This may wind up being a longer post than normal. Thats why Im doing it a bit early.
For starters I want to thank everyone who left comments about Hadleigh. It is appreciated beyond belief.
I didnt get to go to her funeral, but I did make it to the visitation the night before. It was one of the worst nights of my life. She was beautiful however. Her casket had been hand painted by someone at funeral home, even had her name painted on it. Pictures surrounded the entire place. At the front door, beside the guestbook was a photo album. I watched from a distance as a friend of mine turned it page by page. So many great pictures of her, then all of a sudden, in the middle of the album, that was it. There were no more. I couldnt help but to think about how horrible it is that album will never be full.
We waited in line, together, to send hadleigh our first hellos and our last goodbyes. There was one person left in front of me, but I was able to catch a glimpse of Hadleighs adorable little face and I completely lost it. I wound up going outside instead of going on to the casket. One by one everyone followed me out with tears in their eyes.
A little later on, we found out Hadleighs death was not a complete accident. The medical examiner came back with the conclusion that little Hadleigh, just 3 months and 3 days old, died of a massive heart attack. The hospital did not check her heart for murmurs like they were supposed to. Being so premature you would think that they would check everything at least twice. Instead it was easier for them to mark the little box that said NO MURMURS and send her home than to take the time to make sure she was going to be okay. The medical examiner went on to state that there was no possible way Hadleighs murmur could have been missed.
While chatting outside on the steps of the funeral home, Keishas aunt had a piece of paper folded up in her pocket. She pulled it out for us to read and said she believes its something that has helped Keisha pull through the way she has. I cant remember what all it said but it was a conversation with her 6 year old right after Hadleighs death. He talked about how Hadleigh was going to be angel and would be able to fly.
Just a few hours before I had came across this poem I would like to share with you, Im decorating it up and sending it to Keisha a little bit later.
To My Mother

I see you each time you shed a tear,
I catch it and kiss you, I hope that you know that I'm near.
This place is so beautiful, There's so much to see!
I know that someday you'll be here with me.
The angels were singing when I arrived!
Jesus was there with His arms open wide!
The snow and the rain are just my confetti.
I know you'll be coming and I want to be ready.
When you feel the wind, it's me walking by.
I can run and skip now, I can even fly!
When the blossoms and leaves fall into your hair,
It's me planting kisses, yes, I put them there!
The birds are singing to keep you company,
They're especially for you with love from me.
I know that you miss me and feel so alone,
Until the great day when you finally come home
Please remember as the seasons change from one to another,
I'll always love you. You're my friend and my mother.

Dawn Mitchell 1998

I have tried to do some layouts this week. I have gotten a few done, however I found it really hard to do any that included my kids. I couldnt work on pictures of them without thinking about Keisha, Jamie and especially Hadleigh. But I thought I would share what I was able to finally complete.

CLICK HERE for larger views and credits

I wanted to also thank everyone who downloaded the frames last week and a special thank you to everyone who left comments! It was the largest turn out on both Ive had so far! Thank you guys!

I would also like to mention I am trying to work on a charity kit, donation will be made to the March of Dimes in Hadleighs name. If any designers are interested in being a part of it I would love to hear from you! Thanks.

Heres todays freebie: