4.24.2010

pretty please

To say that the past few days have been hard would be a huge understatement. These waves of guilt and complete sadness overwhelm me. No sooner do they start that they are gone and all I can feel is complete emptiness. It has a tremendous amount to do with Jenna's approaching birthday. It hurts.like.hell.

I haven't the slightest clue what life would be like had she lived. What sort of little girl she would have been? Independent? A daddy's girl? Chubby? Laughable?

And what would we be doing in preparation for her first birthday? I DON'T know. And it hurts that I didn't even give any thought to it. I hope and pray she knows how desperately she is missed, how deeply she is loved. In my heart of hearts I know she knows nothing short of perfect love, but sometimes her absence is deafening and the loss is endless.

I read Danielle's post the other day, and thought I would ask a similar request. Hubs and I plan to celebrate her birthday with each other, but it would still be nice to have something special to help celebrate the occasion. And this is where I am asking a tiny itty bitty favor ;]

If you think of it, would you write my Jenna Belle's name and send me a pic of it? Pretty please? It doesn't have to be anything fancy, it could be scribbled down somewhere, anywhere. I have created a slideshow of all the pictures I have received over the past (almost) 12 months of her name. Thank you to everyone who has been so generous to contribute to this slideshow already. It really is a testament to the love and support I have found here, and for that I am eternally grateful.

If you have a pic of her name you'd like to send me, my email is @ handprintsfromheaven (at) gmail (dot) com




Thank you! thank you! thank you!

23 comments:

Mary said...

Franchesca...I am going to think of some where special I can write Jenna's name for her birthday! Could you send me your address, I have something I would love to send you in honor of her...

Bree said...

Of course! Would love to! Isn't it wonderful seeing their name honored. I am thinking of you. I know this is such a difficult milestone to endure. I know in my heart that your Jenna knows how much you love and miss her. You show her everytime you write here on her blog, everytime you lift another mom up with your comments, and through all of your beautiful art projects. Hang in there!

Hannah Rose said...

what a beautiful idea! I'll figure out something special for Jenna Belle! :)

Kylie's Mommy said...

I just wanted to let you know that I recently lost my daughter who was just 8 days old..and after reading your this..I know exactly how you feel..not knowing what to do and thinking about what your life would have been like is one of the hardest things to deal with.. stay strong..and remember that we will see our babies again.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I am going to try to do this for you. I couldn't watch the video it said I had to accept your friend request?

Maggie said...

I would love to! :) I'll think of something special for sweet Jenna. XO

heather said...

I will try to think of something too!!!

Lisette said...

Of course I will do this for Jenna. I was going to do it even if you didn't ask, lol! I know it is hard but know that I am here for you. I am just an email away...

Holly said...

Can do just for you!! ♥

Lori said...

Bless your heart. I want to wrap my arms around you!!! I am SO not fancy or creative, but for sweet little Jenna, I'll definitely come up with something!

Please don't allow guilt to get to you--you have an AWFUL lot going on in your life right now and your hormones really don't help anything at all. Your Jenna knew nothing but pure love every second she was with you, and that's all she knows now.

Much love to you!!!! xoxo

Nan & Mike said...

On its way :) xxx

Laura said...

Absolutely! Will do it tomorrow!! (it's 11pm now...) but wanted to write because I'm thinking of you... I remember being really angry like two or three years out- hearing Joe's laugh and for some reason it triggered anger in me because I WISHED I knew what he laugh would sound like... sucks. I wish I could say or do something to help a little bit... and I will- get on that picture friend!
Hugs-
L

Lily Dawn said...

I would love to do this for you and Jenna... I will be at the beach next week, maybe I can think of a creative way to write her name there! Thinking of you~

Lily

Jen said...

oh Fran, I am so sorry you are having a rough time..Birthdays are so hard.. I will be thinking of ways also..((hugs))

Unknown said...

I just sent you a bunch of pics of her name. I need your mailing address. Will you email it to me? I hope you can find peace in your heart as Jenna's day approaches.

Angela said...

Just wanted to know I emailed Jenna's pics on Saturday to to you at handprintsfromheaven@gmail.com I hope you got them! Angela

Jess said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jess said...

Thinking of you and praying, I know it's so hard as the first birthday approaches. I can just picture Eliana all chubby and cute trying to blow out her birthday candles, and I wish so much you could have that with Jenna too! Try not to feel too guilty, Jenna absolutely knows how much you love her, and that will never change! You have shown it in so many ways. Big hugs!

Antoinette said...

Franchesca i have something VERY SPECIAL i am having sent to me for you to add...you are going to LOVE IT...i love it, so i know you will...please send me your email address antoinettestabile@msn.com...xoxo...i cant imagine how you are feeling right now...i know i will one day be there thinking of Alyssa's one year bday and i dont know where my mind will be...i dont even know where its at for tomorrow..does that make sense?? ((hugs))

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

So touched by your post...by your story...A night of blog hopping....Hope you will stop by and visit me....Enjoyed reading your blog tonight...

Teresa
http://teresa-grammygirlfriend.blogspot.com/

trennia said...

those are amazing!
(((HUGS)))

Laurie in SC said...

Hi there! Thank you for following me at Scene of the Grime, I'm honored. I'm following you now as well. Your story really touches me. We had a niece who was born and lived for 17 days about 5 years ago. Her mom collects dragonflies as they represent a short and beautiful life to her, so I'm emailing you some art I made for Jenna Belle related to that. Of course, we know she lives on and you'll be with her again one day! God bless you all! I love your little girl's name, it reminds me of my precious grandmother whose name was Emma Belle. She's been in heaven for about 20 years and I really miss her. Much love and best wishes, Laurie

Antoinette said...

Happy first birthday Jenna Belle!!! xoxoxoxo

Jenna's Name Slideshow

Thank you so much for emailing me pictures of my Jenna's name. It means so much that you took time to remember my Jenna with me. XO