It was one year ago today that our precious angel Sonia passed away. Just like Israel Independence Day is always preceded by a day of mourning for Memorial Day, my birthday will forever be preceeded by a day of mourning and rememberance for the child we lost.
In some ways it seems like it has been far longer than a year. Reluctantly, our life has continued on almost just as it had before Sonia came into our lives. We are back at home, I’m back (and away) at work and Faye is back to her role as the center of attention. However, in other ways it seems like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms and making silly faces together. Her mark on our life is permanent and persistent. Sometimes her memory will pop up at the most unexpected times – and that’s a good thing. Shannon and I are always struggling to find “correct” ways to remember and honor our daughter, but I think what means the most to me is when I’m going about my daily life and her memory just floods my mind and brings a smile to my face or a tear to my eye.
Sonia’s memory makes me a better person too. When I make decisions and go about my daily life, I often think about what Sonia would think of my actions or how I can honor her life by being better to others and fully appreciating life.
While Faye can’t quite post on the blog yet (not for lack of trying), I know she too remembers her sister. She loves to look through Sonia’s photo album and still talks about her “sister in heaven.” It was a little sad to answer Faye’s questions at first, and to know that she missed her too, but now I can appreciate how wonderful it is that Faye really knew her sister and can actually talk about her. I know it might be a lot to expect a child to remember 2-year-old memories for the rest of her life, but I think if we foster her memories and ideas about her sister they might actually stick. The 2.5 million pictures of the two of them together might help too.
September 10th will probably always be a bitter-sweet day for us – a reminder or our loss, but another opportunity to cherish the joy that Sonia brought to us. You are forever in our hearts.
Jason and Shannon,
Thank you for writing this. You are great parents.
You were both on my minds yesterday and this morning. I know that yesterday was probably a hard day. As a word of encouragement, I still have memories of things I remember from when I was two and living with my grandparents. I pray that these memories are concrete and lasting for her.
Dear Jason,
Thank you for writing about Sonia. We, too, still think about that precious little life. On the flipside, Happy Birthday! We thought about you a lot yesterday.
Love,
Linda, Allen, Scott
Thinking of you all… love,
Jane, Stephen and Children
the eve of rosh hashana approaches. the “yartzeit” halachic memorial day of sonia’s was today, the 27th of Ellul. sonia’s journey added such poignancy to the message of rosh hashana, the jewish new year – as the book of life for the past year closes and the new book of life is opened. our thoughts are with you, jason and your family. we wish you a good, healthy and happy new year. a year to look forward to Hashem’s sweet blessings. all the best, sruly.
Dearest Shannon,
We are thinking about you tonight on the yartzeit of your dear Sonia, may she rest in peace. I know how difficult it is for you as you relive and remember the hard times you went through last year. I am sorry I can’t be with you now to hug you and hold your hand, but I share in your pain. May the knowledge that soon with Hashem’s help, you will be holding another new, healthy baby,bring you comfort.
May this new year be a year of health, happiness, peace,and everything good for you and your family. May we share happy times together always.
With much love,
Lifsha
Jason,
Your words are precious. It has been so long since I’ve seen you and yours, but you have been on my mind. Thanks for sharing your heart as you move through your journey.
With warmth,
Chava (aka Toni)