Delaney's 18 month birthday

18 months ago our lives changed forever. Definately for the better. Delaney Hope Carter, our daughter and angel, was born on December 26th, 2007. She impressed everyone who met her (and many people who didn't get that opportunity) with her strength and courage. She went through more in her short life than many people ever have to deal with. Each moment spent with her is etched into our memory, and she has a very special place in our family and our hearts.

Delaney's days were marked with great highs and horrible lows. We learned quickly that being a parent was more than just loving this little person that we had made, but doing whatever we could do to protect her. I think that the hardest thing about losing her is that we couldn't fix what was wrong. As parents you think you can fix whatever is wrong and protect your child from the bad things that happen in life. We learned much too quickly that it isn't always that easy.

We try to focus on the wonderful memories, the happy pictures and videos, the little things that most people take for granted. We love to talk about Delaney and share stories about her life and her courage, but understand that it may make some people uncomfortable or think that talking about Delaney will make us sad. There is something inherently wrong with a baby dying. But that is part of our daily life and nothing will ever change that.

We spent the day remembering our angel (like we do every day). We took Riley to visit Delaney and sang happy birthday like we do every month. Then we went to dinner and then came home and relaxed. I can't believe that it has been 18 months since Delaney was born... she would be a little person with a strong personality (which she showed us in the brief time she was here), who would be rapidly approaching the terrible twos. We would gladly face each challenge, but are left instead to treasure the days that we had and to thank Delaney for being so brave as to fight to let us love her and get to know her for those 20 amazing days.