Christmas letter to Landry

Dear Landry,

Merry Christmas little angel!  Dad was so busy this fall building new corrals that he almost missed getting the lights up.  He finally got them up to tell you Merry Christmas.  We hope you enjoy them again this year.  We added an angel to the collection of lights this year and it reminds me of you, our angel in heaven.

This year our gift to you still hasn't been sent because there were so many worthy causes to chose from.  Since it is in behalf of you, it needs to feel just right.  Today we finally felt right about who the gift should go to.  His name is Cooper, he is 2 years old and has SMA.  He has been in the hospital and was even there for Christmas.  Our hearts break for Cooper and his Mom, not only does he have SMA and has been sick, last week his Dad died in a car accident.  I am sure his special Daddy is up there with you now.  We would like to give Cooper and his Mom a little Christmas cheer in honor of your name even though it will be late.

We are so grateful for you being a part of our family.  You weren't here very long but you sure made an impact on our family that will last forever.  Your sweet little determined soul will never be forgotten.

My arms ache to hold you again, but I know you will stay near and watch over us; helping us get back to you and our Heavenly Father one day.  How grateful I am for His plan of salvation, knowing that I will see you again and knowing where you are and that you are taken care of.

Lots of Love

Mom



We never got to spend Christmas with you so I had to add a little Christmas to you!

Merry Christmas little man! We love you and always will.



Remembering Daniel

Dearest Daniel

Our hearts are saddened for your sweet mom and dad knowing that you are no longer here with them.  Even though you are in heaven please stay near them and help them along the journey of life that they still have to endure.  We know you are happy and free from this world and that you are playing with all the other little angels in heaven.

We always wanted to meet you in person but it never happened.  You were such a sweet boy and it showed in the many pictures we got of see of you.  Owen loves seeing your pictures, they always make him smile.  You seem to make everyone smile.  Thank you for all the smiles and kisses you sent from afar.  You will always be in our hearts because you are so dear to our family.  We will never forget you and what a strong little boy you were.  I know that now you are a perfect angel and will never suffer again!

Because of you, Daniel, we vow to always try to be better.  When Owen was still in the NICU at Primary's he received some cute balloons and the tag read: "Hang in there, Buddy! Your friend Daniel".  I know you had some help in sending those balloons, they made our day, not just Owen's.  Because of those balloons and sweet gesture we send balloons to children during their stay at Primary's.  I hope they make their day as your balloons made ours.

You fought a hard fight and did it with a smile!  You are loved and missed by many.  We pray for your family that they will feel the Lord's comforting love as they mourn their sweet little boy.

We may never see new cute pictures, but we will remember you each time we see a sunset.  Keep sending your love, smiles and kisses and we will be watching and waiting down here.

Lots of love,
The Johnson's
Lenn, Gayle, Bentley, Abby, Owen and angel Landry

Always near my heart

I wear my Landry necklace whenever I leave the house....I love it!

I received this in the mail 2 1/2 years ago from someone who chose not be known.  How grateful I am to this person.  Wearing this Landry's charm reminds me that he is never too far away.

I am so thankful for all the great people that have blessed my life in many ways.

How thoughtful you have been!  We have received anonymous gifts and they have been so nice but I hate not being able to thank who they came from.  If you are one that has sent one of these gifts, thank you very much for your love and thoughtfulness towards my family.

Another tender mercy

Unbelievable, two years ago I had this picture on my phone.  I took this during his car seat trial before we could leave the hospital.  I thought it was just the cutest picture.  He was so precious that day!  Lenn dropped me off to do a checklist of things before we could take Landry home.  I guess Lenn figured he passed all the tests with Owen and didn't need to repeat them!  So he left me there, which was fine by me but it is funny the things that bother you.  I look at this picture and remember how when Lenn left he took all Landry's cute blankets with him, so all of his take home pictures are with the lovely hospital blankets!

I am sure I am crazy, but that is what I thought of after seeing this picture again.  But the tender mercy with this picture is that 2 years ago I was watering lambs and my phone fell into the water bucket!  I tried to dry it out but no luck!  It was ruined.  Then this last weekend my darling older children accidentally locked my current phone so I was looking for an old one to use in its place.  I turned this old phone on just incase and crazy enough it worked!  I hurried and got this picture to my email before it decided not to work again.

I just love this little guy!!