I would like to look into a necklace like that! Thank you so much for linking up with us today on this special day for us Angel moms!
Your words are always full of her, full of your love. Your hope.
And you share these things so generously.
Much love to you.
Thank you for sharing Hadley with us. Hugs to you and all the moms.