Time is a funny thing. During difficult times, it appears to travel at a snail’s pace. During enjoyable vacations, you blink and it’s over. Looking back on the past 9 years, it seems like it was just yesterday that my son was born, and yet the dull ache in my heart is a constant reminder of how long it’s been. Over 9 years ago, I envisioned turning my son’s birthday into a day where happiness is shared all around the world. Big dreams, but in my grief-stricken mind, I needed his life to have mattered. At the time, I blogged almost every day to cope with the loss of my son to SIDS. This outlet did wonders for my grief, and I was able to connect with other bereaved individuals. During this time, I know that Preston’s life had meaning. That our story helped others not feel so alone. It was amazing to see the statistics of my blog (ha, the nerd in me) and to see it’s reach to other continents.
Grief
has not left me, nor would I want it to.
However, instead of living in my shadow, it’s better explained as an
intruder that pokes it’s head in from time to time, either totally unexpectedly
or triggered by “x”, “y” or “z”. Perhaps
one of the most important things I’ve learned through the years is that grief
does not have a linear path. It’s better
described as a roller-coaster ride, where in time, the twists and turns are
simply less intense and less frequent.
SpreadHappinessForPreston
turns 9 this year, this Saturday on 11/19/2022.
This date marks my son Preston’s 9th birthday. The idea of SpreadHappinessForPreston came to
me through reading other stories, similar to mine, where one family paid it
forward in memory of their daughter.
Since Preston radiated happiness, SpreadHappinessForPreston was
born. It has been rewarding to me to
hear about how others have shared happiness – creative ways, touching gestures
and just the simple things. It has
helped me continue to feel like a mother to my angel. I hope that it has been just as meaningful to
anyone else who has participated over the past years and continues to be for
those who have been along for the ride since year 1. 🤍
SpreadHappinessForPreston
is a day to pay it forward. A day to
make the world a little brighter and happier.
I hope you will consider participating, if not for Preston, simply because
spreading a little happiness has a way of putting a smile on your own
face. Remember that paying it forward
doesn’t need to cost a thing – just make it your mission to make someone smile
on November 19th.
Wishing
you a wonderful day, weekend and holiday season.
#SpreadHappinessForPreston
