Introduction
Remember this?
It was the perfect double rainbow my sisters captured while following Joel from the first hospital to the NICU. I love it. Ever since that first day it stands as a reminder to me that God keeps his promises to his people. Just like the rainbow he sent Noah, some things never change. God’s faithfulness is forever.
I have wondered if Joel sent that back to us the minute he got to heaven; if his soul left long before we had the courage to let his little body rest. Heaven is mythical to most of us, and the Bible tells us so little about what it will be like. One of the things I have long speculated is that the moment we arrive we will just know. We won’t even bother God with all of our questions because we will have a perfect peace. We will know. I think Joel sent us that double rainbow because he knew. I think my son had a heart so big and so beautiful he had to send us a promise; he had to let us know of the joy and beauty left for us in this life. It has made me see him in a whole new light, and love him even more.
They call them Rainbow babies, the ones born to families after they send a child to heaven. I found this explanation and if you wrote it please let me know, I would love to give you credit.
Rainbow baby refers to the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does
not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears, it doesn't mean
the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath.
What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the
midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow
provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope.
I have lamented the burden of this child. The pressure of a perfect sibling gone on to Jesus, and the fear and love and frantic parenting mixture that this baby will know from the moment of conception. I worried about our Rainbow baby carrying all this, isn’t it just too much to ask?
God said, “Maybe for one, so I will send two”.
Internet, meet the Peppers. Our twins. Our miracles. Our double rainbow.
Hopefully making an appearance in August.
OH MY!!!!! I just got chills! YAHOO! Could NOT be happier for you!!!!
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Joyful tears!!!
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I am so stupidly, over the top happy for you. I am always praying...always, always praying and also I am forever loving you AND THE PEPPERS.
And I love rainbow babies, too. SO MUCH.
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I love them already. Just as much as I love their mama and big brother. Which is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much. Obviously.
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More excited than you know!!!!
Steph
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The Peppers??
No doubt this journey will be filled with anxiety and fear for both of you, but I also believe God gave you all of us to hold you strong.
Can't wait to watch that belly grow and see the miracles inside.
So go take a nap!
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Oh my sweet goodness Yeah!!
I read of your loss of your precious son. Your story still resonates. I'm so glad to once again stumble upon your blog to read this amazing news. So happy for you.
Looking forward to stumbling on here again and seeing those babes grow.
Praying.
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I am so glad I found you on twitter! What an incredible blessing!!!!
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whoa, like princess mikkimoto, i got goosebumps too. congratulations! two babies = twice the love! joel must have had a say in that.
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Congratulations!
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Congrats!!! I am so happy for you
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Oh my, so many congrats to you and the peppers!!! I can't wait to hear about your jouney. No doubt there will be falls, but we are all here to help you up. Yeah again!!
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OH MY GOSH!!!! I cannot BELIEVE that I am this OVER THE MOON HAPPY for someone I've never even met in real life!!! Crying tears of JOY JOY JOY for you!!! It's killing me that I can't run over and hug you!!!
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Crying like a fool at my desk at this happy news. I'll keep you and the Peppers in my prayers!
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I am crying... AND I ALREADY KNEW THIS. I am so stupid happy for you and I can't wait to meet the Peppers. And by meet, I don't mean like see on the internet, I mean you best be expecting me to show up in August.
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HOORAY! i can't wait to make your little peppers little clothes. congrats momma!!
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so excited for you and Leo.....what a blessing for you! Sweet little Joel will be watching over you and the peppers from now until the end of time!!!
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I am so, so, so excited for you and The Peppers! I can't even express how happy I am for you, and how much I am praying for you and for them and Oh, this is a good day.
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Chills. Tears welling.
Love the rainbow babies explanation. I imgaine Joel on one end and the twins on the other, turning it around and around like a jumprope or something.
I hope you seep up this joy. Just bask in it.
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So so happy for you. Crying again. So thankful for rainbow babies and for the babies who've gone before them. Love you, friend. So much.
Bri
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I'm sitting here just crying and crying because, oh, our God is so good. He is just so, so good. A rainbow -- He sends a rainbow.
I am praying for your new little babies, and I'm lifting you up as well.
You have such a beautiful heart, and your writing mirrors it wonderfully.
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Congratulations! You made my eyes well with tears....I was waiting, praying the end would be a baby and then what to the wonderment of my eyes...TWINS! Oh my goodness Joel and God have doubly blessed you and I couldn't be happier!
Love, Jen
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Oh my goodness, congratulations!!!!
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Oh What Joy!!! I am so crazy happy for you! I will keep you in thoughts and prayers as you anticipate this sweet double addition to your lives!!!
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Oh my goodness! Congratulations on your double blessing! Our God is awesome, His love and wonders never cease.
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The Peppers? That is the sweetest nickname ever. Congratulations! My heart is full for you.
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What a great post. I'm crying at my desk.
I am so happy for you. The kind of true genuine happiness that is often hard to feel for another person. I love you and I cannot wait to meet those Peppers!
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Chills over my entire body!!!! The Red and Green peppers will be here!! I, with the rest of the folks here are crying extremely happy tears.
Oh, Sara and
Leo........I don't have your writing ability to tell how excited I am.
God is good.
God is
GREAT
!!!!!
Shirley
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I am so happy for you and your little Peppers! Praying for all of you. YAY!
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God can certainly do immeasurably more that we could have ever thought or imagined! I have been lurking for a few weeks and follow you on Twitter but have never commented before... Congratulations! Prayers for a happy and safe pregnancy for you. Wow! Twins!
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