Wednesday, December 2, 2009

In holiday remembrance

This is the first wall you see when you walk into our home, and this is what it looks like year round:

Duncan Christmas 003

Duncan’s shelf holds his ultrasound photo, footprints, Willow Tree figurine, and tile.

Seth’s shelf holds his ultrasound photo, Willow Tree figurine, and a photo from his 9-month shoot.

Duncan Christmas 002

But during the holiday season, when the ache of missing our second son reaches an all-time high, it helps to look around our festive home, and see little touches of Duncan.

Nonna ordered him a Pottery Barn stocking, just as she did for Seth last year.

Duncan Christmas 005

With the help of my mother-in-law, we also selected a weather-resistant ornament to hang on Duncan’s maple tree on our church property.  In addition to the ornament that hangs on his tree, I purchased matching ornaments that will grace our tree in Tennessee, and Nonna and Papa’s tree in Florida, where we will spend Christmas morning.

Duncan Christmas 001

Of course, we chose a “christmas cookie’ initial ornament for him, just as we selected the J, M, and S for the rest of us.

Duncan Christmas 008

In addition to these subtle touches, there will be a gift for Seth from Duncan under the tree.   The tag may read, “to the best BIG brother ever.  Way to poop in the potty!”  Or something equally sentimental and meaningful. ;)

Duncan Christmas 014

This post was written for and linked to the Walking With You post hosted at Kelly’s blog.

17 comments:

The Fabulous Ms. Beth said...

Love the stocking and ornament! I have the same willow tree statue (the angel holding the baby)

What a wonderful way to remember Duncan this holiday season! :)

Sarah said...

We hung Allison and Emily's ornament on our tree. I looked over at Anna Claire and said..."that's for your big sisters."

What a beautiful way to remember Duncan during Christmas. Much love to you guys!

The Blatchford Family said...

Beautiful... :)

Holly said...

I like that you have a shelf for Duncan and one for Seth right there to see as you walk in. I think it is important to remember our children during the holidays just like you have done.

Sara said...

Beautiful, Mon. I loved the little baby shoe on the tree, too. *hugs*

The O'Neils said...

Sweet baby boys! Love them, both, and all their holiday decor!!

Mary said...

Where did you get the tile done for Duncan? I would love to have one made for my daughter who we lost in October? And thank you for wonderful ideas on how to keep her involved in our Christmas this year.

JandMYoung_01@hotmail.com

Kelly said...

So sweet and beautiful! (((hugs)))

Jenn said...

What wonderful ways to always remember your precious children. I love what you've done. May God bless you all this special season.

Kathryn @ Expectant Hearts said...

Very sweet. I love the stocking's! Thank you for sharing..

Kelly @ Sufficient Grace Ministries said...

I love the stocking and the ornaments...just beautiful. Your shelves side by side for both of your boys...just lovely. And I love the idea of a gift for Seth from his little brother (with the sentimental note, of course!). Thank you so much for sharing the ways you remember your sweet Duncan. I love how you have included him in your family traditions.

I'm so sorry for all that is missing with Duncan's absence this Christmas...and everyday. That missing place is so tender...and we never can tell when we will be swept completely into the midst of it. (It's always there...but sometimes more profoundly felt than others.) May you find comfort and peace in His loving arms as He carries you through this Christmas and in the coming year...

Much love and continual prayers,
Kelly

Rachel said...

I love Duncan's stocking, and the matching ornaments you'll scattered among family and special places. What a beautiful way to honor your sweet little boy!

Caroline said...

So very beautiful and praying that you and your family will have a Merry Christmas.
Caroline

Valerie said...

Beautiful ways to remember and celebrate your beautiful boys.

Debbie Petras said...

I love how you have a Christmas stocking and ornament to remember Duncan. I'm sure the pain is so hard to deal with especially at this time of year. May the Lord comfort you and your family.

Blessings and hugs,
Debbie

Denise said...

so sweet. love that you remember your boy.

i have an ornament on my tree for my son caleb who was "born into heaven."
for 9 years i have placed it on the tree iwthout him, for 9 years i've loved him, and loved that he is a part of my christmas memories in even this tiny way. i need him to be.

Jess said...

The stockings for your boys are so cute, and I love your shelves for each of your sons. The ornaments are another neat way to remember your son Duncan, both at home and when you travel to Florida over Christmas.