I hope you’re having a beautiful day. ♡
Here’s another light-filled ¤ Gem ¤

Art Mother and Child by Niki Flow. For Benjamin, born just after 11 o’clock in the morning during a blizzard in Evanston, Illinois.  It was a beautiful day. ♡

Buttons for Benjamin (Update):  365 Small Acts of Kindness in Honor of My Missing Son, Benjamin Morse Archer

I’m still keeping my promise to do small acts of kindness for 365 days. I began on February 21st of this year, Ben’s birthday. I haven’t missed a day. The hardest part I knew would be documenting everything, and I was right. I was getting really overwhelmed and stressed by this.  I didn’t want to break my promise, so I compromised. I wouldn’t write anything down or post blogs, but I would keep my promise by checking in with myself each night before bedtime.

At first, I felt like a complete cop-out.  I had promised to do this publically.  I was so ashamed, I changed every blog that talked about Buttons for Benjamin into a private, admin-view only.  I don’t think anyone was judging me, though, except for me.  I’ll make those blogs public again as I get time this week.

I don’t go to sleep now without making sure I did some small act of kindness that day. There have been days when it’s simply me going to the mirror and saying, “You’re strong and awesome and I am proud of you.” That is a tough one for me, so I consider it an act of kindness when I can do it.  Most days, I get to light the darkness at little for others around me, too.

Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts since Benjamin disappeared 3 years and 93 days ago. The compassion and kindness since day 1 have been my raft in the storm.

So grateful.
♥.

(Later, same day)

PS I actually did this sketch for one of our Spotlight Saturday interviews with Dr. Bell from Sheltering Grace. I realized I had to let you know this because Sheltering Grace does beautiful work.  They help homeless pregnant women and their babies.  Dr. Bell was really generous with his time and answered my questions patiently.  I recolored this sketch today and added the frost and light.  I’ll never forget that beautiful, snowy morning Benny was born. I love this quote  It’s this way with every child, isn’t it? And with every beloved.  Their face, their voice, their laughter becomes dearer over time.

♥.