Make sure you take the time to wiggle with your kid(s) today.
Dan recorded this one morning and it's the sweetest thing ever. In the past few months, Dan and I have commented countless times how much fun it is to watch the three kids play together. We LOVED watching them all play together. LOVED it. Literally. We would always talk about how this was the best part of parenting and how we couldn't imagine having less than 3 kids... simply because of how much fun it was to watch the interaction and love between them. And yes, fights too of course. But those were more humourous than anything. We'd talk about how we looked forward to how they'd interact at X age... or how it would be so fun to continue watching Rocco and Matteo play ball together. Rocco always the thrower... Matteo always the catcher. I just honestly can NOT believe I won't ever again be able to see my three babies play together again. It breaks my heart over and over again.
Just wish I had recorded a million more things that somehow I didn't.
26 comments:
Jodi-
Thank you so much for sharing the video....I so wish I would have had the pleasure of meeting Matteo. I just dusted of my video camera and filmed my almost 4 year old daughter for the 2nd time:-) You and Dan are wonderful, amazing parents.
Thinking of you so much,
Nikki
Even before I read this post, I did take the time today...
With a 3 year old and 2 year old twins our house is always chaotic. There are many moments when they are pushing on that last nerve. Today we had one of those moments and I was about to lose my temper...then I thought of you and how you would give anything for that same kind of irritating moment with sweet little Matteo. Today Matteo made me a better mom, just thinking about him made me stop whatever I was doing because it was so not important. Instead we sat down and had a storytime. Of course it didn't last long as we are still working on sitting still for more than 30 seconds. But simply thinking of Matteo made me so grateful for those precious 30 seconds.
I am only writing this to you because you said somehow these comments seem to help. And so I just wanted to tell you that I continue to pray for your family and I wanted to thank you for sharing your thoughts and pain. Through you I am being a better mom, a more grateful mom. I pray that you will find comfort in your memories and soon your smiles will come more than your tears.
We received the news this morning from school and have been struggling all morning trying to find the words to express our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing your blog with us, as usual it reflects the beauty and spirit of the Martino family. You are all jewels that make this world a little brighter, which Metteo's spirit will continue to shine through you all. Every time I saw Matteo he was filled with pure joy and happiness, with your beautifully expressed words I promise to carry that forward in every moment. Especially when I am juggling too much and have to take a deep breath with Sofia and Giovanni, I will be reminded of how precious each moment is through Matteo's spirit. We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Please let us know how we can support you in the coming weeks. With all our love, the Limena's
I want you to know that I am so sorry for your loss. The videos are precious and I thank you for sharing. Take care & God Bless
HI Jodi,
Thank you for sharing this sweet video. I am a recent visitor to your blog and am so very sorry for your loss. My heart is heavy and aching for you and your sweet family. Please know that you are in my prayers and thoughts. Sweet Matteo will live on in moments such as this as parents remember to take the time to 'wiggle' with their kiddos. Big hugs and prayers to you.
I linked here from Nicole O'Dell's site, and by her urging. I have no words, and won't pretend to. I can give you my deepest sympathy and prayer. God bless. wb
Those videos are so sweet and memories you will cherish forever. Hold on to those memories in your heart and the joy Matteo had in life will someday bring a smile to your face again.
http://www.glowinthewoods.com/
Jodi, you don't know me, but I just wanted to point you in the direction of a website that may be of help to you and your husband, when you are ready or need it. I am so sorry for your loss.
This is a synopsis of the site:
"What is this place?
For parents of lost babies and potential of all kinds.
In the beginning you stagger, disoriented, through this storm.
We want to be a glow through the trees, a golden refuge of log and glass. Stumble up the steps, shake off the snow and the crust and the stiffness, cross the threshold to be encircled by figures welcoming, nodding, easing you to a roaring fire and piping hot tea and wine and whoopie pies and whatever else warms you from the inside out.
Sink into a battered old sofa, tuck your feet under your legs, a woodsmokey quilt around your shoulders, fingers wrapped around a hot mug,
and be with us.
One of us, only half-joking, said this will be a place where us medusas can take off our hats, none minding the sight of all the snakes. Because not only can we bear the sight of each other—we crave it.
Babylost mothers and fathers, this place is yours."
Jodi
Because of Matteo, I breathed tonight. I let my boys stay up late and I cuddled them in my recliner (even though they are getting a bit big for me to hold them both at once.)
Because of Matteo, I took the time to love on them, time I've taken way too much for granted in the past.
Because of Matteo, I freeze framed tonight in my memory.
Thank you for sharing Matteo's precious life, he'll be sitting on my heart and in my mind.
My prayers, my thoughts, are with you. There is no way to soften this blow. Just know I care.
I'm praying for you. My heart is broken into a million pieces for you and your family right now. I just can't even imagine.
I learned about your blog from my friend, Melissa. Just wanted to let you know how very sorry I am for the loss of your precious son. My prayers are with you all. God Bless!
Thank you for letting those of us who hadn't met Matteo in person see a glimpse into your family life with him. I'm sure you will cherish those videos forever. I can relate to so many of your grieving words Jodi. My heart is with you.
Abby
My heart really hurts for you, as I type this now tears fill my eyes. My oldest brother and his family lost his 3 year old son in 2003 when he accidently got tanggled in the mini blinds when he was suppose to be napping. I can hardly remember the days after with funeral and explaining everything to my neices. Since the terrible accident they have delivered 2 perfect boys. I will never forget Brendon just as you will never forget your son Matteo. There is never a day I dont think of him. My brothers family still suffers from the effects, but with God I know he will carry you these times. Strenghth is truly defined by perserving through rough times. My thoughts are with you and your family and all those whoo love Matteo.
We have been on an extended vacation, and I am just now catching up on blog. I was so saddened to see the news about Matteo. I can only imagine your extreme sadness at this time. What a blessing to have these videos, pictures and stories recorded on your blog. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I can't tell you how many hugs and kisses have been given to my girls simply because of Matteo.
Thank you for sharing these memories. You are in my thoughts multiple times each day and night.
I was informed of your loss through Joy Larkin's blog and I just came to tell you that I am so sorry that you have to go through this. I am so sorry that you have to feel this and live this.I wish this type of loss was not real and never happened to anyone. Loss is terrible, and I can't even imagine what it feels like to lose a child, I pray that I never know, and I am sorry that you now know. I know that God is good though, it may be hard to see that right now, but I do believe it. I lost a very close friend, more of a bother to me in September, he was married to my best friend, and they had a 1 yr old at the time. It was one of the worst pains I have ever felt. But I found that after I dealt with the initial pain of the loss, I felt more pain for his year old son. More pain for the child that is left behind, and I am sure you have felt similar pain for your children. Just know that it does get easier, the days will get easier, time will begin to heal portions of your heart, but there will always be a spot that will never heal, and you will cry, be sad and want nothing more than to change what happened. I hope that the healing begins for all of you, one small piece at a time, and that your new little miracle growing inside you can bring your family's heart some joy, and some confidence in the Lord. God works in strange ways, and I don't think we are capable of ever understanding any logic behind the things that he does, we just need faith and trust in him, that what he does is for a reason. I wish you nothing but comfort, good memories to fill your minds and love to fill your hearts. Lean on the ones that are close to you, time will heal and your beautiful son will live forever in your hearts... I wish your entire family peace in these trying months and years ahead...
Kayla Miller
Jodi...you don't know me, but I came across your blog while reading some other multiple blogs I read often and I want to let you know that sitting here in my dark computer room between tears straming down my face, I am reading the story of your boy. I am so sorry, no mother should ever have to go through what youy have. I hope you and your family are finding some comfort and knowing that your baby boy is now your angel forever.
As a motehr of twin boys, I grieve with you and extend my deepest condolences.
God bless you and your family.
Dan & Jodi,
I am an old friend of Patty's from highschool.I haven't stopped thinking about you since I heard your awful story. I have everyone I know and then some praying for you,myself included.I pray that God will envelop you with his Spirit and fill you with his Peace and Strength. I know tomorrow will be an unimaginable day for you. It is my hope that you will have moments of joy and happiness in the midst of sadness ,when you rememeber your time with Matteo. Although your time with him was much too short, everyday is a gift.And He will ALWAYS be with you.His spirit IS with you now.After reading your blog I am sure that he is teaching the Angels how to "Wiggle".
Blessings~Kerri(Thompson)Perry
Jodi, Hi! I am not so new to your blog but this is my first time to leave a comment. What a blessing your videos are and thank you for sharing them with us.
I am praying for you and your family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Just wanted you to know that I am thinking and praying for you all this morning. My husband and I are going to say a prayer together and have a moment of silence as I know it is the memorial today.
I linked to your blog from Joy Larkin's and have been heart broken for you, your kids and your family ever since I read. I actually haven't really slept either because I hurt so badly for you guys. I have held my baby tighter, loved her even more and cherished every fit she's thrown.
WHY???? Why did He have to take your baby? I hate it! It makes no sense, Matteo was so beautiful and perfect, just like your other children. You are so strong, amazing and inspiring. I hope Matteo is celebrated today and every day!
Gosh, I am just SO sorry!!!!!
Jodi -
My heart is broken for you. I wept as I read your blog and looked at pictures and video of your sweet boy Matteo. I watched a video of the boys a few months ago that you had posted on Facebook and had thought how precious they are and what a happy family you and Dan have started. I can't even fathom your sense of loss. It's so hard to not understand why.
I have a niece and nephew that are twins, so I can imagine how devastating the separation is for Rocco to lose his other half. So painful...for all of you. I pray through it all you draw near to God and let Him comfort and heal you in time.
I see such strength in you, and now even in how you are grieving so openly and honestly. You are an amazing woman and I know you will get through this!
I just realized the funeral is happening right now. My prayers are with you and your family.
Don't feel any obligation to respond...it's not about me! Just know that you are loved and cared about.
Angela Rightler
My thoughts are with you. So many times I too have put a tired and sick baby down to bed and never thinking if that would be the last time I saw him alive. I am so sad for you and I am so sorry for your loss. I have triplets and we had a scare this past February. One of them stopped breathing. Needless to say he is ok but your story takes my heart back to that day. Thank you for sharing
Journey through Grief
To find a safe journey through grief to growth does not mean one should forget the past. It means that on the journey we will need safe pathways so that remembrance, which may be painful, is possible.
You need to face the pain and the fear and walk through the Grief.
The path to healing from a loss is different for each person, one which may have many unexpected twists and turns,
but a road that has been traveled by many.
Grief is a journey, often perilous and without clear direction, that must be taken. The experience of grieving cannot be ordered or categorized, hurried or controlled, pushed aside or ignored indefinitely. It is inevitable as breathing, as change, as love. It may be postponed, but it will not be denied.
Hi. I am Melissa from S.C. I am so sorry about your loss. I have twin boys who are four months old today. My heart aches for you. I will say my prayers for you and your family tonight. I went back and read most of your blog this evening. You seem like a really nice person. Prayers to you and your family.
Melissa
Jodi,
I just found your blog and I am so sad for your tremendous loss. I have 21 mos. old triplets. I have been fidning myself grumpy and tired of all their fighting and whining. After reading of your tremendous loss I went in their rooms and held them and told them how much I love them. Because of Matteo I have had a lot more patience with them. I think about what a gift they are and not to forget that for one second. I think Matteo has done that for many of the parents reading your blog. What a precious little boy. I wish I could have known him. I thank you for sharing him with us and thank you that he helped me get my life in perspective and remember to treasure every single second I have with my children. Thank you little Matteo.
God Bless you all!
Heidi
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