Errands for Ethan

Until you lose a child, I guess you don't understand why others have done some of the things they do in memory of their children.  For instance, in starting our Errands for Ethan day, I realized how GOOD it made me feel.  It made me feel others were remembering Ethan, but the world would be a better place if just for that day.  Its important to remember to serve.  I shared this thought with a friend and in doing so she responded, "Now you know why we do London's Run."  London's Run is a run here in Arizona that helps raise funds for cancer patients--I am probably not getting the  details right--but is named after my friend's niece who passed away(londonsrun.org).  When a child leaves us prematurely, I think we just want to do something that makes the world a better place while making us feel just a little better in our own little corner of the world.

I loved Errands for Ethan!  I loved making the anniversary of Ethan's death a day where I only thought about what I could do for others.  I was so consumed as to what I could do and with what others were posting on our facebook event, I forgot to be sad.  I, of course, was sad as we visited the cemetery that morning.  I think the cemetery will always be sad, but past that short visit it was a great day.  I loved being brought to tears by reading all of the acts of service which were happening on that day, before that day and the next day.  What a great thing to do!  I loved being consumed by it. I loved knowing service was happening-even if I wasn't right there!  I am very grateful for all of those who took part in any way.  Its amazing what just a small gesture of kindness can do to any one person on any one day.

It was a very windy day.  Parker and Madilyn by Ethan's grave.  His headstone says "Our little patriot" on the left and his birth and death dates on the right.

The family --besides me (I'm the photographer)

Meand Madilyn by the grave. 

I wish I would've been closer on this one.  I had taken Brady to the car because of the wind.  Parker and Marcus were still out there talking.  I like the picture, but it would've been better zoomed in a bit.

Our Errands:  We paid for someone at QT (Ethan's favorite place).  The guy was very confused as to why we were paying for him, but he left with a smile.  We cut in front of someone at the Sonic drive through, but we had to so we could pay for their meal.  We didn't get to see their reaction because we left, but it felt good. We also took my in-laws out to lunch.  This was a little bit of a selfish one because we wanted lunch too.  But, they are hard to get to take out anywhere and we did it!  We took two $5 McDonald's cards to the grocery store and had our children give them away in memory of their brother.  We want to plan more services next time that don't cost money.  We want to set examples of service where you don't have to pay.  We knew the day was coming but didn't plan in advance, so everything was a bit impromptu and ended up including things that cost.  It really made us feel good regardless of any price.

We as "Errands for Ethan" took donations from family and friends to help our friends whose child suffered from an AVM just 8 short weeks after Ethan did.  Their daughter has survived, but is still learning basic skills in life.  We are hoping the ipad "Errands" was able to get for her will help their daughter communicate.  We are praying for the miracle of communication.  Please join us in this.  To check out her blog click here: abigailsangels.blogspot.com.  You can read her story and enjoy her journey.  They are amazing examples of faith and courage.  I learn from them daily.  We are so very grateful to those who donated to them in memory of Ethan.  They are also very grateful!  Thank you!  What a great experience to help give.

I hate to highlight one of the Errands done for us, but I can't help it.  I had given my friend Ethan's clothes months ago and she finished this quilt for me as one of her many Errands.  I can't tell you how it makes me cry just to cuddle up in it.  I LOVE having this and his clothes!!!

I took a picture of this because you can see the bright, yellow spongebob pajamas.

This is the whole blanket.

The kids remember this shirt the most.  (We each pointed out one we remembered)

There were many who did Errands and some did things for us.  We are very grateful for everything.  I only had to point out the blanket because they were Ethan's clothes! 

I know I have learned how to serve better. Thanks Ethan! I know many experienced great things on Monday.  I hope we all continue to remember to serve. We will do Errands for Ethan every March 26--or every day inbetween if you want to!  Thank you, again, for joining with our family in making this a special day.