Tuesday 26 June 2012

His First Birthday in Heaven

Every day is hard without Aaron and Noah, and it seems that every couple of weeks there is another anniversary or something to celebrate without them being here.   Today was another one of those days, but it was a double whammy as today is Noah's 11th birthday and it is also five months since Aaron passed away.

We knew it would be a harder anniversary than usual with two things at once, so I planned a while back to make it as easy as possible to get through the day.  I remember when Noah was young we met a lovely family in the hospital.  Their daughter passed away from cancer just before Christmas, and her Mum and I kept in contact for a little while after.  She told me that for Christmas that year it was too hard to be home, so they went away for Christmas. At the time I didn't understand it at all and thought it was a bit strange, as I imagined that I would want to be home more than anything if I was in the same situation.  I obviously didn't understand back then how hard things can be, and now know that changing the routine definitely makes things easier.

I talked to the boys about it and how it would be a hard day, and said we should do something different to make things easier.  I asked work for a leave without pay day, and the boys had a couple of days off school and we took off down to Hobart. I just wanted to get away from everything and everyone and be alone with the boys, and was hoping that even though it would be a sad day, that we would have some fun together too. 

We were hoping to catch up again with the lovely doctor who was with us when Noah passed away, but unfortunately he was away this week.  As we drove past the hospital and Ronald McDonald House Harri and Kobe got all excited and kept yelling 'that's where Noah was!'.  Kobe wanted to drive past Ronald McDonald house all the time. I couldn't help but park the car on the street outside the hospital and just look at it for a couple of minutes.  My heart raced as I looked at the entrance we used to always walk in to visit him in the ICU, but I also kind of wanted to go inside to see where he had been.

We stayed at a motel last night and the boys had lots of fun playing in the games room before we went out for tea. 

They were a little bit excited about the dessert buffet - especially the chocolate fountain!


Harri and Kobe found a little stage and decided to pull out some dance moves for us.

This morning we were happy to wake up to blue clear skies. It seems that Noah always seems to turn the weather on for us.  It was nice to get lots of lovely text messages and messages on Facebook all day from people who were thinking of us. Noah's lovely past teacher from school sent me a text message with a photo of her kids from her class sitting in Noah's garden at school, remembering him on his birthday yelling 'Noah!'.  

We went and grabbed eleven helium balloons and headed up Mt Wellington to release them.  We were hoping to get to the top, but the roads were closed half way up so we stopped and had a play in the snow.













We were lucky to be able to release the balloons from a lookout with no one else around.


I got a bit teary when I looked down and saw the hospital where he passed away, but felt close to him up on the mountain.

The boys yelled 'happy birthday Noah!' as they let the balloons go. 


We then went to the Aquatic Centre for a couple of hours before heading home tonight.  Jalen had been before but Harri and Kobe hadn't and they absolutely loved it.


We went mid afternoon which was a good time to go as everyone else was at school, so we pretty much had the pool to ourselves.



I was sad at times throughout the day, but most of the day it was just lovely to be with my boys and have some fun.  It was strange not being able to buy Noah birthday presents, so I was so happy to see that the Give Me 5 for Kids telethon was on today. It was perfect timing so I decided to donate the money that I would normally spend on his present to that. It runs until 10.30 pm so if you are a local and are able to donate, it's an awesome cause. All money raised goes to the local children's ward at the hospital.  Noah spent many, many weeks there in his life so I'm sure he was happy that I could donate instead of buying him a birthday present.


Harri said family prayer before bed on Sunday night and said 'we hope that Noah has a happy birthday in Heaven with Daddy and that Daddy is happy in Heaven with him, because he missed him so much and would be happy that they are together now'.  I hope so too Harri.

17 comments:

  1. What a wonderful way to celebrate...the photos of the boys look beautiful...and snow what a bonus! We have the 'give me 5 for kids' here too coming up will give my donation in honor of Noah xx Bless you all xx

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  2. oh you've been through so much and yet you stay so positive. These photos are just lovely and you can just sense the fun the kids are having. You have a beautiful family and I'm sure Noah was watching down from heaven and smiling. What a great idea to get away for his birthday. I'm glad you all had a special day and I often think of you and your family and keep you in my prayers.

    corriexxxxx

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  3. Hello Lisa I really appreciated your sharing with your facebook friends of how you spent the weekend surrounding Noah's birthday - you are an amazing person who obviously has a strong faith which you display in your words in relation to your loss of both Noah and your Aaron. You have a gift with words and as I read your blog I often find tears welling in my eyes, such is the way you depict your life's journey. Thinking of you Lisa - may you experience God's love and His everlasting arms beneath you so you may rise up on the wings of an eagle...... Loving thoughts Lana

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  4. What a beautiful way to remember Noah and make beautiful memories with your boys. What a stunning day in the mountains. Noah was on my mind today. Glad your day was lovely and peaceful! Much love from all of us!

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  5. I love the birthday present to the kids ward. I'm so glad you got away and did this on Noah's birthday. Both your boys would be so proud of you today and everyday. xxx

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  6. Oh what a sweet way to spend tender day together.... we're thinking of you with so much love.... HAPPY HAPPY birthday to your precious Noah!

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  7. sending Happy birthday wishes to Noah in heaven. It looks like you had a lovely day with the boys. lots of hugs.

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  8. Happy 11th birthday Noah! Birthdays in Heaven must be special, if the blue skies in the photos are any indication.

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  9. I am so glad the day was so beautiful yesterday. Sounded like a great way to celebrate Noah's birthday. xx

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  10. a wonderful tradition to start for you and your boys...memories are forever ..just like your family.

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  11. I agree, what a great tradition to start and love the idea of giving Noah's gift to a charity so close to your heart.

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  12. Looks like all of you celebrated Noah's day wonderfully!

    =)

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  13. as you know we planned our Disney trip around the anniversary date of Ailish passing. The distraction really does make a difference. For her first birthday I attempted to have a party for her but very few people showed as they were "done". I so appreciated the people that did come. I'm glad you all had a great time

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  14. God bless you and your boys Lisa. You are such a great mom. You inspire me! Keep the strength and grace. You inspire me.

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  15. Happy Birthday to Noah! My middle daughter turned 11 on the same day! 26/06/2001 is indeed a very special day xx

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  16. I am glad it was an easier day for you all, you are so smart Lisa and such an inspiration,you are so loved. xo

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We are so grateful for everyone's love and support, and appreciate your comments xoxo

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