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Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Bittersweet

That is the one word that describes how things are... bittersweet.

I've been at such a loss for words lately. I don't know how I feel each day. Some days I'm numb, sad, angry, and okay all at the same time or at different times, so it has been difficult to try to and explain what's been going on.

When Kaitlyn was diagnosed almost 2 years ago, I dropped everything and she was the priority. I was defined by her. I have no regrets and would do it all over again for her in a heartbeat. Now though, she isn't here with us and "just like that" things have completely changed.

A collection of Kaitlyn's favorite things at the service
Chip is back in the office at work. I am home with my mom and Cole. My mom and Chip's mom have been taking care of Cole so much that it's been really difficult seeing how much I have missed out on. I know that I did the right thing by being with Kaitlyn but it's hard when someone else has to tell you about what your child normally does or doesn't do. It's getting easier every day as I take care of him and take him out on play dates.

Egg hunt at our friends' house

Having so much fun playing with other kids

Playing house with Molly Belle
One thing that has been really great is his excitement in seeing other kids and being around them. Everyone in our family has had to make sacrifices over the past 2 years, even Cole. He couldn't go to play dates or even church because if he got sick, Kaitlyn would get sick. The risk wasn't worth the benefit. Now we are trying to expose him to lots of activities and someone even donated a 7-week Music Together Class for him on Saturdays! He LOVES music and we are really looking forward to it.

Pushing cousin Daniel

There is definitely a certain level of guilt when I feel happy about things, but I know that it will get better with time.

Easter

Cole and cousin Daniel

I've been taking really long walks in the neighborhood lately, which has helped to clear my mind and process things.

We are so blessed to have Cole, I can't imagine what it would be like without him. He is my little prince charming and keeps me busy and gives me purpose and strength. 

My prince charming!

He's just too cute not to kiss!
Molly Belle agreed with me!
Easter was really tough for me. We went and visited Kaitlyn's grave. We have rose bushes in front of our house and there was one lone red rose. I knew I had to take it to her. I kept thinking that there must be a huge celebration in heaven that day and Kaitlyn was probably dancing and singing! That made me really happy.


We then went to Chip's parents' house for Easter lunch and an egg hunt with family. When we first moved to NC, we lived in their house for about 6 months before we moved into our new home. Kaitlyn was at her peak, developmentally, when we lived with them so there are A LOT of memories in their house. Good ones of her laughing and playing and me being pregnant with Cole and us taking pictures of my growing belly together. Again, bittersweet. I had a knot in my stomach almost the whole time remembering her in her high chair as I helped get lunch ready with Chip's mom.

In Kaitlyn's room at Jane and Roger's house

My Cole-Belly was getting bigger!
I still haven't been upstairs where our rooms were. It's odd. You would think I'd be more upset in our house than theirs but theirs is where SHE was herself and happy. Where the disease hadn't taken over yet.

Yes that is baby food on her foot!

She LOVED french fries (mostly licking the salt off them)

1st birthday party at Jane and Roger's house

Wow... this is how I will always remember her

Sitting!
I miss her and tell her I love her every day, multiple times a day. Each day is a new day and honestly, I don't know how I will feel on any given day. Some days I feel numb, some days I feel okay. It is much different than I ever expected.

39 comments:

  1. You leave me speechless every single time. Thank you for continuing to share your story with us.

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  2. Grief is a complex thing. You have the right approach taking it day by day. I know that the knowledge of how many lives she helped eases the pain a little, but I'm sure it's not enough. I loved the pictures of when she was able to really enjoy this life. And you're right. I'm sure the party on Easter in heaven was amazing and she shined as always. Cole sure seems happy to play with the other kids. Hugs across the miles Mama.

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  3. Every day is a new day, with new and different feelings and emotions. Thinking of you and Cole and Chip. Yes, it is a difficult adjustment....

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  4. Thinking of you and your sweet family many times every day. I'm so thankful for your good memories of Kaitlyn. Praying for peace and strength to get through the sadness. Praying for joy for your sweet memories and for the days to come. Thank you for continuing to share your heart.

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  5. What you are experiencing is very normal. You knew the expected end but there is no way to forecast how things would be when you were no longer in crisis mode. It takes an average of 2 years for the acute grieving process to complete. Give yourself time to adjust. If you aren't ready or able to do something don't feel bad. The grieving process is individual and there is no script to follow. Those of us who trust in Christ do not walk this path alone. He tells not to sorrow as those who have no hope. He tells us in another part of His word that He collects our tears. May it help to know that Kaitlyn is more alive than she's ever been. She finished the part of her eternal life she was assigned to live on Earth. I keep you in prayer. Thank you for sharing your beautiful Kaitlyn with us.

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  6. So very glad to hear from you. I too think of Kaitlyn a lot. I know she's happy and well and watching over you. I pray that healing and peace surround you. I know Kaitlyn loves and misses you. God's peace and love to you all, and just keep on keepin' on!

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  7. Deanna, please know we are praying daily for you and Chip. Thanking God for sweet Cole tonight!!! Love you guys!!!

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  8. You are a very strong woman! I"m sure there will be lots of adjusting for a while. I won't say I know how you feel and things will get better. Everyone grieves differently. What I will say is God is with you on this journey with Kaitlyn beside Him cheering you and Chip on and happy that Cole can do normal kid stuff and meet new friends. Prayers are still going out to you all! Love ya
    Denise

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  9. Praying for you all, Dear Deanna. Praying for peace in your journey.

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  10. I just want you to know that I think of you often and wonder how you are doing. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! The pictures are wonderful! Thanks for sharing!!

    Ali Reardon

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  11. I can never tell you how much of an impact that you and your family have made in my life. Thank you for taking me in, as one of your own, and sharing with me.I do know that the Lord has been with you to give you the strenth.He through Kaitlynhas turned a heart of stone, soft one more.My love to all of you! AS I love sweet baby girl! Soar and shine angel-Kaitlyn's Wen

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  12. You, Chip and Cole are in my prayers. I'm so glad you have the knowledge that Kaitlyn is with God to comfort you, even though I know sometimes it doesn't help the pain. I'm glad you're continuing to post; it's good to know how you guys are doing. Thank you for sharing Kaitlyn with the world.

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  13. Oh Deanna. I don't think you could ever truly know what this would be like until it happened. I think even though you were as prepared as you could be for Kaitlyn's passing, the stages of grief will still apply and that whatever you are feeling at any given point is completely normal! Don't be hard on yourself, grieve and be happy all at the same time. It is an impossible situation and you are just awesome!

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  14. What beautiful memories you have of Kaitlyn. I can understand how bittersweet it must be at this time. I pray that God will guide you through this grief process and give you strength for every new day. I pray for you and your family daily. xx

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  15. Gee you still make me cry at work. I am so glad to hear from you. I always think of Kaitlyn everyday. How is Cole in this? Does he ask where she is at?

    I am glad you are getting out and spending time with Cole, you made the right decision and any mother would have not left her side. It gets easier! But never forgotten. I miss you and check on you every day. I talk to Kaitlyn everyday. I talk to her on my way in to work or on the way home, it takes me an hour each way. She is my buddy I talk to and she helps me.

    Penny

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  16. your strength and courage continue to amaze me...as does your realism. you are a wonderful example of a mother and a woman and i truly admire you. i look at my happy and healthy 2 year old and my heart aches with joy and the slightest pain of the passing time, but i always try to remember kaitlyn and the lessons i learned from your journey...to live each moment fully, to appreciate everything he gives me, and to love as openly and completely as my heart will allow. thank you for continuing kaitlyn's blog - it inspires me every time i read it.

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  17. Deanna,
    I can honestly say I know what you are feeling right now, especially when it comes to Cole. Zoe was 11 months old when she was diagnosed and I was 4 months pregnant with my son Nash. When Nash was born, I decided not to go back to work because the NPD was progressing. She had started physical therapy and just had too many doctor appts. I was constantly relying on family to watch Nash while I took Zoe to all her appts. Then when we got the call about doing the stem cell transplant at Duke, I didn't know what I was going to do about Nash. Luckily I have a very supportive family and my cousin and his family offered to let Nash live with them while we were away at Duke. I would see him about every weekend or every other weekend, really when somebody would bring him up to Duke. My mom stayed with me the whole time we were at Duke and that was 6 months total. After Zoe passed away and I was back home, back to my "new normal", I didn't know what to do with myself. I felt that I had missed so much in his first year of life that it just hurt. It broke my heart to have to hear about all the firsts that he had from somebody else and I wasn't able to experience them with him. But like you said I would do it all over again to have that time with Zoe. Nash just turned 7 last week and doesn't really remember me not being around that much. He does remember his big sister and we talk openly about her often.

    April Van Dyke
    Proud Mother of an 2 angels in heaven

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  18. Bourgeault Family,
    I pray for your family everyday for comfort in your grief. Thank you so much for letting us know how you and your family are feeling and doing. I also think of Kaitlyn everyday and i'm so glad she is now at peace with God. You are such a strong family and together you all can get through anything! Deanna, you amaze me every time i read your blog! You and Chip become stronger and stronger! Thank you for sharing such lovely pictures of Kaitlyn and Cole! You are forever in my heart!

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  19. I am amazed by you every time I read your revealing words. I want to give you the biggest hug (and since I live in your neighborhood that could very well happen!) :) So if some crazy lady accosts you in the neighborhood, it's probably me!

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  20. A little story to share w/ you. When my husband and I were dating I took him to my nana's grave. He looked at me shocked and said she died in '92? The year then was 1998. I said yeah why? He turned to me and said "the way your family talks about her I thought she passed away like 6 months ago"
    Well we still talk about her the same way, I think my children even feel like they know her. My husband seems like he does.
    I think your family shows that same love. At my papas house her stuff is in the same place. Some people who don't know him thinks it's weird. It's actually so comfortable and it feels normal and right in the home. We almost feel her presence. In my kitchen there is a picture of her, because she loved to cook. If love is strong enough u can still live w/ her everyday in everything you do. Not that many people get a taste of love so strong but, I see it in ur family. I know u will experience the same joy soon. I pray it comes fast for you guys :) -Jeanette NH

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  21. You are feeling all of the things you should feel. If you have moments that you are okay, you are doing great! Only time will be able to help you deal with those moments as they come up. I will be praying for you.

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  22. Deanna - you, Chip and Cole are on my mind and in my heart so much. I think of you each time I drive by your home and several times a day. I continue to pray for you guys! Sending lots of love your way. Sarah Russell, Indian Trail NC

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  23. These are all normal feelings. Bittersweet is probably the best word choice for what you are feeling and going through. Having lost family to terminal illness myself, there are going to be a roller coaster of emotions you will go through even though you knew what was going to happen to Kaitlyn. Enjoy and cherish all the happy memories you have with her. Enjoy creating new memories with Cole. I think of you and your family daily. Thoughts and prayers for healing and strength.

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  24. I too continue to think of Kaitlyn and pray for your family each day. And tears fall each time I read your posts. I pray that you will always feel God's love and the support of the thousands of people who have and who are praying for your family. May God continue to bless you all with His love. Thank you for sharing your experiences! Shannon in Spartanburg.

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  25. I smile every time I see a picture of Kaitlyn. Thank you for sharing new pictures with us. I too talk to Kaitlyn every day, tell her I miss her and tell her I love her. I think of you and Kaitlyn every hour of every day. I thank God for bringing me to her and your story. I learn something new about life every time you post. Thank you!

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  26. Thanks so much for the update. I think about you and your family every day. I will continue to pray for all of you as you adjust to the new normal. Cole looks like he’s having a great time playing with other kids. So glad you and Chip have him to focus your attention on. Kids have a way of touching our hearts like no one else. Sending love and hugs to you all. God Bless!

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  27. Hi Bourgeault family!

    I have been so touched by your family's strength, courage and love. Thank you so much for sharing your daughter and her story; she is such an inspiration - as is your family of the unconditional love a family should have. I believe that families and spouses can be together forever - even after death. I felt impressed to share that with you.

    You can learn more about forever families here if you want to:
    http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1996/10/the-eternal-family?lang=eng&query=eternal+families

    Read it if you like. The knowledge that I can be with my family forever brings me so much comfort and peace, and I wanted to share it with you.

    God bless you and your family.

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  28. I'm always thinking of you and Kaitlyn several times each day and you are in my nightly prayers. Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts and pictures. As difficult as the grieving process is, it can be even more difficult when you 'bottle' things in so I'm happy to see you continuing to share with us.
    Cole looks like he is definitely enjoying some time with his friends and being a playful little boy! He's so stinkin' cute!
    The video and pictures of Kaitlyn are so very precious and I can't help but smile through the tears.
    There isn't anything I can say to ease the grieving process but it is true that it's perfectly normal to have mixed emotions at the same time. I'm happy to know that you have your family close by to lean upon. And remember that God is good always! He will guide you though this transition and Kaitlyn will continue to show herself to you in many, many ways.
    All my love!
    Mary in AZ

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  29. sending you hugs...and prayers

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  30. Prayers for you and your family during this tough time. My heart breaks for you and the only thing I can think is why?? I wish you did not have to go through this but I must believe God has a plan. Your beautiful baby is in Heaven watching over you all.

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  31. May your family be blessed with the thoughts of love and joy for your children. You and your husband are amazing parents!

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  32. Thanks for posting. I know it must be terribly difficult to put your feelings into words at this point. You continue to be in our prayers. Thanks for uploading the adorable pictures of Kaitlyn and the precious video of her laughing. It gives me a wonderful picture of how she must be in heaven--so beautiful and happy!

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  33. I know the significance of this date for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless Kaitlyn!

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  34. Thinking of you and praying for you.

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  35. Your blog has really touched my heart. You are such a strong women. You have faced something no one expects to face in a lifetime, keep your head up and never forget its not goodbye, its ill see ya later. God has a beautiful angel in heaven now, looking over you and your family.

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  36. Still praying for peace for your family, calm for your heart and rest for your soul, knowing that sweet Kaitlyn is a perfect angel in her mansion on high. One day, you will all be reunited in our Father's arms! What a glorious day that will be!! I will continue to lift you, Deanna, Chip and Cole up in prayer. Though we have never met, I love you all. It is my honor to pray for your family, in Christ's name, E. Hannon

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  37. Praying every day for you all and for sweet Angel Kaitlyn. There is not a day goes by I don't think about her and her incredible journey she had. Can only imagine how many lives she changed, all for the better. I know she changed mine. I hope you are finding strength throughout the days to continue on and finding your way in this "new" life. Lifting you up in so many prayers. Love to you all.

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  38. Just wanted to tell you all again that I'm still praying for you all each day. I think of your family often and pray that you are enjoying your days together and remembering sweet Kaitlyn moments. Shannon in Spartanburg

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  39. Yor family and kaitlyn and still in my thoughts and prayers! Please know that u guys and kaitlyn have changed so many lives, hearts and souls, in a great way. I am thankful you allowed us into this terrifying journey for your family. You are incredibly strong, even at your weakest moments. U have such grace and dignity and chole is so lucky to have a mom and dad that would dedicate their EVERYTHING to make k-bear comfortably and loved enough for a lifetime in such a short time. Hero comes to my mind, truely someone to look up to!

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