Saturday, March 19, 2011

Dear Justin -

Dear Justin -


One August morning, a long, long time ago, Dad came into my bedroom and woke me up.
"I'm taking Mom to the hospital," he said.
"Why?" I asked with my head in a fog.
"Mom's having the baby!"
Finally!  She was sooo overdue!


It was a drizzly, cloudy day but I could only feel sunshine and excitement.
I was SO excited for you to get here.


From the time Mom brought you home from the hospital, you were my baby.
You were like my own real-life baby doll.
I had never loved anything as much in my 12 year old life (except maybe Jared).
I loved you so much my heart hurt!


When I was at school, I thought about you all day!
I would hurry home from school and sneak up the stairs and get you up from your nap.
Mom would be so irritated that I woke you up, but I would insist that you were already awake.


The neighbors had a baby girl the same age as you.
I would borrow her clothes and dress you up in frilly dresses.
Even with a lacy bonnet, you were the ugliest baby girl ever!
But I still thought you were the cutest thing in the whole world.


Oh Justin...how I wish I could go back and relive those moments.
There is nothing as wonderful and beautiful and full of love as family.
I still love you but now I miss you so much my heart hurts!

9 comments:

Cynthia Greathouse said...

Dear Justin.,

We love and miss you too! You always had a smile on your face, and that laugh... It was infectious! You impacted our family and especially Brandon's life in ways we cannot count. You sowed so much into the lives of so many. You will be missed by all.

Our deepest sympathy to all of your family. We are truly awash in grief for all of you. You are a beloved husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. May God keep and bless you and all of your family.

In Deepest Sympathy,
Dana & Cynthia Greathouse

Matt & Missty said...

Oh Gina. My heart aches as well. May your family have wonderful memories of Justin as you go forward day to day.

Raven said...

My heart hurts for you. I'm sorry for your loss. *hugs*

Rachael said...

Hey Gina-
I have started so many FB comments on Justins page but don't even know what to say. It all just SUCKS! I mean really...what do you say??? I can't stop thinking of your whole family. Thinking of Justin and my memories of him puts a smile on my face and then the tears come! Ugh! Its all just unfair!
My whole family (Shotzie, Leissa, Aimee and Tara) are all devastated with all this news. We love you all and are in our prayers!
Rachael (Baglietto) Randall

Lifeisapitch said...

My heart goes out to you. I feel so sad. I was so excited to get my (william's) computer back (I have been computerless for DAYS)and the first thing I read was THIS. I feel bad for not being able to send you my sympathies sooner. I wish there was something I can write that would help you. Your family is in my prayers. Take care!!!

Juli said...

(((Hugs)))

red rabbit family said...

As a 10 year old, I had my very own real baby doll too, but I didn't have any girl clothes to dress him up in - and I think he would have made a pretty cute girl. : )

Hugs to you. You and your family remain in my prayers.

Unknown said...

I can picture a boy dressed in frills and his big sister toting him around. It makes me smile. I can feel how much you loved him and miss him.

I'm keeping you in my thoughts. Hugs.

Patricia M. Wickman said...

Thanks for posting this letter. It is beautiful.