One year anniversary!

This has been a year of many firsts for us and the one year anniversary is like an end to all of those "firsts." We will no longer experience our first start of a new school year, first Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years, first birthday, first mother's day, or first father's day without Lexi. Although we will still experience all those events without her, today marks the end of experiencing those without her for the first time. And it means that we got through each of those. And it is a testament that no matter how difficult each one was, we will get through all of the subsequent ones to come.

We purposely planned some meaningful things to do today to help us get through this day and deal with all of the emotions that we might possibly feel today.

Chelsea and I decided about 11 months ago that we would grow our hair out so that we could donate it in memory of Lexi. So, we started off today by each of us having our hair chopped off. We are both very excited about our short, new hair styles.

After the haircuts, we had some girl time (me, Chelsea, my sister Alison, and my mom) while we all got manicures and pedicures.

My sister gave me a beautiful gift today- a necklace with both of my girls' pictures on them. It was such a special gift and I loved wearing it today. My mom has been working on a quilt made out of all of Lexi's clothes. She finished it last night and gave it to me today and we were able to display it tonight at the event.

We asked friends and family to join us for a special evening of remembrance and celebration of her life, and to stand together with us today. So, we had a fundraiser for the "Lexi's Legacy Memorial Fund" which involved a bingo night, a silent auction and raffle. It was a great way for us to celebrate our little lady and to also raise money for the memorial fund which will help other special needs family.

I know that even though we have reached the one year mark, there is still much grieving, and processing of our grief to do. I've heard that some say the second year is just as tough as the first. Only time will tell for us as we continue to grieve, while still living with joy and continuing to share Lexi's life with others for God's glory. Excited to see how God will continue to work and allow us to share Lexi's legacy.