Joys and sorrow's of parenthood. A parent should never have to bury a child.

The last few days have shown me the highs and lows of being a parent.

Yesterday Sharon and I had the honor of attending a candle light memorial service in honor of Abbey Espinoza.

Abbey was a beautiful 13 year old who took her own life because of something some people posted on that box sitting rite in front of you. The box was slower then but had the same impact.

As Henry spoke I had very conflicted feelings.
My oldest daughter had a child born dead a few years back full term. Born dead.
She went to the hospital in labor. Dr. said "Rachael, this is going to take a while. Go home and try to get some sleep and we will have a baby in the morning"

The so happy to soon be parents arrived at the hospital  the next morning and 'they' couldn't find a heartbeat. Aurora had passed in the still of the night.

Rachael and Tim were devastated just as much as Michelle and Henry.
But the thoughts racing through my mind were intense.
We're Henry and Michelle the blessed ones? Were Tim and Rachael?

It was obvious by the crowd Abbey impacted many lives in her short journey. But her parents got the joy of knowing her heart and soul. To hear her laugh, to hear her cry. To kiss her knee and spank her butt.
They also have to remember a funeral and burial.

Would Tim and Rachael preferred to have 13 years with Aurora if they knew the price at the end. Or was it a blessing to never meet Aurora? To never have the memories of her laughing, crying, kissing knees and spanking butts. Tim and Rachael also had a funeral and a burial to remember.

Wow. Side bar. You weren't expecting such tough questions from Ace. Admit it.

But there is joy.
My buddy Kenny was there with his boys. I know he was touched to be with his boys and he feels joy for them being in his life. They were impacted by Abbey and never had even met her.

Henry and Michelle have two sweet kids. Well maybe not the boy. He is in that 15 year pain in the ass stage. Sarah the youngest is as sweet and caring and joyous child I have met in a long time.
I hope most days Henry and Michelle don't think about Abbey.

Tim and Rachael have two cute as hell little boys now. Newborn and 2. I LIKE 'EM ! They just bought their first house and are happy. I hope they don't remember Aurora every day.

This parent has never had to experience burying a child. Dads, grandparents and such yes, but never a child.

I've got to see my kids all grow to be happy adults.
And I saw Jimmy Buffett Saturday.