Carving Pumpkins

Last year around this time, I was thinking about Cora's first Halloween that would never come. I smashed them for all the pumpkins I never got to carve with Cora.

Kristen read the post and felt for me. She also had a little one with CHD. She went out and picked out the cutest little pumpkin with her little Charlotte, for Cora.

I always remembered this picture when I thought of my work for other babies. She lives on. This summer, I got a message that had me wrecked. Charlotte lost her fight to CHD this year. 

I so wish I could send a picture to her mother to provide comfort. 

Last year I smashed pumpkins. 

This year, I carved them. 

Just this afternoon I sad in the crisp Fall air under a sunny sky. I didn't just carve it to go through the motions. I even enjoyed pulling out all the pumpkins. Cora didn't get to carve the pumpkin with me. But, I carved it for her. I enjoyed it for her, and for me. I carved it for Charlotte and her mom. I lived life because I've learned next pumpkins are never guaranteed. 

I hope perhaps that will provide a moment of comfort to sweet Charlotte's mom.