Monday, June 9, 2008

The Empty Swing

Last year at this time I gave Mike a much needed birthday gift. Okay so it was a little bit lame but I got him a baby swing. Joy was just learning the wonders of being outside and she had so many willing sibling pushers. Last summer, she spent hours out there. The rest of the time she was sneaking into the raspberry patch or the strawberries.














Now I stand at my kitchen sink and I look out and see the swing blowing in the breeze. Empty. I can't bear to take it down. Besides, it occasionally gets some use when I have visitors. I longingly look out my window and sigh. I wish the swing was filled with Joy this summer. I long to see her sneaking into the berries and playing outside with the kids. I wish she was here to throw a fit when it's time to come inside and I even wish that I was spending the summer potty training. (A wish I thought I'd never have!) It's so hard to think that time marches on. Yet here we are doing summer without her.

15 comments:

Jana said...

Thanks for posting pictures of your beautiful JOY! I am looking at that empty swing with tears in my eyes. I am so sorry for your pain. Thank heavens for precious memories. You are in my prayers.

XOXOXO

JANA

aubreyannie said...

tami, i don't know what to write but i just want you to know that this made me cry and my heart ache for your pain and sadness. love you!

Ryan and Julianne said...

I hate that empty swing and the un-eaten berries. We miss her so much.

Ryan and Julianne said...

I think that came out wrong...I don't hate the actual swing and berries, I just hate that they're not being used by the person that they are there for.

K. Lou said...

We love you guys! Sad that your swing is empty this summer. Wish I was there to give you a big hug. We are praying for you every day!

Mark said...

We sure miss Joy, and wish she was with us. Brynli loves that swing. We love you guys.

Natalie said...

No words for you. I'm sorry. I love you! I pray for you! What else is there to say? Except that I think her name fit her PERFECTLY!

Ryan said...

Julianne and I stayed up until 1:00 last night talking about Joy and how much we missed her. Then we (separately) saw your post and that made us miss her even more. We love you guys and hope you know that we think about the seven of you a lot.

SunValleyKid said...

WoW, just when I think my emotions are in balance! Thank you for sharing your pain and memories. We LOVE you!!

Anonymous said...

I Love You & I am so glad to see you posting more pics of beautiful Joy!

Chris and Erin said...

I cannot even imagine how difficult this is for your family. Reminders of your sweet little Joy must be everywhere. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jill Parkinson said...

Thank you for the perspective today. I have had a few frustrating days with Miles and I am reminded at how you always just laughed at Joy and really, REALLY enjoyed her. I need to remember to be a more easy going mom....more like YOU my friend.

Hugs....and I miss you.

Laurie Von said...

Hey Tami, it's Laurie. I'm new to this whole blogging world but I like to go on yours often and see how you guys are. Of course there's nothing much to say that will do any good but I hope you know that Jared and I think about you guys all the time and can't imagine what life is like for the wonderful Weaver fam. We are so sad that this had to happen to some of the greatest people we've ever known. You are amazing and I love/hate reading up on you--it's so bittersweet and I hate that you are going thru it. You are amazing examples to us all. I appreciate your honesty with your feelings, it has been intense to watch you go thru the many different emotions and stages of grief. On a good note, your girls are even gorgeouser (love that English)than when you left Salinas. It is such a blast to see how they are growing and changing. You and Mike are truly doing a great job. Love ya tons, jared and laur

Anonymous said...

Tami...your post just made me so grateful for the gospel and eternal families. xoxo

I Am Woody said...

My heart aches for you and your family!