at the store

.... OH!  I gotta get me one-a these!

A year.

Some reflections posted over on Malachi's site here.

A Year.

A year ago tomorrow was when we buried our son.  (Read the funeral message by clicking here.) May 25th, however, marked the anniversary of our goodbyes.  Knowing Malachi was going to die young due to his medical issues, I am realizing that I was blessed to be able to hold him as he took his last breath and entered the presence of our Savior.  I am thankful that the last few minutes of his life don't haunt me.  I am thankful for a husband to share the ups and downs that have ensued since Malachi was born.  I am thankful for a God who has continually shown Himself faithful--even when I waiver.  I am thankful for the assurance from God's Word that we will one day be reunited with our son.

Until then, I am thankful that we have a place to go remember him.  I am thankful that Spring brings reminders of new life.  I am thankful that cemeteries are usually well-kept surrounding Memorial Day Weekend.  I am thankful for the seven months we shared with our son--knowing full well that there is no earthly reason for him to have survived Day 1.

I was hoping to get this sweet sentimental picture of Emma releasing a balloon in memory of Malachi.  Unfortunately, she was quick to UNTIE the balloon from her wrist and let it go immediately upon our arrival.  I tried my best to chase it down, but it was windy and--let's face it--I'm out of shape.  This is the best one I got.

I love that getting John and Jackson in the background of this picture was by complete accident on my part.  I wasn't even looking through the viewfinder while taking the pic.

Malachi has the coolest headstone around, hands down...

A view from his grave...

store branding

John and Emma were on a "date".

John: Emma, while we are out, we need to stop at Lowes.
Emma: yeah, let's build something together.

#15

I am Mommy to another CHARGE child, Gannon who is 2 years old.  He's had some significant struggles in his short lifetime.  Because of Malachi, every triumph is even more sweeter than I appreciated with my other children.  And after seeing what a fighter Malachi was and the short life that he led, my baby's milestones are cherished even more.  Just to have Gannon here on earth with us is an accomplishment.  To know that Malachi isn't able to be here with us everyday makes me cherish each waking morning with my baby even more too.  I am more thankful to have what John and Marissa weren't able to have with a CHARGE baby.  Part of me feels like I owe it to them and Malachi to be more gracious for the joys I have with Gannon including just having him around, even though our days are not always at home; instead, spending them very ill at the hospital.  Amazingly, through the dark days, you can still find the good.  So, Malachi, thank you for the part you played in making me realize how even more special our lives are.  You will never be forgotten by me.

Sara

Age 32, Indianapolis, IN

Thanks Sara!  

Here's a pic from a couple of months ago when I went to visit Mr. Gannon...

Little Man; Big Impact

Most of this is a repost from last summer, but here we are a year later.  Many people have already been very encouraging to us as we begin today--the One Year Anniversary of saying our temporary good-byes to Malachi.  If anyone is willing, we would love to hear any and all ways that you were impacted by Malachi's life and death.  Please read on if interested.  (Sidenote: If you do send us your "Little Man; Big Impact" story, please don't refer to Malachi as our angel.  He's not an angel.  He is a man, like God created him to be--THANKS!)

Okay, friends and strangers alike who have followed us for the last seven months of our lives. I need your help and I need your input. John and I know in our hearts that Malachi's life, death, and eternal life were "worth it," but we would also like to know with our minds the tangible ways in which that played out. Here's where you come in.

If our journey has impacted or influenced you in ANY way, please e-mail me at marissasharbaugh(at)gmail(dot)com with the subject heading "Malachi". It doesn't matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you, to us it will mean everything. Really, it can be anything!

Also, please note in your e-mail if it would be okay for me to use your story either on this blog or in scrapbooks that I plan to make in memory of our little man. If they are used in either of these ways and names are mentioned, I will change them out of respect to your privacy. Again, these will only be used with your permission. So just let us know!

Thank you in advance. I look forward to hearing and sharing with you how our son's short time here on earth made a great impact on eternity.

**Edited to add**
Also, if you are okay with me using your story, please include your age and state where you live if that's alright! Thank you so much!

backseat infomercial

From the backseat...

Emma:  Mom, where are we going?
Mama: To the store.
Emma: To the grocery store?
Mama:  Yep.
Emma: Why?
Mama: So we can get groceries and pick up some baby food for your brother.
Emma:  Oh.... so we can just get some carrots and a baby bullet?
Mama: What?
Emma:  Yeah, then you just kinda cut 'em and then put 'em in the thing... and you just turn the head! Baby food!