Something Special

Recently, my in-laws came for a visit.

I really never know quite what to expect when they come, but we love having them!

This past visit, my father in law brought a little surprise with him.

In honor of Joshua, he bought the Peyton Manning Children's Hospital license plate. PMCH is the hospital where Joshua had his 2 open heart surgeries and where spent 1/2 of his life.

It's not very often that our extended family acknowledges that Joshua was and is a part of our family. I'm not sure if it's because they don't want to cause us pain, or if it's because they, themselves, are grieving. But his name doesn't get brought up very often unless we are the ones doing the talking.

My father in law brought both Shane and I to tears with his thoughtfulness.  We never asked him to make that purchase, and we certainly didn't expect it. He remembered and loved remembers and loves his grandson and this was such a unique and special way to show it!

There is something so special about people remembering and honoring Joshua is such small ways. It doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it brings more healing to our broken hearts than anyone can imagine.

So, Pop Pop, thank you for your gift (even if it wasn't for us). Thank you for remembering your grandson who was here and was taken too soon. Thank you for keeping his memory alive in the smallest of ways and bringing healing to our broken hearts.