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My beautiful Beth loved babies. She was always sharing pictures of our grandkids with the nurses, doctors and patients during her chemo treatments and checkups. Nobody appreciated the innocence and wonder of children like her. I can still see her face beaming as she looked at pictures of other people’s kids and grandkids. She had such a way of making other people feel like their kids were the most beautiful and smart in the whole world. She would always tell them how they should be proud of their beautiful family.

I just shared Kirstyn’s announcement about her third baby today on my Facebook page. Baby number three should be arriving in early October.  It is a real blessing for my family that God has chosen to bring a new life to us following our sad goodbye to Beth almost five months ago. Many of you shared on Facebook that Beth has already held this new baby in heaven. She knew about her/his arrival before Kirstyn and Jeff did. I love that thought. I know that Beth is so happy for all of us. I’m sure she is beaming with pride in heaven. It will probably be bittersweet for Kirstyn as her mom was actually in the room with her when Cole was born and we were both there in the hospital with her the morning that Gavin came into this world.

I’ve been thinking back to when Beth was pregnant with our girls. She was the happiest she ever was during those times. In fact, she was the happiest pregnant woman I have ever seen! She had an amazing glow about her. When I came home from work she would have me feel her tummy when the babies were moving. She would get so excited and laugh with glee when she felt a kick or a punch. 

Beth’s priorities were always in the right place. Whenever I asked her what she wanted to do in life, she would say, “I’m doing it. I always wanted to be a mom. Nothing brings me more joy.”  When we became grandparents I saw that glow again. She took so much pride in our grandsons and she loved them with everything she had.

Kirstyn and Kelsey would tell you that they had the best mom ever. They feel blessed that they were chosen to be her daughters. Kirstyn gave Kelsey a really special framed picture of Kelsey and Beth on Kelsey’s graduation day from college. Beneath the picture there is a quote from Winnie the Pooh that says, “If there ever comes a day that we can’t be together, keep me in your heart I’ll stay there forever.” (I am writing this through tears right now.) Two nights before Beth passed, the four of us were together in the bedroom and Beth in a very weak voice recorded an audio message to us that I will treasure forever. She said, “I’m in your hearts and you are in mine forever….and I love you forever and ever.”

Many of you commented on my Facebook page that you are hoping the new baby will be a girl. Of course, we will be happy and blessed to have a healthy baby no matter what the gender.

If Beth could write to you from heaven she would remind you to love the babies and grandbabies in your life with everything you have. As Jesus said, “Of such are the Kingdom of heaven.”

God bless!

Dan

If you would like to read any of my past blogs, you can see them here.