Kenley's Krew

Today is my birthday.   I have completed one more year of life - but let's not talk about how many that makes.   A few months ago, I thought this would be the best birthday of my life.   I'd either be immensely pregnant and ready to pop at any minute - or I'd be holding my baby already and we'd be celebrating together.   I never even considered there'd be a third option.  No one does.

It doesn't seem fair that I get another birthday and Kenley didn't really even get one.  On the same day I celebrate my life, I mourn the loss of hers.  But, really, I do that every day.  Every day, I am alive and she is not.

Today, in honor of my baby girl, several friends of mine, along with my amazing mom, are running a 5K in Melbourne.   This 5K benefits the Brianna Marie Foundation, which was founded by a local mother who's daughter died 15 hours after birth due to fetal hydrops.   This 5K was promoted on the Cherishing the Journey Facebook page, which is how I found out about it.   I shared the link with my friends and they all jumped on it.   They had turquoise T-shirts made - an owl in a tree with the phrase "Kenley's Krew:  February 25, 2013"   Mike and I got shirts too, and so now we are heading down there to cheer them on at the finish line.   It really means a great deal to me that I have such a supportive group of friends - and that together we are helping fund research that may one day prevent other mothers from feeling such a devastating loss.   

In her heartbreakingly short life, Kenley has managed to touch so many people.   I am grateful for the time I spent with her.  I am grateful for the joy she gave me and for what I am able to do because of her.  Under the circumstances, I can't think of a better way to celebrate my birthday.

This one's for you, Little Ninja!