I tried to write this story last year just before Mother’s Day and I couldn’t. This will be the first Mother’s Day where I get to hold one of my babies. It will be the first Mother’s Day where I will be able to experience joy, not just tears. It is also going to be extra special because my mom will be here with me to celebrate as well. When I was pregnant with Raffael, I remember thinking about holidays and special events that were just over the horizon. My birthday, Passo

Two years ago on March 26th, our baby boy Raffael was born. If life were different, today we would be watching our toddler blow out his birthday candles. Raffa's absence on earth never gets easier, but with every birthday his light gets brighter. For us, Raffa stays gently tucked away in time. For the rest of our lives, our hearts will carry the precious newborn we held in our arms. We close our eyes and see every detail, his dark wavy hair, delicate fingers, soft skin, and p

Shortly after Raffa went to Heaven we received a care package in the mail. It was from our friend Alee. It contained a tote bag with beautiful flowers on the outside, a tea cup for me, a beautiful mug for Michael, hot chocolate, prayers, drawings from her girls, a canvas, and best of all, iridescent watercolour paints. As I packed up our things to leave our home, to create a new home in the trailer, I brought each of these gifts. For me, they were our first new belongings sin