Walk to Remember

I work in Labor in Delivery, and I love my job and what I do. I get to be apart of one of the most special times in people's lives, the birth of their child. And while it is mostly a joyous occasion, sometimes it's not. Sometimes, complications arise or babies don't develop correctly or sometimes, we don't know why, but babies pass away. And though I've never experienced a loss of my own, I have grieved over many precious little ones. As a nurse, we create such a bond with our patients and families, so when things like this happen, our hearts hurt too. I've cried, prayed and grieved for so many of these families.

October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. And this past Sunday, we had our Walk to Remember. We have this every year honoring and remembering all the precious little Angel Babies!
God provided us with a beautiful day and we had an amazing turnout. It was such a special time.

The families write their baby's name on a sign and we place them all around so they pass it while they are walking.

My dear friend Terri, her husband Tyler, and their family came out to walk in memory of their precious Baby White. It was so good to see her and share this special time with them. Praying for you my sweet friend!

Everyone walking

At the end of the ceremony, we have a balloon release. The families write a message to their little one and tie it to the end of the balloon.

It was beautiful

I snapped this picture as the balloons continued to fly away, and it gave me chills. The way the sun was shining down was incredible. It was like the Lord was reminding everyone not worry because He had their precious one wrapped up in His arms and that His plans are bigger than we could ever imagine!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" Ephesians 3:20

Terri and Tyler

This is the Fowler Family: Anna, Joseph and little Davis. Josh and I went to highschool with Anna. She and her husband spoke at the ceremony. They have an amazing story and give hope to many other families that have gone through the same thing. They were Remembering their sweet Ellison (hope I spelled that right Anna)

Paige and Trey, another one of the sweet families at the Walk.

I thought this tree was absolutely beautiful, so I had to grab a pic.

Cassie, Manya, Cheryl, Me, Debbie, Luanne, Sherry

All of the workers that helped to make this Walk happen, particularly Debbie, who did a great job directing and organizing everything!

We also have an Open Arms Support group. We meet the third Thursday of every month at 7:15pm on the 4th floor of the hospital. Email me if you would like more details: brandiern@charter.net

"Little Footprints"

How very softly

you tiptoed into my world.

Almost silently,

only a moment you stayed.

But what an imprint

your footsteps have left

upon my heart.

~Dorothy Ferguson

~"...God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." Hebrews 13:5

Dinner and a Movie

Last weekend we went out to celebrate my father-in-law's birthday! We headed to Red Lobster for supper. The food was yummy and the fellowship was even better. They even came out and sang Happy Birthday to Wick! Haha...I thought this pic was funny! I rarely have my mouth open for pictures..so not too sure what happened here. We couldn't get Gracie to open her eyes for the pics...and we tried multiple times as you'll see below :)
But she's still as cute as ever...even with her eyes closed!!

Wick and Patti, just after finishing up a great meal. Happy Birthday Wick...we love YOU!

Missy and Josh...they always take such great pics together! After we ate, Missy, Josh, Gracie and myself, went to see "The Lion King" in 3D. It was a lot of fun, although after this movie, I'm not a big fan of 3D.

Gracie and Me in our cool shades, right before the movie started. She loved the movie. And it brought back good memories for the rest of us. I can't wait to buy it when it comes out on DVD, and add to our Disney collection! And would love to see it on broadway when it comes next year..hint hint :) (We saw it on broadway in NY about 10yrs ago and it was amazing) "Hakuna Matata!"

"A cheerful heart doeth good like medicine.." Proverbs 17:22

It's Bunko Time

Guess what time it is....that's right. It's Bunko time. But not just regular Bunko, it's Couples Bunko! I'm part of a group of ladies from my church-12 to be exact-that get together once a month and play a game called Bunko. (side note: Bunko is not a church related function :)

Bunko is a dice rolling, fast paced, sometimes loud, kind of game. And I love it! It was my turn to host it this month. And it happened to be the once a year we do couples. You bring your spouse or a friend and we have twice the people, twice the food and twice the fun!!

This was my partner for the night. We had someone from the group that couldn't come so Steven and Kristen said they would play with us. Steven was Josh's partner (and they won, might I add) and Kristen was mine!

Steven practicing up

The ladies waiting for the food

The GrillMaster preparing our lovely steaks and chicken

Some of the men hanging out by the grill

April and Tanna

Katie getting ready to get her grub on!

Waiting for the games to begin!

Our table snacks while we play.

Table #1: Dexter & Tammy, Kristen and Me

Table #2: Eddie & Pam, Josh & Steven

Table #3: Crystal & Hannah, Craig & Jeana

Table #4: Kim & Ashley, Bambi & Jennifer

Table #5: Brandon & April, Booklyn & Rebecca

Table #6: Cindy & Katie B., Tanna & Katie G.

We had a lot of fun and and great fellowship!! Can't wait for next year!

~"A cheerful heart is good medicine...." Proverbs 17:22~

Our 10 Year Reunion

Two weekends ago, on Sept 17th, we celebrated our 10 year high school reunion! Josh and I, both went to James F. Byrnes high school, all 4 years, and graduated together. I really enjoyed high school. I got a lot from high school: my great education(by some of the best teachers), wonderful friends (including my bestie..KCD), treasured memories and best of all.....my amazing husband!!! So I have a lot to thank good ole JFB for!

Josh and I started dating at the beginning of our 10 grade year and dated throughout the rest of HS. I loved being "high school sweethearts" and wouldn't want it any other way! I'm so blessed to have found such a wonderful, loving husband who loves the Lord. Thank you Lord for choosing Josh for me!!Us then, at our senior prom... And us now….It’s so hard to believe it has been 10 years. Where has the time gone?

Tia, Ineke and Roxie, from our class, really worked hard and gave us an amazing reunion weekend. Unfortunately, Josh and I were unable to attend the football game on Friday night, which started the festivities, where Byrnes played Gaffney and lost :( Saturday night, we had dinner and dancing at the Spartanburg Country Club!They had pictures of all the "Byrnes couples" that were still together framed and on all the tables…and this was ours! Kaci, Amber and I were inseparable in high school. It was so good to see Amber and catch up!Here is April, Terri and me. Us, along with Kaci and Amber, went on our Senior Trip together. And made lots of lasting memories J Had fun times with them. Terri and I keep in touch through our blogs. I have been wanting to see her and give her a big hug….and I finally got too! She is a dear friend. If you haven’t seen her blog, it’s heart-warming and encouraging. Go HERE and check it out! My sexy husband "cuttin’ a rug"

We had such a wonderful time! We really enjoyed seeing everyone! Thank you ladies for all of your hard work in making this reunion a success! We look forward to our next one!

"To our alma mater bring songs of love and praise;

Grateful hearts will not forget happy high school days….

Rally ‘round the grey and blue! Sound the rebel cry!

Loyal sons and daughters true of James F. Byrnes High."

"A friend loveth at all times." Proverbs 17:17

My Dad's Surgery

Wow...I sure am behind on my blogging. We've been so busy lately, but I'm going to try and catch up! We will see how that goes :) My Dad has been having a lot of trouble with his knees over the past year, so he and his doctor decided it was time for him to have it....yes, the dreaded total knee replacement. But not just on one...on BOTH. Yes, both...I know, my thoughts exactly. I didn't even know they did both of them at the same time. But I guess it will be better to suffer a little more now, than to have to go through everything all over again to do the other knee. So.....

He had his surgery yesterday. This was him post-op...and on plenty of meds :) He is doing so good. They had him up walking today....yep, walking! He was using a walker of course, but he did it...and did it twice today. I'm so proud of him.

Dad, we are praying for you and for continued strength as you press on through your recovery. Praying the Lord wrap His arms around you and comfort you every step of the way! May you know and feel the Lord's tender, healing touch!

Please help us pray for him as he begins his recovery!

"...I am they God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee.." Isaiah 41:10

Happy Birthday Dad And Gma

Tonight we celebrated my Dad and Grandma's birthday. My Dad's is 9/14 and Gma's is 9/17. We just had a small party at Gma's house. Gma is still not feeling the greatest and my Dad is getting ready for his knee surgery.
But we had a great time just being together!

Happy Birthday Dad and Grandma! I love you both more than you'll ever know!!

~"Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart's desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you." Psalm 37:4-5~

Update on my Grandma

Update on my Grandma

My Grandmother was diagnosed with cancer in January. She had a major abdominal surgery on Feb. 22 to remove most of the cancer and has been receiving chemo treatments since then. She has been a trooper through all of this! She has had her ups and downs, and been in and out of the hospital a few times, but is still going strong. She is eating well and gaining some of her weight back and her hair has started to grow back too. And even though her personality has slightly changed through this, she is still my sweet "Grandma" that I love dearly. I'm so proud of her and her strength through all of this! And just a little shout out to my Papa as well. Papa, you are an amazing man of God who never ceases to amaze us. The dedication and humility that you've shown to Grandma, no matter what the situation is, reminds us again of how much we love and respect you. You set an amazing example of what a husband should be! Josh and I love you both so very much!! Please help us as we continue to pray for Grandma's healing. She goes for another chemo treatment next week. She was supposed to go this week but her platelets were too low. :( (the picture above was taken on my phone one night while Gma and I sat in the hospital...waiting....and praying)

"You are a fighter, a survivor,
a woman of faith and strength.
You are a tough opponent
for any challenge.
Even the big "c"
is no match for you,
because you belong to an even bigger "C"......
Christ!
He is with you and many prayers are for you as you fight this battle."
(source)
(the pics above are from Christmas 2009)

~"You answer me and encourage me by giving me the strength I need." Psalm 138:3~