When I wrote the blog post telling our story of losing Cameron, it was cathartic. Taking the video that plays in my mind over and over again and putting it into words (minus some details). It felt good, though I’m completely numb and not sure my emotions have caught up to reality.
As people started reading it, I was flooded with comments, emails, and messages. Never in my life did I expect our story would have this level of impact or reach. I really thought it would be read by friends, family, friends of friends, and acquaintances. Mostly people that knew us or knew our extended family.
To have complete strangers sending prayers and hugs. Unbelievable! To hear that people were moved to tears and crying with us, unimaginable. I know this story is every parent’s worst nightmare. Most people choose to look past those stories and find something more “positive” to read.
We’ve been beyond overwhelmed by the outreach and support we’ve received since Christmas. Thank you! Concerned friends and family sending up prayers before we knew the outcome. Family and friends that came to be with us at Cameron’s memorial. Our Montessori school “family”. Past teachers and child care providers. Our local community. Doctor’s and nurses that cared for Cameron. Complete strangers. There really is more good in the world than we are lead to believe.
We are already talking about ways we can pay it forward.
In these last couple of days, I’ve seen Cameron at work. Creating a sense of community. He took such an active interest in the blog when I started it. Always asking, “How many people liked your website, Mom?” Not that he really understood what we were doing or what that meant. He would constantly be looking for ideas of things I could “put on my website”. He got so excited when he could be part of it or a story was shared that included him.
So Cameron, look how many likes you got, Buddy! They love you. So do I.
Though I would trade it all to have him back.
We will continue to look for the positive impacts. For the ways Cameron lets me know he’s still here and watching over us. For the way we can pass this love and support on to others.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Additional Posts Continuing Our Story:
14 Comments on “Overwhelming Thank You”
I usually skip right past these stories because my heart can’t take it but since I know your family I wanted to know what and how this could happen so I read. It took me about 3 tries and then I forced myself to get through it because if you can live it I should be able to at least read it. I’ve read some of your earlier posts and I’m going to keep following. I can’t wait to see what Cameron has in store for you. 😉
Thanks for following, Laura. I’m looking for every opportunity to keep Cameron “alive” and share him with the world.
I’m so incredibly sorry for your loss. I can’t even begin to imagine your pain. But I want to thank you for writing your story for others to read. It was amazing! I have a 3 and 4 year old. Life is crazy great as you know with kids! But reading your story made me embrace my children so much more! It taught me to have more patience, show more love and to hug them a whole lot longer! I will continue to pray for you and your family during this difficult time! Take care! And thanks again for sharing!
Thanks, Brook! That’s the most important thing I hope people get. Love your babies! Figure out how to show more love even when they frustrate you to no end. While I feel like we tried our best to live that way, I still wish I had done more. My heart literally broke that moment in the hospital when I first thought he may not make it. I thought about all the things we wanted to do. The nights I put something off until “later”. That I hadn’t even tucked him in because he was already asleep that night. I was just full of regret for what was missed or would never be.
As I read through your blog I know the compassion you place into it. As a matter of fact you place your complete heart & soul right there for all of us to see. For that, sweet cousin, I am honored to read it. I would like to say you are so strong but I honestly do not know where you walking in this gut-wrenching grief. However, I am in awe of your ability to do something my own daughter taught me when one loses so deeply. She told me “if I am sad-I cry; if I am angry-I scream & sometimes throw things; if I am happy-I laugh. Most of all, mom, I don’t hold back for fear of what another would think”. As I read more into your blog I see that you carry the same passions. I can’t fix what is broken-I know so many wish we could. I can however read & share your thoughts, hug you, and listen with my whole heart. I love you cousin and I look forward to reading more.
Thank you, Patty! You have a very wise daughter there. 😉 Hugs to you.
I am Lisa’s aunt in South Dakota. My heart aches for all of you, there are no words to express my sorrow Your such a brave person to be able to share your story. Love and prayers to all of you. Joanne
Thank you, Joanne.
So well said Emily. Love you all
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Although I don’t know you personally, I worked with a relative of yours in the PA State Park system.
Now that I read about the story of Cameron, I too went back and was reading earlier blogs. They are being immensely enjoyed. By reading some of them, I think you are a great parent.
You have a great heart!
Continued heart felt wishes to you.
Thank you, Bev. I appreciate you reading our story and checking out the older posts.
I am so sorry for your tragic loss how many times we say as parents dang another cold. So many tears I Shed for you and your family those traveling must have been out of there minds trying to get to you. This is one story that I will reread and always say a prayer keeping the rest of your family safe. Keep strong and remember you have great strengths. I hope you keep posting to let us know how you are doing. Give your girls a hug from a stranger because I sure want to hug them and you.
You are so very sweet! I agree. Right now I’d give anything to have just one more of his “dang colds”. 🙂
Its taken me a long time to do this but you know the connection we have and its still hard for me some days to get through the day without crying because of what your going through he was such a sweet boy and he always thought of others and he loved his mommy and daddy so much. Always know that I am here for both of you always I love you.