Over this past week, Ryan and I spent time at Faith's Lodge. There are just no words to describe our experience, how beautiful the building and grounds are, and the wonderful friends we made.
We were able to spend the last few days only as Ella's parents, talking about her short life, talking about the hard process of grief, talking about how our lives forever changed. We learned about other's stories, listened to their challenges, listened to how they found strength and listening to how their sweet babies changed them forever too. There are just no words to describe how comforting it is to be with others who understand and to form lasting friendships.
Faith's Lodge is a beautiful building out in the woods of Wisconsin. There are huge fireplaces that make for cozy and warm areas to sit with others to talk, laugh and cry. There are beautiful hiking trails that have inspirational quotes, a little bridge of hope with heart stones and names of other babies and provides a peaceful walk to be together as a family. It is amazing that there are places for bereaved parents to go to share stories, remember the love of their child and the hope that they brought. There are no words to describe how thankful we are to have been able to have the opportunity to stay at Faith's.
We got to spend time with others but we also got to enjoy some time together. Ryan and I did craft projects, went for walks, sat by the fireplace playing cards, read books, and roasted marshmallows by a bonfire. We were together as a family and remembering our little girl. We talked about what the future now holds for us, where we want Ella's Halo to go, and how lucky we were to have 83 days. There are just no words to describe how special it was to spend time together.
For five days we were nothing but Ella's parents. We had five days to sit and think about her, talk about her, cry about her, laugh about her, love her, remember her, and miss her. There are just no words to describe how wonderful that was.
Check out http://www.faithslodge.org/.
4 comments:
My heart goes out to you for what you both have been thru and gratitude that thru your grief and love for your daughter, Ella - you want to help others that have gone thru what you have. Thank you for that...:) xxoo
What an amazing and special place... we love you guys... HUGS
We very much enjoyed getting to know you both over the past week at Faith's Lodge. Thank you for sharing Ella's story with us. We know that she is very proud of her parents and what you are doing to keep her memory alive. Though our lives crossed paths due to unfortunate reasons, we feel very fortunate to have been able to forge a unique friendship with you and all the parents we met. You are continually in our thoughts.
Sounds like it was an amazing experience and always know that your little angle will always be with you and Ryan. -Heidi
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