Honoring Ainsley

Many of you know that a very good friend of mine blogs at Maybe if You Just Relax.  I have known Jen since before we both got married, and in the past couple of years she has gone through more than any mother should have to endure, and has done it with a strength and grace she shouldn't have to have.  She is an amazing person, with beautiful daughters.

Last December, Jen gave birth to identical twin girls.  Evelyn was born still, and Ainsley was tiny but a fighter, and spent her whole life fighting to breathe.  On Saturday, her tiny body was too tired to keep fighting, and she passed away.  At 16 months old.

I can't imagine her loss.  I can't imagine her pain.  As a mother, I look at my three sweet babies and think "What if?"  As a friend, I have tried to think of anything I can possibly do to ease her pain, just a little.  A group of us decided that one way we could honor Ainsley would be to simple spend more time with our loved ones, free of distractions.  Below is what I posted on Facebook.  Please feel free to reblog, tweet, post to Facebook, whatever to get the word out.

On Wednesday, May 15 from 5-8pm, we will show our support by showing our love.  I'm hoping this idea spreads like wildfire.

On Saturday, my friend Jennifer Knepper lost her 16 month old daughter after a lifelong battle in the NICU.  I will always remember her goofy grin and the joy she brought to her family, and by extension all of us.  Tomorrow night, from 5-8, the Knepper family will be having a Memorial Service for Ainsley.  During that time I will not be posting anywhere on the internet, but instead be honoring her too short life by spending time with my own family and thinking of them.  Bubbles will also be blown to show Ainsley and Evelyn our love for them.  I encourage anyone who can to honor Ainsley and her family in a similar fashion.  No one should have to lose a child.  Losing two in less than two years is unimaginable.  Hug your loved ones and remember that life is fragile and tomorrow is never a guarantee.

If you want to learn more about their family, read about them here.  http://www.jennepper.com  If you want to do something to help, many things are in the works.  You can contact knepperfamilydonations@gmail.com to find ou tmore.