Candles of Hope

A couple weeks ago I got a package in the mail from a name I didn't know. The package turned out to be a care package from a fellow TTTS mom, one who had one angel and one survivor.

In the package was many different things - fuzzy socks, Hershey kisses & hugs, coffee beans, a journal, a book, a photo frame, a cross tea light candle holder and  tea lights

and three candles

I was overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness and love that when into this care package, I hope one day I can send one to a family in need of love and support. 

But let me go back to the candles. 

I have always loved candles! Anyone who knows me knows that I love candles!

I had heard of people having "memory candles" for their babies that they light only on special days and thought this was a neat idea, but didn't know how to find the right candles. 

Then in dawned on me, I already had the right candles. 

We had candles for each baby-2 pink candles for Leah and Rachel and 1 brown candle for Gabriel. 

Yesterday, I decided to clear our mantel of all the cards and decided I would display these candles, along with other gifts that had been given to us. 

It's probably difficult to see, so let me walk you through what is on our mantel. 

On the far left is the carnation that was given to us the day after our babies were born.  

Next is the "Angel of Hope" given to us by our dear friends Anna and Jeff (normally I don't care too much for the "faceless people," but this one is perfect!)

Then are the candles for Leah, Rachel and Gabriel, in that order-birth order. 

Then the cross tea light holder. 

As I was looking at all these and thinking about when I would like these candles, it dawned on me that in my care package was a pack of 12 tea light candles. 

I have decided that I will use one tea light candle on the 27th of every month for the  next year to honor and remember our beloved children. As the tea light is burning, I will also burn "their" candles. 

Tonight we burned these candles. 

It may not seem like much, but the simple act of lighting a candle gave me a moment to reflect on each one individually. 

Their lights burn ever so brightly. 

And tonight, they remind me that these candles, just like the angel, are candles of peace, love and especially hope.