Words cannot express my gratitude for the overwhelming response I have received since I launched AadenSage and wrote this blog post. My heart is in awe of God and how He has worked in my life.

Honestly, I am humbled to do such a big and important work. I am so grateful for Ms. Whitney English who, after seeing a huge need for such a ministry as this, she sweetly, and bravely, approached me about the possibility of taking on such a heavy task. AadenSage would not be in existence if it were not for her and I am forever grateful. Thank you to sweet Emily Ley for talking to me about my son  and his legacy over a super yummy dinner in Pensacola, Florida. You were gracious and thoughtful and it means a lot to a mama when bravely asked about your son who is no longer alive. Thank you to the amazing 612 ladies and our first planning meetings for AadenSage there on that Pensacola beach, tears and all… none of this would be taking place without your endless encouragement, inspiration and advice. I praise God for all of you ladies.

And then there are those who were with me from that very first phone call on November 15, you are the reason I am doing this… for all those mamas who don’t have best friends like you. Friends who send gifts on the 15th of every month for the first year because they know just how painful the mere mention of that number is. Friends who will sit and cry with you or laugh with you or stare into space with you or let you ramble about your fears and never get concerned that you might be going a little crazy. Friends who sacrificially and selflessly love expecting nothing in return.

And to those who have just recently joined this journey, thank you for taking on this burden even though you never knew my son. Thank you for praying with us and for us as October 8 and November 15 approaches every year. Thank you for the flowers and gift cards and crazy thoughtful gestures you do to let us know just how much we are loved.

My hope is that I will be able to teach and encourage others to do the same selfless, sacrificial acts for the ones they love.

To my sweet husband, thank you for being an endless amount of support and encouragement over the past 4 years and especially the last year as you have prayed with me and for me specifically about AadenSage. Thank you for being willing to enter into others’ pain with me again and again. You are a true reflection of Jesus to me and I love you.

And lastly, thank you for your encouraging words and your incredibly valuable prayers. My heart aches at the mere anticipation of the pain I will encounter.  So, please pray for strength and wisdom on my behalf. Mostly, pray for the families that I hope to help, that they would be met with grace, tenderness, compassion, and genuine love.