How often do you count your blessings?
With blessings come reflections.
My reflections are of who I am, where I've been, where I'm going, who has been part of my journey, and who has not.
Being a freelance writer, words run through my mind with ease, straight down to my fingertips, without hesitation.
I have been staring at this screen for hours. Typing, deleting, re-typing and doing it over and over again.
Sometimes, there is no perfect literary arrangement.
We as bloggers travel through cyberspace, seeking fashion & decorating ideas, beauty and makeup advice, even hopes to peek into the closets of some of our closest cyber friends.
To me, "following" a fellow blogger isn't just about seeing the latest and greatest outfit or shoes they are sporting on a particular day. It is about developing relationships and learning about people who share the same interests and passions as I do.
It's about sharing more than just their clothing choices and handbags, its about sharing a piece of their lives with me.
You have not randomly landed on the wrong blog. You are in the right place.
You are at my new blog which symbolizes the memory of my son Alex.
Alex passed away in October of 2000.
He had spinal meningitis from a routine earache. He was in a coma within hours, and left this earth, and me, just two short days later.
He was my first born, my loving son, my world.
Alex's symbol in my life, is the dragonfly. I have seen them every Spring and Summer since the day of his death. I believe it's his way of letting me know that he is still with me, "following" me in everything that I do.
The dragonfly represents renewal, positive forces and the power of life.
How fitting that I honor Alex with "his dragonfly" that I will now get to see everyday.
Thanks to the wonderfully talented Shari from Little Blue Deer
I now have a new header, new tabs in my sidebar and many exciting things coming your way!
You have been re-directed to my own domain, and I am now the owner of *statementsinfashion.net*
You have been re-directed to my own domain, and I am now the owner of *statementsinfashion.net*
My new page is very much a reflection of what is still to come, and the blessings I feel from each and every one of you everyday:)
A dragonfly lives a very short life and it tries to live it's life to the fullest with what it has.
Alex did just that.
Scrapbook page of Alex & Chloe
Alex's Gift of Life Organ Donor Quilt Square
57 comments:
Oh sweetie, I am in tears here. I am so so sorry for your loss. What a tragedy. And how beautiful that you're honoring him in this way. Funny about dragonflies. My best friend passed away in April of 2009 and she always loved dragonflies. Even got one tattooed on her ankle a few months before she died. One day when I was visiting her grave as I went to get into my car a dragonfly landed on my windshield and ended up following my car out o the cemetery. And a few other times when I've needed help or was missing her they've appeared.
I have a dragonfly ornament that I bought in London right after she died that I keep clipped onto my curtains in my living room to be reminded of her.
I truly believe that is his way of letting you know that he's still with you. xoxo
Oh and beautiful new look here. Shari did a wonderful job!
This post brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing the memory of Alex with us.
Oh such a sincere post ... really admire you for letting your thoughts and feelings out on your blog. It really makes bloggers more connected to each other.
Love the new layout :)
xx
This was such a thoughtful and moving meditation on a personal tragedy. I can't even imagine the heartbreak and sadness that the death of a child must cause but it's beautiful that you honor his memory in this way and are able to share like this with your readers. Thank you for this.
xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com
Thank you so much for sharing something so personal with us. I'm so sorry for your loss.
What a thoughtful, beautiful and moving tribute to Alex. I'm so sorry he lived such a short life but I can see that he wouldn't have been more loved having you as his mother.
I shall think of you and your beloved son whenever I see a dragonfly for the rest of my days. xxx
PS Shari has done you proud.
this is such a touching post and i'm dearly sorry for your loss. but i love the new dragonfly design and the meaning behind the image. thank you so much for sharing this with us.
cuteandlittle.com
Ohhh...Im in tears right now...What a beautiful post. Darling, Im so very sorry for your loss and what a heartwarming and sweet tribute to your son. I so want to give you a big hug right now...Sending my love your way. Kisses,sweetie
What a touching, warm, and heartfelt post. I am so sorry for your loss of you son. I love how you are honoring his memory and spirit with your new new header and layout. I saw it and it made me smile and feel good. Now I know why. Thank you for sharing this bit of your life with us.
Wow, what a beautiful post. I can't imagine how hard that must have been and must still be. The dragonfly is such a perfect symbol for your wonderful son and his vibrant life.
xoxo
Sophi
This story brings tears to my eyes every single time I read it Collette. Thanks for your email once again. Now your son Alex can be a part of your success, comfort your soul and see you every day on this blog.
This may be the most beautiful post I have ever read. The emotions are so real and raw and you express yourself perfectly. I am so sorry for your family's loss and I think it is beautiful that you are honoring your son this way.
This post is amazing Collette. I was so touched that I just shared it with my entire office, I hope you don't mind. Love the dragonflies and the meaning behind them.
http://www.afashionfixation.blogspot.com
Wow... I am all teary... I am SO sorry to hear that you had this kind of challenge in your life. I can't even come up with words or even imagine what that must have been like for you. thanks for sharing this, and your ongoing generosity just in who you are!!!
xoxox J
This new layout is a touching and beautiful tribute to your son. I can't even imagine what you went through, probably still go through, but I hope this brings you healing, love. It brings a tear to my eye! I'm so glad you shared this. You are an inspiration to me, and so many others that read your work. Keep being that amazing girl that you are!
xo,
Jenna
What an honest, touching post. It's really beautiful that you have incorporated a dragonfly into your site in memory of your son.
This is wonderful! Tears came to my eyes...Sorry for your loss, but thanks so much for sharing this. What a strong woman you are! I'm glad that I have found you here in the blogosphere...Keep doing the wonderful things that you are doing...and thanks again for sharing xoxo
I am so sorry for your loss. I love that you are incorporating your boy into this blog, what a awesome way to keep his memory alive.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh girl, it's beautiful!!! She did a wonderful job and such a special way to remember your son! Love you sweets!!!
x♥x♥x♥,
Wen
My Etsy Shop ♥
My Blog ♥
Wow....thank you for that! You are remarkable and I love that you share you magic with all of us.
As everyone is saying here, thank you for this post to remind us how precious life is. So sorry for your loss. I can't imagine.
Your writing is beautiful and I'm so glad that you have blessed us with your words and message.
Oh my God Collette, I'm actually crying as I write this.
This post is so touching and your tragedy is terrible, I really don't know what to say...
You are an amazing woman, and you deserve all the success you're having, and the love of all your followers.
xxx
Vikki
http://stylometre.blogspot.com
what a seriously beautiful thing to write about him. I'm so sorry that happened. huge bear hug from me :)
Collette! This was painful to hear from this side. But as I read your words I suddenly realized what the dark soulful shadow is that appears in your photos.
I can understand your loss, but in a much smaller way. I gave up my daughter at birth. I will carry that loss forever. I have shared back with you a painful memory that I haven't shared with some of my closest friends.
What a marvelous and healing idea to dedicate your new blog to your child and create a beautiful graphic to remember him.
You have a passionate spirit that guides you.
Laura
Anthro Closet Chaos
I don't know what to say. I have tears in my eyes. Thanks for sharing this and I also want to thank you for inspiring me. You are the best.
And your new lay-out rocks.
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss.
I shall think of you and your son and lovely daughter whenever I see a dragonfly. Thank you for sharing this story.
Simply beautiful, my dear friend.
They say we all come into each other's lives for a reason and that we all have a mission here in this Life. I believe you have come to understand that and yet, still, I cannot bear that you, my dear, had to endure such an immense loss. However, you know he is always with you, watching over you and inspiring you.
BTW: seeing as how it is Thanksgiving Eve, I must say I am thankful for all the years our friendship has existed and to have reconnected with you. I love watching / reading your success here!!
xo ~ s
It's with tears in my eyes that I write this. That was so powerful. I know Alex is still with you every day and I know he's very proud of you. I am honored to be one of your followers and your sweetness shines through every time I read one of your entries.
This was so beautifully written! I am so glad I am a follower of your blog. You inspire me. So sorry also to hear about this! I can't imagine how it feels, but I am proud of your outlook!
Thank you for this!
I had no idea. Thank you so much for sharing about him with us.
Sitting here travelling out of town for the weekend when I read your heart-breaking post. I'm so sorry such a tragedy happened in your life, love. There is so much that we just don't know here in this earthbound life, as your story shows us. So much more than we humans can even begin to comprehend. Your blog design with the logo being the symbol of your son's communication is so amazing and lovely!
what a beautiful post and thank you for sharing such deep feelings and emotions with us. wow-i am at a loss for words. i am so happy i met you through twitter and the blogging world and look forward to getting to know you more. I adore you more and more every day.
Hugs to you---
and i love your new look. I too will now think of Alex every time I visit and see the dragonfly.
luv,
gina
Collette, thank you for sharing this with all of us. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you must have felt when you lost Alex, but can say that I am truly sorry and that my heart goes out to you. I hope you have a wonderful evening and a beautiful Thanksgiving day tomorrow. :)
Awh, Collette, my eyes are so teary I can barely type. My kids drive me nuts, but if I lost one of them...I don't know how I would go on. I feel like I've jumped off a cliff, helpless, dizzy, freefalling, when I even *think* about it.
My admiration to you for seeking the beauty, creativity, friendships, and success this world has to offer despite your long quiet grief. Wherever he is, Alex must be so proud of his glowing, charming, yet business-sharp mom!
Collette, I knew there was something special about you...I just could not put my finger on it. We have corresponded back and forth for just a few short weeks but you reaching out to me and following my little blog without hesitation has brought me joy and hope that my blog is good enough for people to follow. You give of yourself through your words and photos so freely and with such fervor that you leave people feeling like they have just been hugged. I remember when you first left me a comment on my blog, I was sitting with my husband and I got so excited that this beautiful, bohemian, hip, super stylish, woman with a ton of success and followers was leaving me a comment...I turned to him and said isn't she so pretty....he agreed with me. I work at a Children's Hospital and witness a lot of sadness throughout my day but still can only imagine the magnitude of your loss. Thank you for kindness and for sharing a part of your son's life with us. Admirably, Dawn
This is so touching and so sweet. You've live thru something we all fear and hope to never face. Bless your heart and Alex's.
I do love this new layout. I wondered earlier today why I couldn't get to your site!
Have a happy Thanksgiving, sweetie.
Amazing post!!!
we are trying to find the brand of the clothes, accessories and shoes we saw on internet or anywhere. help us, or send us something you want our blog to find. it's easy and simple :)
http://howcanufind.blogspot.com
I am very touched by your post today and honored that you shared it with your fellow bloggers.
The new graphics are great and I look forward to seeing what next on your journey.
Happy Thanksgiving
Brett
Sending a hug. Thanks for sharing this will all of us. I know it must have been hard to write this.
Congrats on you own website.
http://amyfashionblog52.blogspot.com/
I'm so sorry to hear about your son. That's so incredibly sad, but so nice that your new blog now acts as a little reminder that he is with you through the dragonfly. The new design looks great, dear! xo.
Collette this post just breaks my heart. I cannot imagine the loss of a child what a terrible thing, I am sorry for your loss. What you have written about him is beautiful! Thank you for sharing such a personal story and how you have found light in a difficult situation. All my love and compassion go out to you!
Collette, this is such a touching post. I am definitely empathetic and although I've never had a child, I can only imagine the searing sense of loss. You're a strong woman and I'm joyful to know that you have been blessed with a daughter as well. :)
Oh Collette,
I had no idea and there are no words that can be said at the face of such loss. I have a son who is my firstborn and I can't even begin to comprehend such thought. I am so touched by your story and your outlook to his memory.
Thank you for sharing such a personal part of your life with us. I can't imagine that kind of loss, and I'm sure the decision to open up about it here wasn't an easy one, but now I know what a strong woman you truly are. This is a wonderful way to honor Alex's memory!
Collette,
Thank you so much for opening up your heart to us. I feel like I've known you for years. Weird how that happens. But I'm grateful that you reached out to me and were so welcoming when I started my blog.
I'm saddened to hear about your loss. And really touched by your honoring Alex this way.
Love you,
Tracy
Collette, thanks for sharing. I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I love the representation of the dragonfly and hope you see them often. I love your new blog redesign, it's wonderful. Now everytime I see a dragonfly I will think of you and Alex too. xo
What a beautiful post! Your little guy was certainly loved :)
What a beautiful post! And a wonderful way to symbolize him... The new look is gorgeous. <3
This was beautiful. It's wonderful for you to share about him. Your header looks great and I think a dragonfly is the perfect symbol for him. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Collette!
What a beautiful way to remember your son.
I will think of him, too, now whenever I see a dragonfly.
I missed what you wrote about your son Alex. I cannot, I do not want to imagen the pain of his loss, and I am amazed how you have come out of this tragedy creating a blog.
I am certain that you son is very near.
From today, my friend, I see you in another light.
Un abrazo siempre.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Oh Collette. You've honored his memory so beautifully.
You are such a wonderful friend and I can only imagine how even more wonderful of a mother you were to him (and still are to your daughter!).
I'm so thankful for you! I'm thinking about you and praying for you right now!
Wow Collette, as a mom I can only imagine your grief. I truly admire your positive outlook. My sisters husband of 12 years passed away last spring, there is a certain song that when I hear it on the radio, I play it as loud as I can, cry my eyes out, and know he's watching over me. xoxo
I don't think I can say any more than what others have already said, but Collette, this post was beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss--I can't begin to imagine all you've been through. But your positive energy and kind words inspire people every day, and I'm sure your son would be proud of his awesome mom :)
Thank you so much for sharing this emotional and touching story about your son. He sounds like a truly wonderful person and someone who can really inspire us all to live our lives to the fullest and not take anything for granted. I hope this spring and summer bring an abundance of dragonflies as a beautiful reminder of your son.
Oh Colette - I got so emotional reading this! (I know I'm a little late, having been away from internet since Thanksgiving). What a beautiful way to remember your son. I always loved dragonflies and think there's something important about the symbolic things we associate with loved ones (my father died suddenly almost 1 year ago, and I always thought of him along with birds, since he was always taking care of hungry or injured birds - when he died, so so many birds showed up and formed a strange but beautiful circle around his grave).
I love this tribute to your own loved one. Thank you for sharing and hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, dear.
Oh my gosh Collette I am so sorry to hear that this took your son, but what a beautiful way to remember him everyday. I am so honored to get to be a part of it just by being a part of this blog and reading it everyday. It is a beautiful thing that you have started and look at how it has grown and what a blessing you have been to so many people already. THere is so much to come your way!
I am so sorry for your loss and I cannot even begin to imagine what you have gone through. But I do know that you are such a strong, beautiful and talented woman and I am so glad to know you!
Hugs, kisses and more hugs!
Angela
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