Sunday, December 30, 2007

Josh's Angels

This is a heart strings post that pulls at my heart strings more than any other could. I wanted to show you the Christmas ornaments that we have been collecting for 20 years in memory of my son, Josh, who died at the age of 2. This is Josh, our little one in heaven.





We bought the first ornament without realizing there would be another one each year. The ornament was from Hallmark and was called Mary's Angels. We actually started collecting them the second year they were being offered. My daughter, who was 5 when her brother died, found the first one on EBay as a special Christmas gift to me many years later. So we have the complete collection so far. My daughter buys me the ornament each year. So far there are 20 and I'm not sure how long Hallmark will continue this series.

What better ornament to remember our precious son than an ornament called Mary's Angels?

Here are just a few of the ornaments.



Josh died in 1986 from a birth defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. At the time there was nothing that could be done for him and it was a miracle that he lived for 2 years. I have seen on the internet that the babies born with this birth defect now are being saved by surgery.

We love you Josh!!!!

14 comments:

~Bren~ said...

My heartstrings are being pulled too! Blessings to you and how special that you can collect these angels in memory of your precious baby. God bless your daughter for this. I am so pleased to hear that babies are now being saved!!!

Little Penpen said...

Oh what a sweet picture of your little Josh! He was adorable! I can't think of a better way to remember him at Christmas time than with the little angels on your tree. Won't it be wonderful to see him again in heaven one day?

Melissa said...

This time of year can be so difficult for those who have lost loved ones. I applaud the sweet reminder of your precious son!

Many Blessings and Happy New Year,
M.

Susan said...

What a sweet collection! I know you miss your boy!

Mom2fur said...

He was cute little fellow! I'm sure he gave you a lifetime of sunshine in his short time here. He had the sweetest smile, and I bet he lights up heaven with it!

Kacie said...

Sending hugs your way!

Alexandra said...

That's one huggable handsome little boy. His face shows it all - he was loved. Blessings to you and your family in the new year. Your loving care of his memory and your family is a testimony to God's love. May you continue to bear this burden of having lost a baby with the grace and love of God. ((Hugs))

a Pocket Angel said...

Debbie, The tears are streaming dowm my cheeks after reading your post. How my heart goes out to you. Only someone who has lost a child can truly know your pain. I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Josh is such a beautiful Angel..
Thank you for stopping by my blog. You, Josh and your daughter have been added to my prayers.
God bless you ~Mary~

Anonymous said...

That is a very cute picture of your son! The angel ornaments are a very special way to share your memories of him. I also am sorry for your loss,I have never been good with words,but I just want you to know my heart goes out to you.

Melinda

Anonymous said...

What a sweet boy! You must miss him so much. Thanks for sharing,
hugs,
Joy

Anonymous said...

I LOVE YOU! Papa Jack

Amanda said...

OMgoodness, Debbie. I just read your email and thank you so much for keeping Ella in your prayers. Reading this just brought tears to my eyes. Seeing those little angels are amazing. I'm so sorry that technology wasn't available to save Josh. He was a beautiful baby boy. We started collecting ornaments for our angel baby, Mya. I lost her half way through my pregnancy. This year we bought a sail boat ornament and named the boat Mya. And the year before (2006 the year we lost her) we got an angel on a cloud holding a star and the star has her name on it and the cloud says Forever in Our Hearts. Prayer helps. Prayer is what gets us through all of these horribly hard times. I am so sorry for your loss, Debbie, but how special that you have a wonderful little boy waiting for you in heaven.

Amanda said...

I forgot to add that your grandson is so cute!!

Lynn said...

This gave me goosebumps when I read it. I have a precious 22-year-old son, which I guess is how old your beautiful Josh would be today. I'm sure you can't wait to be reunited with him in Heaven. My heart goes out to you, and what a wonderful tradition to get an ornament each year as part of his collection. I love the cross-stitch you did after Josh died, too. Those things must be really special treasures for you and bring a little piece of Josh to you every time you look at them.

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