Happy Birthday Gabriel

Every year it seems like it's a little bit harder to celebrate your birthday. I feel both guilty and blessed that this is the case. I know in my heart that I don't need to do anything special to remember you but as life keeps getting busier, it's nice to have at least one day a year that we can do something special as a family to honor your memory.

This birthday is the first one here in Oregon. So we decided to go to Magone Lake for the first time and light a candle for your birthday. Louis threw rocks in the lake and blew out your candle and I wrote your name in a small patch of sand by the water. We found yet another beautiful place to celebrate you sweet boy. 

I wish we could have done more. I always wish that this day was just a little bit longer. 

We all love you so much! Wherever you may be, I hope you feel loved. 

Happy 6th Birthday Gabriel <3

I'm All Done

Shortly after we lost Gabriel, I made the decision to go back to school to become an ultrasound tech. If you've known me awhile, you know the first step of this journey took place awhile ago... about 5 years ago when I took my first pre-requisite class. The plan wasn't to take 5 years to finish school, but with life throwing us some curve balls along the way, it took a bit longer than I had expected.

Even though it took me a few years to get to this point, I have finally ended my journey, taking the final step yesterday. Yesterday was the last day of my clinical experience which means I have concluded my education. I can't say it was always easy, but I feel blessed for the experience and proud to have accomplished something in honor of Gabriel.

I wanted to make a difference in the world so that his legacy could live on through me. Though one long journey has come to an end, I know this is really just the beginning. I have a lot more to accomplish and am excited to see what the future holds. I know it won't be easy but I feel confident that this is what I'm meant to do with my life.