For Roine

I had no idea how to start this entry. I knew it needed to be special. I looked back onto my previous entry, dated 11 days ago, and the title was "Tis the Season to feel Blessed." The word "blessed" stayed in my head. Then it came to me. Only 11 days ago my adopted grandmother Roine, wrote on my facebook wall the following message after seeing the photo of my boys sitting on Santa's lap; "Oh Emily! How you are blessed! There certaintly is a God to have blessed you so. They are absolutely perfect and you are such a good mother! How would we ever have known that you three (you, Nick and God) would be given such a gift. Good job. Love Roine. 

2 days ago, Roine passed away.  My neighbor, adopted grandmother and mother to My mother. Her family was ours. Still is and always will be. She was an example of a beautiful, faithful and loving woman. The example she led was extraordinary. 

When I was 6 months pregnant with Jacob and Liam, I went into Premature labor the day of my baby shower. Later that evening, while I was in the hospital and after my mom opened my gifts so everyone could get a glimpse of the baby blue presents people had purchased, I was told that Roine had said the prayer during my shower. I felt an immediate gratitude and sense of comfort. I knew my babies would be ok. Growing up, there were a few times when I needed a little comfort. Roine's hug never let me down. 


Tonight, as I put my 2 boys to bed. I plugged in their night lights. Their baby shower gifts from Great Grandma Roine. Shaped like an angel, it reads "An angel is watching over you."

 Roine meeting Jacob & Liam for the 1st time