Cheer Central Suns Youth 3-Las Vegas

Dad, Nat and Mom. We are so PROUD of you, Natalie!!!

Natalie and Coach Britney.

The American Grand Championships

Natalies team (Youth 3) took home the National Champions award in Las Vegas.

Yeah, girls!!! Her team also took home the Sportsmanship award.

Here she is pictured with both trophies...

The Night Jesus Came...

THE NIGHT JESUS CAME
It was the night Jesus came

and all through the house,

not a person was praying,

not one in the house ...
The Bible was left

on the shelf without care,

for no one thought

Jesus would ever come there ...

The children were dressing

to crawl into bed,

not once ever kneeling

or bowing their head..

And Mom in her rocking chair

with babe on her lap,

was watching the Late Show

as I took a nap .

When out of the east

there rose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet
to see what was the matter ....

Away to the window

I flew like a flash,

tore open the shutters

and lifted the sash .

When what to my wondering

eyes should appear,

but Angels proclaiming

that Jesus was here .....

The light of His face

made me cover my head...

was Jesus returning

just like He'd said?

And though I possessed

worldly wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him

in spite of myself ....

In the Book of Life

which he held in his hand,

was written the name

of every saved man ....

He spoke not a word

as he searched for my name,

when He said 'it's not here'

My head hung in shame ....

The people whose names

had been written with love,

He gathered to take

to his Father above ....

With those who were ready

He rose without sound,

while all of the others

were left standing around ....

I fell to my knees

but it was too late,

I'd waited too long

and thus sealed my fate ....

I stood and I cried

as they rose out of sight,

Oh, if only I'd known

that this was the night .....

In the words of this poem

the meaning is clear

the coming of Jesus

is now drawing near ....

There's only one life

and when comes the last call,

We'll find out that the Bible

was true after all.

B - Basic

I - Instruction

B - Before

L - Leaving

E - Earth

Dental Hygiene

For those of you concerned about my childrens dental hygiene-

Natalie-well you know about her Pulpotomy-did you also know that she has six cavaties? And that we were told that she will need orthodontics...She has alot of teeth, and a small mouth...(which I beg to differ) Some orthodontist will be able to buy his new ski in and ski out home with us...
Chase-If you know us, he has been in braces since the dawn of time...seriously. Well, there are two spots that need to be sealed, won't really call them cavaties...
Anna, perfect in every way.

How Cute are they?

Seriously, Is this just a mom thing? But how cute are my daughters in their NEW cheerleading uniforms? (fyi, could not get Natalie to pose with mom for a picture this day. nerves...)

Too cute. Here we are getting ready for the Jamfest Competition in Colorado. Which by the way, Junior 5 placed first, and took home the Grand Champion Award.

Youth 3 placed first, and did incredible!

Natalie's Pulpotomy-Friday-November 30th

Come on Natalie, I know you can open your mouth wider than that...

Say Cheeze for Mommy...

Pulpotomy refers to a common endodontic procedure in which dental pulp is removed from the pulp chamber. This procedure is usually done on primary teeth (children's teeth) by a pediatric dentist.
Pulpotomy is necessary in instances where the pulp of a tooth has become infected due to deep decay or a crack within the tooth and the infected areas need to be removed. In pulpotomy, all of the coronal pulp tissue is removed from the crown (visible portion of the tooth above the gums) but the pulp tissue in the root canals remain. This is different that pulpectomy in which all of the pulp is removed from both the root canals and crown. Damage to the pulp becomes visible when a pocket of pus forms at the tip of the tooth root (abscess). If left alone, the infection in the tooth will spread and cause further damage to the bone around the tooth. This can lead to the tooth falling out.
The only alternative to pulpotomy is tooth extraction which although initially cheaper requires further implementation of a dental implant or a bridge. Extraction could also cause a shift in the surrounding teeth resulting in crooked teeth and eventually possible teeth loss.

Yeah...my thoughts exactly!
Natalie did get to play princess for the day last Friday,
and stayed home with me after her procedure.
She had a lopsided face for most of the day,
talked funny and dribbled everything she drank.

The dentist thought I was crazy with my camera.
Hey, this was a kodak (canon) moment.
Hopefully, this is a once in a lifetime ordeal...
Right?

Giving Thanks

Chase, Will, Kylee and Anna
Natalie, Kylee, Anna and Katie
Two lazy slobs after dinner not helping with the dishes
Me and my friend 'Posh'

The Haggard Family has alot to give thanks for. One was having a

wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with our

friends 'The Haralsons.' Thank you Ali,

for all your hard word in preparing a delicious dinner.

You guys ROCK!
See you Christmas Eve at our house...

Five Finger Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Drug Problem

I hope my kids are able to say this about Mike and I when they are older:

"The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Meth amphetamine lab had been found in an old house in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question. Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?" I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to my siblings sporting events and community socials no matter what the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to my bedroom when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds and pick up dog poop in the front and back yards. I was drug to the homes of friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, or shovel the snow; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to my bedroom. Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place. God bless the parents who drugged us."

Colorado Suns-Peak Athletics Special Needs Cheer Teams

Two incredible Cheerleading teams in Colorado, Cheer Central Suns and Peak Athletics, both have cheerleading teams for special needs children. Anna and Natalie both cheer for Cheer Central Suns, and we are very proud to be at a gym that offers this opportunity to families. We have seen both teams perform, and words alone cannot describe the feeling of seeing the children out there in front of thousands, doing what girls AND boys do best, performing!
Cheer Central, Lets Go SUNS! Well done Julie and Wendy!
Peak Athletics, the Silver Teal and Black. Straight from the Rockies, WILDCATS! Well done, Julie and Jen!

CLICK HERE to see the video from NBC NIGHTLY NEWS that aired tonight.

Dear Laurie,

Dear Laurie,

One year ago today, you and I came together. A gift was given. Not from me, but from you. I can't begin to tell you how you and our situation has changed my life. I have been given few gifts in my life, the gift of Love and Faithfulness from my husband, the gift of hearing Chase, Anna and Natalie call me Mommy for the first time, the gift of Faith and the promise of Eternity from Maddux, the gift of Remembrance from Sam, the gift of Unconditional Friendship from Wendy, and from you, the gift of Life...Not just for ourselves, but for those around us. I can't tell you how many times before 'our day' I had looked up to the sky and said "Ok God, I'm ready...Take me NOW!" [you know what I am talking about...] But, really, I'm not ready. My family is not ready...I am needed, just like you are needed. It is a beautiful feeling...We still have so much to give...
Thank you,
Much Love,
Cheryl

Dear Mr. Hallmark poem

Dear Mr. Hallmark,

I am writing to you from heaven, and though it must appear, a rather strange idea, I see everything from here. I just popped in to visit, your stores to find a card. A card of love for my mother, as I know this day for her is hard. There must be some mistake I thought, you have every card you could imagine. Except I could not find a card from a child who lives in heaven. She is still a mother too, no matter where I reside. I had to leave, she understands, but oh, the tears she's cried. I thought that if I wrote you, that you would come to know. That though I live in heaven now, I still love my mother so. She talks with me, and dreams with me; we still share laughter too. Memories are our way of speaking now, would you see what you could do? My mother carries me in her heart, her tears she hides from sight. She writes poems to honor me, sometimes far into the night. She plants flowers in my garden, there my living memory dwells. She writes to other grieving parents, trying to ease their pain as well. So you see Mr. Hallmark, though I no longer live on earth, I must find a way, to remind her of all her wondrous worth. She needs to be honored, and remembered too, just as the children of earth will do.
Thank you Mr. Hallmark, I know you'll do your best. I have done all I can do; to you I'll leave the rest. Find a way to tell her, how much she means to me, until I can do it for myself, when she joins me in eternity.

An Angel from Heaven
~author unknown~

Avalanche Open-Denver Colorado - November 11th

Nat turning 3 and her very first pair of cheer shoes
Nat stunting in her new shoes...

-Anna in 1st grade-

Wellington, Florida

Junior 5

Coach Aaron and Coach Sybill

with "their" trophy...

Anna
Anna
Anna
Nat
Nat-She has the BEST cheer faces...
Nat

WOW! What a day. This was Anna and Natalies first time ever competing with CHEER CENTRAL SUNS Natalie's team - Youth 3 took 1st place, and the divisional award. Anna's team -Junior 5 also took 1st place, received the WOW award for best performance of the day, divisional award AND, the GRAND CHAMPION award! Talk about WOW! Let me just add that all the Cheer Central Suns teams that performed, took home 1st place.
ALL the teams were incredible!

On another note:

I really have to give a 'shout out' to Anna's very first Cheerleading Coach, Trisha Brandine, from Wellington Florida. Here was a little girl in 1st grade, had tried dance, ballet, t-ball, and gymnastics. Saw some girls after school doing cheerleading, came home, told me that she wanted to try it...and a month or so later, was asked to be on their competitive team...(see top images) Now in 6th grade, on a Junior 5 team, I will say, the best in the state...
working on her double full...
Coach Trish, thank you for being such a positive influence on my daughter Anna.
Not to forget Natalie-remember she got her very first pair of 'cheer shoes' from you?
Hope you and your family are doing well...
Cheryl

The Kyle David Miller Foundation

I thought it was necessary to post this information for new parents. Christine Miller is also from Colorado, and I must applaud her for the awareness/difference she is making from the tragic death of her son Kyle. I too, have been guilty of installing a car seat wrong, or using it wrong. Please take the time to read this information, and read the information on installing your child's car seats. Be sure to check in your local areas for car seat check point stations. Take advantage of these services and offerings. Our children are very precious.
http://www.kyledavidmiller.org/

The goals of the Kyle David Miller Foundation are:
1. To educate the public about seatbelt failure and carseat safety.
2. To provide safe carseats to those who otherwise could not afford them.
3. To seek and promote legislation that will increase driver safety through more stringent testing standards.
4. To work with auto manufacturers toward the continued improvement of seatbelts and vehicle safety devices.

Well Care Check ups

Took the kids in for their yearly physicals...
Have to report that Natalie grew 2 and 1/2 inches and gained 5 lbs.
Chase grew 5 inches and gained 21 pounds. Yes, 21 lbs...
And our Anna, grew 1 inch, and gained 10 pounds.
Pure muscle on that girl...

NILMDTS Gala

My brother Greg, and Anna, and can't forget Bob...

My friend Laurie that attended...
Her husband Mark, and my hubby Mike

I wanted to post from our photographer Grant Oakes, a little something he put together from the Fall Gala on Saturday November 3rd. CLICK HERE to see some images

from this fabulous event. More to come later...
I want to send a big hug and thank you to my mom, and brother Greg

for taking the time to fly to Colorado for this event that

was very important to me. Your support means everything!
Thank you.
Cheryl

Cute poem

Thank you Jessica (Mark's mommy) for sharing this:

Ask my Mommy how she is....

My Mom, she tells a lot of lies,

She never did before.

But from now until she dies,

She’ll tell a whole lot more.

Ask my Mom how she is

And because she can’t explain,

She will tell a little lie

Because she can’t describe the pain.

Ask my Mom how she is,

She’ll say “I’m alright.”

If that’s the truth, then tell me,

Why does she cry each night?

Ask my Mom how she is,

She seems to cope so well.

She didn’t have a choice you see,

Nor the strength to scream and yell.

Ask my Mom how she is,

“I’m fine, I’m well, I’m coping.”

For God’s sake Mom, just tell the truth,

Just say your heart is broken.

She’ll love me all her life,

And I loved her all of mine.

But if you ask her how she is,

She’ll lie and say she’s fine.

I am in Heaven.

I cannot hug her from here.

If she lies to you don’t listen.

Just hug her and hold her near.

And on the day we meet again,

I'll smile and I’ll be bold.

I’ll say, “You’re lucky to get in here, Mom,

With all the lies you told!”

~Author Unknown

CHEER CENTRAL SUNS---GO SUNS!!!

Here are the first official images of Natalie and Anna as Cheer Central Sun Cheerleaders.

They had a "Showoff" this past Sunday for family and friends.

They were GREAT!

Go SUNS!!!

Halloween 2007

Natalie and her starlette costume.

Call her Marilyn, or Madonna-She will answer to both.
Her close up...
Ok, this one scares me. I don't know what Chase is...
but the scary part, he said he liked wearing this...

Anna started out being little Miss Muffett-all cute and innocent, then she discovered that another girl at school had the same costume, 15 hours before Halloween. She said she wasn't going to wear this anymore! AAGGHHH!!! So, we came up with the alternative. Would I call her deranged, emo... Miss Muffett...Something like that. She is cute though...

Close up of the middle schoolers...Oh, and yes, it was snowing this am.

Never fails, snow or ice on halloween...

Enjoy.

Chase is 14...

And I am getting older...

Mike took Chase and a few friends to a haunted house tonight...Since Chase's birthday is so close to Halloween, this has been the tradition for about four years now...Natalie begged to go-I told her she would get scared and poop her pants...Her reply: I'll pack extra panties...' Needless to say, I made her stay home with me...And we finished Chase's Carrot cake...Anna wanted no part of it...Said she had to get to bed early for cheer practice in the morning...Anyway, here are some pic's of Chase and friends...

Being There

Do you know of someone who's precious child has died? Perhaps she is a neighbor or friend with whom you can confide. You assume that she is suffering, a tragedy so deep, that there is nothing you can do since all she does is weep. You feel that if you see her there is nothing you can say that would make her precious child come back or make the pain go away. And if by chance you meet her and have to face her grief, you'll do your very best to make this meeting brief. You'll talk about the weather or the lady down the lane, but you'll never mention her child, that would cause her too much pain! And when the funeral's over, and all is said and done, you'll go home to your family, and she'll be all alone. She'll go on, she'll be all right, time heals - Or so it seems. While she's left alone to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and dreams.

- OR -

You can open up your heart and find that special place where compassion and true giving are awaiting your embrace. "Today I'm thinking of you in a very special way." Or, how about " I love you." Are some loving things to say. Sometimes a very simple task like picking up the phone, can help her feel not-so-quite desperately all alone. Whatever comes from a genuine heart cannot be said in vain. For the truth is, it's these very things that lessen her great pain. And when you let her talk about her child who is now dead, you'll know this is far greater than anything you've said. So will you reach out with all your soul, and let her know you care? For in the end there's no substitute for simply BEING THERE!

~authur unknown~

Pennies from Heaven

Today I found a penny

lying on the ground.

It's not just any penny,

this little coin I've found.

Found pennies come from heaven,
that's what my Grandma told me.
She said that Angels toss them down.
Oh, how I love that story.

She said when an Angel misses you,
they toss a penny down;
Sometimes just to cheer you up,
to make a smile out of your frown.

So, don't pass by that penny
when you're feeling blue.
It might just be a penny
that your Angel's tossed to you.

Thank you Estrella (Anthony's mommy) for sending this to me...

My first NILMDTS session

Sweet Dreams, Little Joe...

I have assisted co founder Sandy Puc' earlier on several sessions for NILMDTS, and most recently have shadowed affiliated photographer Grant Oakes with his sessions. We had a call from a family earlier this week, and were unable to find a photographer in a timely manner. I was very fortunate and blessed to have been able to volunteer my services to the family of 'little Joe'. He was beautiful. As soon as I have the parents permission, I would like to share a few of his images.

I have been on the receiving end for NILMDTS. I know how these images are able to help a family in their healing. I can't describe to you what it means to me to be able to give back to this incredible organization in this way. I am humbled.

I have met, over 3000 professional photographers that volunteer for NILMDTS, and have learned from each and every one of them. I will be forever grateful. A big thanks to Art Wright for editing my images.

Heartland Poker Tour comes to Colorado

If you know my husband, you know he loves to play poker. Thought you would like to read something interesting...

Again, I have to tell my husband congratulations. It was an amazing night! What an incredible heads up poker game...and Steve...What a genuine nice guy. Good game, both of you.

http://www.pokerlistings.com/michael-haggard-wins-hpt-in-colorado-19387

http://www.heartlandpokertour.com/eventinfo.php?yid=2007&eid=31

http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/article/9936/colorado-sees-largest-poker-tournament-in-state-history

http://www.pokeraffiliateworld.com/forums/general-poker-affiliate-discussion/12232-amazing-night.html

October 15th, Thank you

Thank you.
To all of you who called, sent a card or an email. Thank you for thinking of Maddux on this very important day. Thank you for being a part of our lives.
Cheryl, Mike and kids

Musician-Craig Cardiff

I wanted to share this incredible man with everybody I know. Craig Cardiff. If you haven't heard of him yet, you will. He is an incredible artist, songwriter and musician. Below is a message from Craig. Please visit his website, hear this beautiful song he has allowed for our use with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.
Send him a message.
Thank you so much Craig. It is such a blessing to know people like you.

http://www.myspace.com/craigcardiff

Smallest and Wingless
http://www.craigcardiff.org/goodnightgohome/craig%20cardiff%20-%20smallest%20wingless.mp3

Hope this finds you well – here is a song I wrote and recorded after hearing about the work your organization does – I am recruiting photographers for you at each show, talking about the principles/philosophy. One student from University of Vermont just got connected recently with you. -craig

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness

If you know someone who has lost a baby just before or soon after birth, please take a moment to remember for them, to say a prayer, and maybe even send them a note to let them know you are thinking of them and their precious little one on this very special day. No matter how many years have gone by, reaching out in love will uplift a heart once broken. They may not know of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day and may be blessed to light a candle, pray, and reflect on the love they carry each and every day for their baby. Pass this message along.

Do you have a daughter? Watch this...

http://www.metacafe.com/w/849207

Ugly Shoes

I am wearing a pair of shoes. They are ugly shoes, uncomfortable shoes. I hate my shoes! Each day I wear them, and each day I wish I had another pair. Some days my shoes hurt so bad that I do not think I can take another step. Yet, I continue to wear them. I get funny looks wearing these shoes. They are looks of sympathy. I can tell in others eyes that they are glad they are my shoes and not their shoes. They never talk about my shoes. To learn how awful my shoes are might make them uncomfortable. To truly understand these shoes you must walk in them. But once you put them on, you can never take them off. I realize that I am not the only one who wears these shoes. There are many pairs in the world. Some woman are like me and ache daily as they walk in them. Some have learned how to walk in them so that they don't hurt quite so much. Some have worn the shoes so long that days will go before they think about how much they hurt. No woman deserves to wear these shoes. Yet, because of these shoes I am a stronger woman. These shoes have given me strength to face anything. They have made me who I am. I will forever walk in the shoes of a woman who has lost a child.
~author unknown~

This Womens Work-Kate Bush

Pray God you can cope. I stand outside this womans work, This womans world. Ooh, its hard on the man, Now his part is over. Now starts the craft of the father. I know you have a little life in you yet. I know you have a lot of strength left. I know you have a little life in you yet. I know you have a lot of strength left. I should be crying, but I just cant let it show. I should be hoping, but I cant stop thinking of all the things I shouldve said, That I never said. All the things we shouldve done, That we never did. All the things I should've given, But I didnt. Oh, darling, make it go, Make it go away. Give me these moments back. Give them back to me. Give me that little kiss. Give me your hand. (I know you have a little life in you yet. I know you have a lot of strength left. I know you have a little life in you yet. I know you have a lot of strength left.) I should be crying, but I just cant let it show. I should be hoping, but I can't stop thinking of all the things we should've said, That were never said. All the things we should've done, That we never did. All the things that you needed from me. All the things that you wanted for me. All the things that I should've given, But I didnt. Oh, darling, make it go away. Just make it go away now.

Haggard Children 'Mug Shots...'

Our Bear that represents

our baby Maddux

He was made out of one of Maddux's blankets.

Natalie Anne-2nd grade 'Mug Shot...'

Terror on two legs...

Do not know how she has kept this blonde hair so long,

coming from a family of burnettes...

She is always on the go...Never stops.

Such a sweet heart. Everybody who knows her loves her...

oh, yeah, she is almost as tall as Anna...

Chase's official 8th grade 'mug shot.'

I can't explain to you about the hair...

It's like a Samson Complex...

Last hair cut he got, the girl, (not my girl) chopped it.

He is now afraid of sissors...
Here is Anna's official 6th grade 'mug shot'.

I have to tell you, I think she is just beautiful!
Let me tell you about her personality...Sweet, gentle, ornery, mean.

All her teachers love her. She really is a good girl. With a kind heart...

Mike says she is just like me...

How could Mike and I create such beautiful children?

Infant Loss Awareness

My friend Rayna', and an affiliated photographer for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.

Very Powerful Statement!

Help me raise funds for NILMDTS

click pictures for larger image
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. I have never been good at asking for money. My children never do any fundraising for school or sporting events. Never go door to door selling magazines or wrapping paper. But what do you do when you believe so much in a cause, and you have to raise awareness, and you have to fundraise?

Last year I sent out awareness letters to alot of family and friends. Some donated, most didn't. I will still send out cards this year to the same family and friends. They may not donate, but I will continue to raise awareness. Here is a new approach I am taking. I am going to try to blog a fundraising request also. I know alot of people read blogs. Please take the time to read the message above, and if the mission of Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep touches your heart, please consider donating to the foundation. Remember that all photographers are volunteer. They donate their time and services to these families. Please click HERE for online donations. Or you can send a check to:

The Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation
7800 S. Elati St. #111
Littleton, CO 80120

All donations are tax deductible and you will be sent a receipt.
Thank you for reaching out.
Cheryl Haggard

CoFounder NILMDTS
When you do donate, please send me an email

so I can personally thank you.

cherhag@nilmdts.org

Finding My New Normal:

I found these quotes, don't know who started them, but I have taken the liberty of changing quite a few of them and adding new ones, to fit my needs personally.

Finding My New Normal

Normal for me is waking up every day, praying that this is all a bad dream.
Normal for me is going through my day, knowing that this is not what I had planned.
Normal is having tears waiting behind every smile knowing that someone important is missing from all the important events in my family's life.
Normal is pulling out images of my older children, at the age Maddux would be now, and trying to imagine who he would look like and what he would be doing.
Normal is having new friends, that also share a similiar loss, because all of my 'old' friends have stopped calling, because they don' know what to say.
Normal is seeing a bouquet of beautiful flowers, and then when I smell their fragrance, I am reminded once again of Maddux's death.
Normal is feeling like I can't sit another minute without getting up and screaming.
Normal is not sleeping very well because a thousand 'what ifs' and 'why's' go through my head constantly.
Normal is reliving the day Maddux died continuously through my eyes, mind and heart.
Normal is having those closest to me, tell me to 'get over it. Life is for the living.'
Normal is having the TV on the minute you walk into the house to have noise, otherwise the silence is deafening.
Normal is staring at every baby who looks like he would be Maddux's age and then thinking of the age he would be now and not being able to imagine it.
Normal is every happy event in my life always being backed up with sadness lurking close behind because of my broken heart.
Normal is telling the story of Maddux's death as if it were an everyday common place event, and then seeing the horror in someone's eyes at how awful it sounds, and yet realizing it has become a part of my "normal".
Normal is each year coming up with the difficult task of how to honor Maddux's memory and his birthday and survive those days, trying to find the balloon or remembrance card that fits the occasion. Happy Birthday? Not really...
Normal is wondering who I am going to upset, because of his memory.
Normal is my heart warming and yet sinking at the sight or sound of something special that reminds me of Maddux.
Normal is having some people afraid to even mention Maddux's name in fear of upsetting me.
Normal is making sure that others remember him.
Normal is that after Maddux's death, everyone else goes on with their lives but we continue to grieve his loss forever.
Normal is weeks, months and years after his death, the grieving sometimes gets worse, not better.
Normal is having those closest to me, not understand that.
Normal is listening to people compare events in their life to your loss. Losing a parent or grandparent is horrible, but having to bury your own child is unnatural. And, let's not talk about pets...
Normal is trying not to cry all day, because I know my mental health and my family's survival depends on it.
Normal is realizing that I do cry everyday and it is ok.
Normal is being impatient with everything and everyone.
Normal is feeling a closeness and common bond with friends on the internet in England, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and all over the USA, but never having met any of them face to face.
Normal is a new friendship with another grieving mother, talking and crying together over our children and our new lives.
Normal is not listening to people make excuses for God. "God may have done this because..." I love God. I know that Maddux is in Heaven, but hearing people try to make up excuses as to why babies are taken from their mothers is not appreciated and makes absolutely no sense to me.
Normal is being too tired to care if I paid the bills, cleaned the house, did the laundry or if there is any food in the house.
Normal is wondering this time whether I am going to say I have three children or four. Yet when I say I have three children to avoid the situation of explaining his death, I feel horrible as if I have betrayed Maddux.
Normal is wondering if Maddux's grandparents say they have five grandchildren or six.
Normal is asking God why he took my child's life instead of mine?
Normal is feeling that only death can take away my pain.
Normal is knowing I will never get over Maddux's death. Not in a day, nor the rest of my life.
Normal is hiding all the things that have become "normal" for me to feel, so that everyone else around me will think I am "normal."
Normal to me is thinking that you think I am crazy or that I've 'lost it.'

My friend Sarah sent this to me. I wanted to share this:
"Cheryl.. someone sent this to me on a scrapbook page, and I thought of Maddux....~Sarah"

"When God wants something great done in this world, He doesn't dispatch a legion of avenging angels; Neither does He call forth a whirlwind nor ignite the fuse of volcanic fireworks; No commandeneering of troops into to battle nor discharging zealous crusaders to holy causes; He does not orchestrate the hurst and boom of thunder nor display His fiery arrows' majesty across the sky to bring His purpose to pass. When God wants something done in this world...He sends a baby and then...He waits.
- Anita Robertson

In Remembrance 9/11

We hang our flag today in Honor and Remembrance of those who lost their lives September 11, 2001. We also hang our flag today, to remind others that our country is still at war, and to thank those who have lost their lives and continue to risk their lives to protect ours. I personally want to say thank you to their families also. They too, have sacrificed much.

In Peace,

The Haggard Family