Conferences/Funeral Home and Cemetery meetings

In the days after the MRI, we took the next step with the kids - we've told them that when Caroline's parts are not growing or coming together correctly and because of this there can be some very serious problems. After they had a chance to process that information we told them that she will be very sick when she is born. They've asked some important questions as they start to understand. Following several suggestions we received from the therapist and the prenatal hospice team, we took extra care to remind them that Caroline is still very much a part of our family. Andrew blurts out her name - something that sounds more like "Cyeah-oh-wine" but is endearing all the same.  Jane and Edward include her in their regular conversations.

On back to back weekends in February, each of us had a chance to attend the Catholic Women's and Men's conference and hear some important messages about our faith. It was also an opportunity to be out among friends, but still tough to talk about our situation in person. A special moment included Jessica and Caroline being prayed over at the end of the women's conference by some amazing friends.  Most of all, it was truly humbling to hear how far and wide the prayer network has spread, and even see some of those people who are praying for us. It's hard to believe how Caroline's life and story has brought so many people together, and can cause people to do so much good for others.

Jessica's Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (the Irish Catholic Ladies' group) surprised Jessica with a spiritual bouquet filled with prayers of members from the division. The handmade flowers each had a message and prayer attached, and make a beautiful display in our home's entry way.

The transition from February to March happened between two of the hardest meetings in this whole process. Thursday the 28th, we had our first meeting with Schoedinger Funeral Home to plan for caring for Caroline's remains. We had a tough time talking about specifics and arrangements. Schoedinger has worked closely with Back in His Arms, the group that provides resources to parents who are suffering infant loss, and therefore has some unique experience handling these situations.

Friday March 1, we met with Resurrection Cemetery, to discuss plots and graves.  They have a section for infant graves (the Guardian Angel section) and the image of all the kids playing together helped warm our hearts. We also visited some special graves and had a few moments of prayer with them. There is also a chapel on the grounds, where they hold mass each calendar quarter to remember miscarriages and infants that are buried at the cemetery.

Since it was the first Friday of the month we finished the evening with a family adoration at church and dinner out with Jessica's parents.