Birthday Parties- A Blog by Cassie

My son had his 5th birthday party yesterday. It was a party that I dreaded throwing. The last birthday party that he had was at our house last summer, just two weeks before the accident. I have many pictures on my camera from that day, a camera that I have not used since that day. Rowyn and Wyatt were there along with many other little kids. We had the egg and spoon race, pin the wheel on the motorcycle, and the three-legged race. I have photos on that camera of Brynn and I helping Rowyn with her egg and spoon, and of Brynn helping her pin the wheel on the motorcycle. I also have a group shot of all of these kids on our trampoline.

This year, I had the party at a pizza place. I not only did not have the energy for the party at my house, but I did not have the emotional ability to do that day at my house again yet either. As Brynn sat across the room I glanced at her many times during the candles and presents. I was worried about her. I was wondering if she was thinking some of those things that I had been. I don’t have to ask her if birthday parties are hard for her, I already know that they are.

Again, I just think how did we get here, and how are we still here? Thank God that he has allowed us to remain friends, and not only that, but make us more like family.

Just yesterday I saw the news of the little 10 year old who was killed by a falling tree during the stormy weather. She was at a birthday party. My heart dropped for the family, but my attention also thought of the family hosting the party. That the child was tragically taken, while at their child’s birthday party. I have prayed for all of them. I can only hope that their families are able to unite as ours have. I can only pray that those people get forgiveness from the little girl’s family the way that I have. I can only hope that they know how to reach us for support emotionally and financially.

It is a testimony of God that we are still standing. I want to show all of them that in time, they can still stand too.

They may fear the birthday parties too, spend much of their time in therapist offices, and feel completely lost. But one thing this whole experience has taught me is that there is a GOD, and there is always hope.