Tag: friends

Rory’s Birthday Service Project

stephaniemoorewrites

Holidays are hard.

Starting with Halloween, there are a lot of days Lance and I would rather stay in bed.

Our “holiday season” ends February 6th with Rory’s birthday.

Last year, leading up to her birthday is when my sleeping and emotional state hit an all time low.

The one thing that kept me sane was our children’s hospital service projects.

So we’re doing another service project this year!

We’re doing something that was near and dear to Rory’s heart.

ANIMALS!

She loved them all! (Except roosters.)

We’re going to be collecting items for our local animal shelter. And we’d LOVE your help. Here are some examples of things they’re in need of:

  • Fleece blankets and towels (used or new)
  • Wet cat food or broth for sick cats
  • Cat and dog toys
  • Soft cat and dog treats
  • Canned dog and cat food
  • Newspaper
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Bleach
  • Trash bags (kitchen and liner trash bags)
  • Sponges
  • Anti-Bacterial dish soap
  • Latex gloves (Large, medium & small)
  • Q-Tips
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Band Aids (all sizes)
  • Distilled Water
  • Medical tape
  • Ink Pens (Blue/Black)
  • Duct Tape
  • Tape
  • Batteries (AAA, AA and 9V)
  • Copier Paper
  • Scissors
  • Staplers
  • Highlighters
  • Sharpies (all colors)
  • Paper Clips
  • Rubber Band

    • Message or email me for my contact information.

    Thank you for helping us celebrate her birthday!

    November

    stephaniemoorewrites

    November is supposed to be a month filled with gratitude. But the truth about this November was that I wished I could have stayed curled up in my bed.

    But since I couldn’t.

    So many friends and family members showed up with love. You have been flashlights in our darkness.

    Each day this month, different members of our congregation shared a message of something they’re grateful for. It’s been great having visitors nightly. To be reminded of all the wonderful things we enjoy in the world.

    Around the anniversary of Rory’s passing, we received messages of love. We were reminded that we’re not mourning alone. Reminded that there are many that love and remember our beautiful Rory.

    Among other things, our neighbors tied ribbons around our house, their houses, and light poles. One of my most emotional times is when I’m driving alone. I cry frequently. When I pull into our neighborhood and see the ribbons, I feel like I’m getting a hug. I’m reminded of love and support.

    This November, I’m so grateful for friends and family and love and support.

    More Like Her

    stephaniemoorewrites

    Rory had a wonderful 3rd Grade teacher, Mrs. Bohls. She loved Rory. I could tell from our first conversations and emails.

    After Rory’s passing, I had a few opportunities to talk with her, mourn with her.

    One of the times she said something that has stuck with me. It was something like, when I get to Heaven, I’m going to ask God, why her. Because, “We need more kids like Rory in this world.”

    Rory wasn’t a perfect child. She required patience. But she had two characteristics that were amazing:

    She forgave readily.

    She apologized quickly.

    When she would accidentally hurt someone, she would repeat, “I’m sorry.” She wasn’t prideful, she wanted to make things better. And she didn’t want the other person to be in pain.

    There was a time that Rory was going out to play with a friend. As Rory was leaving, she said, “I hope she uses nice words with me.” The last time Rory had played with this friend, the girl wasn’t the nicest. But Rory didn’t hold it against her. She forgave. She was weary, but forgave her.

    Rory still loved her friend.

    That’s what happens when you forgive and apologize quickly.

    You love. Christ-like love.

    I want to love like Rory, so there’s another “Rory” in this world.

    The Rory from My Dream

    stephaniemoorewrites

    Yesterday I posted a drawing made for our family on Facebook.

    It was commissioned by my parent’s friends from a congregation they previously attended.

    My dad sent me a picture of it in a text.

    Tears sprang to my eyes.

    That was the Rory from my dream the night before.

    In the drawing she looks slightly older than when she was my Rory. The chin line, the posture, her fingers a little longer, she looks just a little more grown up.

    This is exactly how she looked in my dream.

    I miss her.

    I love her.

    God is good.

    Here’s the website of the artist that was commissioned:

    http://www.jeankeatonart.com