it was 4 years later.
4 years since that 4th of July afternoon when little Emily came into this world.
And pictures that I have never shared here before bring comfort and a smile.
And I read through the three other birthday posts I have written…
When My Readers Bring Me to Tears
realizing every step of this journey has been different. Every day is different.
I miss her.
Terribly.
My innocence is lost.
Forever.
But, time marches on.
Four years away.
Four years closer…
Angie @ Many Little Blessings says
Praying for you and your family today, Amy. (((HUGS)))
Amy says
Thanks you so much, Angie.
jillian says
She had such expressive eyes! Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Hugs to you and your family today.
Blessings,
Jill
Amy says
She did have enormous blue eyes that were incredible. Thank you. 🙂
Sandi says
Big ((((hugs)))) to you friend. She’s a beautiful girl. Marking these days are so bitter sweet.
Amy says
Yes, they are happy and sad. thank you 🙂
Jacqueline says
What a beautiful girl with all that hair! May the God of all glory be your comfort in your loss.
Amy says
Thank you, Jacqueline.
Jamerrill @ Holy Spirit-led Homeschooling says
Wow, my friend…at this moment my only words are that oneday soon you’ll see Jesus and your sweet Emily. What an amazing day that will be. I’m paying for your family even now.
Amy says
Thank you, Jamerrill. 🙂
fruitfulharvest says
Hi Amy,
I just came by to say hi and that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Happy Birthday to your little Emily.
May she rest in peace.
Peace and Love,
Georgiann
Amy says
Thanks so much, my friend. 🙂
Kimberly says
God bless you, Amy.
I cannot even imagine.
((HUGS))
Amy says
Thank you, Kimberly.
Rebecca says
My thoughts and prayers will be with you today. We too are raising two little ones that we may not hold for long. We are foster parents, and although death is not what would take them away–we parent with the knowledge that THIS may be the last day or week. I’ve really appreciated your posts on grieving!!
Amy says
Thank you, Rebecca.
Kim says
Thinking of you, Amy. Happy birthday, sweet Emmy.
Amy says
Thank you so much, Kim. 🙂
Melody says
{{{hugs}}} Thinking of you today…
Amy says
Thank you, Melody. 🙂
Alyssa Carter says
Happy Birthday Emily! Will be thinking and praying for you today Amy.
-Alyssa
Amy says
I appreciate it so much, Alyssa.
Justine says
Such a sweet girl. Thank you for sharing your journey.
My anniversary is today. It would have been 13 years, but my husband died 8 years ago. Now it is a rather bitter-sweet day, but as the years pass the pain is less. And although the tears still come occasionally, they often fall while I am smiling at a happy memory. God has been faithful and I have a good life now, even though it wasn’t the one I was imagining 13 years ago today.
Amy says
Justine,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as well. God is faithful. 🙂
Laura (kidsmomofmany) says
We all miss you Emmy!
Amy says
Thank you, Laura. 🙂
A Gentle Mother says
I thought of baby Emmy right away this morning, celebrating her special day with Jesus. I am praying for you all today. (((HUGS))) and love.
Amy says
Thank you. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. 🙂
Heather says
Happy Birthday Sweet Emily! Praying for you and your family today. 🙂
God Bless!
Amy says
Thank you, Heather. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers. 🙂
Holly says
Thinking of your sweet little girl today
Amy says
Thanks, Holly.
candi says
just wanted to let you know you and your family are on my mind today and i’m praying God will fill you with peace where you have emptiness and love where you have hurt. i don’t usually recommamend these types of books, but if you haven’t read “Heaven is for Real” i strongly encourage you to! it’s a great book and gave me hope and encouragement! God Bless!
Amy says
Thank you so much, Candi.
Jenny says
The hurt in your heart must still be so great. I cannot even imagine. May the Lord be giving sweet peace and comfort at this time. Your little Emily, my four little ones lost through miscarriage and countless other precious babes are worshiping before the throne of the Savior..supremely happy in Him. May the thought of this console your soul again today.
Amy says
Thank you, Jenny.
Betty says
Praying for you and your family today.
Amy says
Thank you, Betty.
Lynnette says
Thinking of you and your family today. It’s hard to believe that she would have been 4 today. (Hard to believe Harrison is almost 4.) I’m so glad that four years ago today, you had sweet joy over the birth of your new daughter. So glad that you had a few months of not knowing so that you didn’t spend that time fretting. Think of all the beautiful and precious memories you made with your daughter. So glad you will have Emily again. And so glad I was able to know her a little bit during her short time on this earth. I feel blessed and grateful.
Love to all of you.
Lynnette
PS Happy birthday Emily!
Amy says
I am so glad you got to meet her too, Lynnette. She was and is a wonderful addition to our family and I wouldn’t change that day for the world. Thank you for your words.
Amy @ Finer Things says
Oh, Amy. I keep forgetting how close in age our two girls are. (July 22) Bless you as you continue to walk hand in hand with Him.
Amy says
I didn’t realize they were so close in age, Amy. Thank you.
Jennifer says
Amy,
I have thought of Emily all day today. I know her birthday will always be a precious day although it comes with the magnified pain of her absence here. She is such a beautiful little girl!
Happy birthday, Emily!
Amy says
Thank you, Jennifer. 🙂
Karen says
From one mother of a child in the arms of Jesus to another….while there are no words to express what we feel, remember He loves you as much as He loves Emily. She just got to sit in his lap first.
Amy says
Thank you, Karen. What a sweet thought.
Alyssa Carter says
Wow Karen! I needed to hear that; even though it wasn’t meant for me, thank you!
Karen says
I’m glad it was a blessing to you as well.
Kacie says
Praying for you and your family.
Amy says
Thank you, Kacie.
Andrea says
Oh Amy…((((HUGS))))
Her eyes are so beautiful.
When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing it will be! When we all see Jesus…We’ll sing and shout the Victory!
Amy says
Yes! and thank you. 🙂
Tanya - Lilyofthevalley says
Thought of you and family today. ((((hugs)))) Prayers with you too. Hard to believe it has already been 4 years…
Emily was such beautiful baby… I like how you wrote four years closer, that is so true…
((((Amy))))
Amy says
Thank you, Tanya…I just keep telling myself that. 🙂
Jasmine says
Amy, words are not enough to share my heart. My prayers are with you and your family.
She’s beautiful!!!
God bless you, Amy.
New Day Grace says
Amy,
I just read Emily’s Story for the first time, and this post. My heart breaks for you. I am still drying my eyes from the tears. I have not personally lost a child, but that is my biggest fear. I am a nurse in a pediatric ER, and I have seen first hand the heart ache. I have cried alongside mourning family members. I love how you worded the last couple lines, “four years away… four years closer”. That is so true. I pray you continue to find the peace that can only come from Him, knowing Emily is being loved by the author of love, and is someday going to be with you again, forever in perfect Heaven. Praying for you today.
His love, Andrea
Kara @ The Chuppies says
This April was 3 years for us…
And I’d never thought of it with that phrase in mind…
Three years closer.
Thank you…
Heart hurting for you as I read through this one Amy. Strange how time can feel both fast and slow…
And it’s good to read these reminders.
I always feel like the birthdays or “the dates” renew an eternal perspective, which is something I want…
Love the picture of Emily with her big sister…
Amy says
Thanks Kara and {hugs} to you as well.
Kimberly @ Raising Olives says
Praying for you today, Amy!
{hugs}