A pea in the pod

"A baby is God's opinion that life should go on". -Carol Sandburg

You've guessed it. Ted and I are expecting our first child. Blessed from Mom and Dad above, I found out I was pregnant exactly two months after their death on June 7, 2008. Perhaps a coincidence, but I have faith they were behind this unexpected surprise. Our vacation at St. John was filled with mixed emotions, my parents had just died one month after we got there. To this day I am positive that if their death wouldn't have happened, I would not be standing here pregnant today. It was almost as if this was God's plan. I'm going to take two away from you, as hard as it will be, but will grace your life with the gift of a new life.

Mom and Dad,

I can't say this will be easy without you but you are giving me a tremendous amount of strength to face what lies ahead. I never in a million years pictured you both gone when Ted and I had our first child. I always envisioned how I would have told you the news, how I would con you to live with us for a few months, and what Dad would bring to the hospital if I had a girl. He walked into the Hospital when Aydan was born with a baseball glove and ball. Since I was a runner, I could see him walking in with a pair of little Nike's or something. Or perhaps a pair of tap shoes. I also have pictured Family trips, Holidays shared together and spending time at the Lake. You were the type of Parents that would have been involved every step of the way, just like you were with Aydan.

I always pictured calling Mom everyday for advice, heck- she had three of us by the time she was my age. And no one can give advice quite like your own Mother. I am still in shock that I won't have that.

What I do look forward to is incorporating you both into our child's life. Your smile, laughter, fun spirit, and most importantly the value of Family and Friends that you have taught to me, that didn't quite hit me until you passed. They were the most important thing in your life. You had amazing relationships with your parents (there isn't a Birthday or Holiday that doesn't have both Grandpa's and Grandma's in it), your siblings, your children and your friends. That is what I want for myself, Ted and our child. Matter of fact, that's all I want. I truly believe if you give your child caring, unconditional love and teach them what matters most in life, that everything else will fall into place. Sure my parents weren't perfect and neither will Ted and I be but....we will love him or her and show them a wonderful, adventurous life.

"Parents are like shuttles on a loom. They join the threads of the past with the threads of the future and weave their own bright patterns as they go." -Fred Rogers

I'm sorry you won't be there Papa but we'll never, ever lose sight of who you and Mom were and I promise you this, they will know all about Gamma and Papa Olszowy.

I dedicate this child, this mircale, to my Mother and Father above.