Sweet Baby Dax

Yesterday would have been our sweet nephews 3rd birthday.  I am amazed that it has already been 3 years since we welcomed and then said goodbye to our sweet baby Dax.  Yet it also feels like just yesterday that we were all at the hospital with him.  Every time I think of him all those feelings come rushing back. 

Dax lived a short 12 hours.  While his life here was short, the impact he made can't be measured.  He made me become a better mom.  He made me stop and enjoy life, enjoy the little things.  He made me realize that every day is a gift from God and that we shouldn't take it for granted. 

Those moments in the hospital when we got to hold his precious body were very spiritual.  I can't say I have ever felt the spirit so strong as I did in those early morning hours.  Yes many many tears were shed.  How could there not be tears?  Its especially hard to lose a baby/child.  Thankfully we have been taught the Plan of Happiness and we know that our families can be together forever.  In fact that is one thing I remember distinctly from that night.  I watched my brother explain to his 2 other boys that although their sweet brother had died, that because their mom and dad had been sealed, Dax would be theirs forever.  And when they died, they would all be reunited with Dax. 

For the past 3 years, I have marvelled at my brother and sister in laws strength through this whole trial.  I have never heard them complain or question why this had to happen to them.  I have only seen them grow stronger both individually and as a couple. 

For us as the sisters and sister in laws we weren't exactly sure how to go about helping them out.  We didn't want to overstep our bounds, but we also wanted them to know we were there.  I know that most if not all people feel this way.  How do you help a friend, family member, acquaintance, neighbor, deal with grief? 

With it being no coincidence, Marcy happened to be in the same ward as Stephanie who writes for  A Daily Scoop blog.  She had lost her daughter recently and wrote an amazing post on How to treat a friend who has suffered a loss.    She writes it so beautifully and helps any of us who are stuck with not knowing what to do.  If you know of someone, whether they be close or not, I would suggest you read the post.  It has so many helpful suggestions. 

I know for me personally I will never regret packing up and heading down to Vegas the minute I heard Dax was going to be born.  It was such a privilege and blessing to be able to see Dax alive and then immediately after he passed away.  I will forever have a special connection to him for those few precious hours I got to spend with him.  Another thing I am so grateful we did was to bring our cameras to the hospital.  I really debated about doing this but decided to take my camera as well as Tiffany (since it was late in the night we didn't have time to find a professional to come take the pictures for us but if you do I would suggest finding those photographers who donate their time and talents to this great cause...Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep).  We were both hesitant about overstepping our bounds by taking pictures of Dax after he passed away.  We didn't want to intrude or be a nuisance to Don or Marcy.  They had such little time with Dax that we didn't want to intrude on it.  But they were great to let us snap away and I tell you those pictures are absolutely priceless.  We got family pictures, mom/dad and baby pictures.  Some may find it strange to take a bunch of pictures of Dax after he died, but from the pictures you would never know he wasn't alive.  In fact for the first hour after he passed it was hard for me to not think he was alive.  He was still so warm to the touch.   And I know for Don and Marcy those pictures are the only physical reminders they have of Dax. 

We Love You Baby Dax...I am sure you had quite the party in Heaven...