Gentle reminders.

I know a million, well ok several people having babies this year.  And you just kind of take it for granted that every one is going to have happy, healthy babies.  Well my cousin had a baby who was born with trisomy 18.  A fairly common genetic abnormality actually, but you don't hear of many because these babies don't usually survive to be born none the less make the first year.  So I was really thrown for a loop on this one.  Especially since I have my own little guy.  I guess that's why I haven't really had much to write about here.  Everything else seems to seem so trivial in comparison.   I couldn't imagine if it happened to me, and my heart just ached for my cousin and her family.  I really couldn't get them out of my mind.  

Now the funeral has passed, it was really lovely and we have all had a chance to make peace with the situation.  I was thinking during the service that maybe this all happened for a reason.  A reminder of how precious life is and how precious everything is that we have been given.  I couldn't help but feel that this has touched everyone around my cousin,  kind of like a trickle effect with it's own gentle lesson for every individual.  It reminded me how my cousin and I aren't as close as we used to be and how this has brought us closer again.  How I haven't seen much of my dad's side of the family since his passing and was given the opportunity to reconnect.  How I appreciate Jason even in moments when I am frustrated and can't figure out what is wrong or what he needs.  A reminder to give him a kiss every morning and every night.  To see what an amazing job Paul is doing, and how great he is for a guy who had never held a baby before his own.  So many things to be grateful for.. 

Have you counted your blessings lately?