Repost: Remembering Jude
The following is from a blog post, Remembering Jude + Sharing some news, that was originally published on May 23, 2018.
A lot has happened since this post! Our second son, Thomas Becket, was born on November 20, 2018. He just turned two!! My husband joined the Marine Corps when Becket was six weeks old. Then we moved from NYC to VA. In August 2019, we lost Sarah Job to miscarriage. The pandemic happened. Becket and I moved to Arkansas to outrun Coronavirus while Mark finished training. in April 2020, we lost Hope Collette to miscarriage. Now we’re back together, working remotely, living in Oklahoma, and I’m about 20 weeks pregnant with another baby—goodness!—and all is well so far. I should have an update for you next week.
Thank you for listening to—and being a part of—our family’s story. When I step back to really think about it, it is truly amazing. God is so good.
It's been about five months since our little Jude went to heaven, and about 2 months since we laid him to rest. We were able to bury Jude on my 29th birthday - April 7, 2018 - at St. Thomas More Parish in Norman, OK.
The Mass was simply beautiful, and although difficult, it was incredibly healing. We were overwhelmed by the number of people that showed up. Family from all over, and even friends from NYC surprised us to celebrate his life, pray for his soul, support us. The homily (below) was heartfelt, and my husband shared his (our) gratitude. His words, more than anything, were like a balm to my heavy heart.
Jude's resting place is in a small garden with a walkway, trees, flowers, and garden statues. It's also the resting place of two other babies who left this world too soon. I'm happy to know that he's in such sweet company and will be looked after and visited often by some of our favorite people. Mark is happy that he'll be able to *hear* all the OU home games. #BoomerSooner
My sister-in-law, Mel, took some beautiful photos for us. (If you're in Tulsa/OKC, you should hire her for your next event or portrait session.)
Psst...Keep reading below for some happy news.
After the funeral we spent time and celebrated with family and friends. There, we were able to share our happy news -- we're expecting baby #2 in November. I was just about 6 weeks along then, so very early, and admittedly a little hesitant to share. As of today, baby is 14 weeks along, and seemingly growing to be a healthy baby. My heart is full.
Please keep us in your prayers as we wait and prepare in joyful anticipation of this new life growing within me. And please pray for and remember little Jude Gerard (his birthday would have been May 26 or so) -- that he's waiting for his mama, pops, and little sis/bro up in heaven (and helping us get there).
