One year,seven months

Around the 20th or 21st of each month, I try to share something on Facebook in honor of the anniversary of your homegoing. Here is what I shared this month.

This is kind of a long story but here goes: In Christmas of 2015, our dear friends the Beard family (tagged Beth Lovelace Beard) sent us an oak tree sapling in honor of Hayden (tagged you). Since it was winter, I took it out of the box and put it in the garage, thinking it was wrapped in dirt. When spring came and I unwrapped it, I noticed it was just wrapped in plastic, not in dirt. I put it in a pot of dirt and set it outside but I was heartbroken to not see any activity. I asked my horticulturist friend Margi (tagged her) to take a look at it and see if it had a chance and she said she didn't notice any buds on it, but she recommended I keep watering it and see what happened.

The first picture is from July 2016 when I was so happy to see a little sprig growing off of one of the roots. I brought it inside for the winter, and the picture on the left taken yesterday shows the growth since then. I am so excited to plant this in our yard this year! Thank you Beard family! Sorry I almost ruined it!

This to me is a picture of healing. When all seems desolate and barren, a little bit of hope can sprout and, if we nurture that tiny sprig, it can take on a strength of its own and eventually overwhelm our souls with God's healing power. #haydenstrongforever

Here's a reply from Beth Beard: I am crying as I read this, Andrea, not because you almost killed the tree (LOL) but because of you faith, strength, and testimony through this most difficult season of your lives. Strength, endurance, healing and health are all symbolic of the oak tree. That is why I chose this type of tree in Hayden's honor and memory. Love you all!

Also, Tammi Carr was the first to like the post and she commented "Amen" with a heart.

(I had a note by my notes on this that while I was on Facebook, my friendship with Gretchen popped up and said we had two mutual friends-and I know we have more than this-you and Brenda).