Swing For Sophia: Friends & Families Support Faith's Lodge

It has been several months since we last wrote. We decided to take a break and focus on healing and trying to get back to our "new normal." It is hard to believe that it has been 9 months since we said goodbye to sweet Baby Sophia. Not a day goes by that we do not think of her, miss her and wish with all of our hearts that she was here with us.

We are not sure how much Jack truly understands, but one thing we know that he does understand is that he is a "Big Brother". While we were at a birthday party this morning, a very kind dad we had just met asked if Jack is our only child. It's amazing how badly it still stings when we are asked this question. I replied with "yes" while fighting back tears. His son then said "I'm a big brother!" and Jack looked at Dan and I and said "I'm a big brother, too! Sophie's my sister." We are always second guessing what and how much we should tell Jack about Sophia but that moment today made us realize that we have done a perfect job. When you ask Jack who his sister is he says "Sophie. She's up in Heaven with Jesus." And when you ask her where her owie is, he will say "Her heart." And each night after his bath and books, he will say "Let's go say goodnight to Sophia," so we take him to the window, he looks up in the sky and says "Goodnight Sophie, I love you." It's the BEST part of our day :)

Our families continue to offer such extraordinary support. I didn't know what our life would be like 9 months after our loss, but I do know that we would not be as far along in our journey of grief and healing without them. They are simply amazing.

After 6 months of brainstorming different ways that we could honor Sophia we have decided to host a benefit for Faith's Lodge, which has become a huge part of our lives. Dan and I visited FL in October, 8 weeks after losing Sophia. It was an extremely healing place and will be forever grateful for all that it offers. The friends we met while we were there continue to offer so much to support and guidance along our journey to healing.

We would love for everyone to join us for our benefit, "Swing For Sophia." SFS will be held on Friday, July 30th at Deer Run Golf Course in Victoria, MN. We will be posting more information on our blog as well as our new website which should be up and running in the next few weeks, www.swingforsophia.com

Dan and I cannot thank our friends and families enough for all they are doing to help us get this event organized. We are anticipating a wonderful day to celebrate Sophia's short life and to raise awareness and support for Faith's Lodge.