Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glint on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,

I am the swift, uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there, I do not sleep.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there, I did not die.

For dear Kenny, who would have turned 12 today, happy birthday buddy. I remember when you were born, I made you a blanket because I was so excited about you. I remember your proud mama bringing you to school to show you off. I remember seeing you toddling around at our school picnics. I remember seeing you years later, all grown up, swimming in at the pool with  your sister. I remember seeing your room, untouched from the last time you'd been there, your shoes still by the bed, now a place for your family to go and remember you. Dear Kenny, here's to you.

Emma Grace

Today I am remembering sweet Emma who would have turned 10 years old today. I'm remembering her wispy blond hair, her sweet blue eyes, the way she used to wrap her arms around my neck and hold tight. I remember the moment I fell in love with her and I remember my heart breaking on the day that she died.

I don't know what it was about Emma that made me love her so much. Maybe she chose me to love her, because on the day that I met her she climbed into my arms and wouldn't let go for anybody.

All I know is that Emma changed me forever.

"Death and beauty collided over the next hour. After taking out Emma’s breathing tube, she was laid into Missy's arms. I sat down next to them. Emma with her typical bluish coloring, looked like she was sleeping. All eyes were on mother and child. As a backdrop, the sun had risen creating a hazy gray blue sky. It was a few minutes after 8AM. Missy broke the silence and asked, “How will we know when her heart has stopped?” as the doctor came close checking Emma’s pulse. He replied somberly, “It has. Her heart has stopped, I am sorry.” I lifted and turned my head and announced to all in a deadpan tone of voice, “She is dead, her heart has stopped.” It had taken less than a minute. It was 8:04AM on Saturday morning, September 8th, 2001 and our daughter, Emma Grace Rhen, had just died and her spirit had gone to heaven at the age of two years and just shy of four months." - A Short Walk with Emma

You can read a little bit more of Emma's story here.