For so many people throughout the world, the year 2020 has been filled with extreme difficulty, emotional stresses, and much uncertainty. 2020 has brought a loss in many jobs, a global pandemic known as Covid-19, virtual schooling for kids and college students, social unrest due to racial tensions, an emotionally charged election, and the unexplainable shortage of toilet paper. 

Despite all of these things and the unimaginable experience of losing our baby boy Elijah, we wanted to share what we were thankful for. 

These are the following blogs to get caught up on our story of experiencing a miscarriage during a pandemic (Pregnancy After Loss: Our Story and Pregnancy After Loss: Miscarriage During A Pandemic). 

Rodney and I recently reflected on the year and we came up with a list of things we are thankful for amid all the chaos.

1. We are thankful for our health

God has certainly kept us and we still have strength in our bodies to move around freely. We haven’t experienced the Covid-19 virus or any other illnesses that were brought to the doorsteps of so many families this year. We do not take for granted that every day that we open our eyes is a tremendous blessing. It has also been indeed great to see our friends and family decide to get serious about their health by exercising and eating healthy. Health is wealth and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

2.  We are thankful for our friends and family

Experiencing a second miscarriage in the middle of a pandemic truly showed us the value of community. We are thankful for those who have prayed for us, cooked meals, made themselves available to talk when we were filled with grief, and sent us care-packages in the mail. We truly appreciate all of you!

3. We are thankful for our son Elijah

We are thankful that we conceived our precious baby boy and that I got to carry him for 16 weeks. Although it was unexpectedly cut short, we were blessed to bring another life into the world that we will one day get to see again. We still grieve his loss and will always wonder what could have been if he were still with us today.

4. We are thankful for God’s provision

We are grateful that our finances didn’t take a hit during this time and we were still able to have food on the table and a roof over our heads. We don’t take this for granted either because this pandemic impacted so many.

5. We are thankful for our church family

Covid-19 did not make it easy for our church family to be physically present when we loss our son Elijah due to all the restrictions. That did not stop them from creating a meal train and leaving food at our doorstep for 2 weeks. The text messages, phone calls, and prayers meant and continue to mean the world to us.

6. We are thankful for our marriage

We are both thankful that our marriage has continued to grow despite the trials we have experienced this year. We are stronger because of it and we know we are not in this alone. God, prayer, and perseverance have truly allowed us to stay afloat during this year. Marriage takes work daily and adding in life’s trials can add more complexity to it.

7. We are thankful for our counselor

We decided to start counseling in May after our loss. We are truly grateful because this was one of the best decisions we have made. Our counselor was referred to us by two of our dear friends. She has helped tremendously in navigating our grief and walking alongside us as we processed our losses.

8. We are thankful for our blog

This blog was birthed from our pain of experiencing 2 miscarriages. It has been somewhat therapeutic to share our story knowing that it is helping others and will help those in the future who may experience the same thing.

9. We are thankful for Kristina’s work family

Family is the keyword here. It isn’t often that your co-workers become your friends but I can say that I have some true friends. With both losses, they have always made themselves available to Rodney and me and ensured I didn’t have to worry about work. They stepped up and filled in the gaps when I couldn’t be there. When I came back to work it was a smooth transition and I didn’t feel overwhelmed.

While it may be hard for many to look back at the year 2020 and figure out what was good about it, it’s important to realize that it isn’t over yet but every day that we open our eyes in good health is a good day. We hope that this blog encouraged you and helped you to reflect on your year with thanksgiving in your hearts. 

 

“Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:18‬ ‭