#doitforCJ

Because I refer to him often and use #doitforCJ daily, it's only appropriate to explain who CJ is and what the hash tag is. In August of 2013 my Mom delivered the most beautiful baby boy I have ever seen. His chubby cheeks and adorable button nose, all 3lbs 10oz of him were perfect. Except... Christian was still born. He never took a breath but instead was given his angel wings earlier than expected. I will never forget holding my little man in my arms. He was simply perfect and will always hold a place in my heart. I will never love a man the way I love my little brother. I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to hold and whisper secrets to him. That's a moment that no one will ever be able to take away from me.

I spoke about the things that Christian taught me at his funeral. Let that sink in for a moment. I, his older sister, spoke about the things he taught me and he never even took a breath. He taught me to be patient, waiting for his arrival was driving me crazy but eventually I learned to be more patient. I learned responsibility, because Mom wasn't able to work during the pregnancy that meant she also wasn't moving around a lot. So I had to make sure things were getting done around the house and that everyone was where they needed to be.  I learned how to de decisive, something that isn't my strong suit. Sometimes a decision such as what was for dinner needed to be made, and being the oldest that fell on my shoulders to take care of. I learned to be dependable, my parents had to rely on me a lot with my younger sisters and also helping out Mom. But the most important thing I learned from CJ was how to love.

 

Even to this day, we have seen amazing things from the love that Christian spread and continues to spread. Never were we expecting to have almost 100 people show up for Christian's funeral, but there were. We didn't expect flowers/cards sent to the house that week, but there were... and not only that week but for weeks to come. We didn't expect the support that we received. At all. And all of that is CJ's love. That little boy touched more hearts than we could ever imagine, and he continues to do so as we share his/our story with people.

 

After Christian's funeral I made it my mission to do my best for him. He was never given a chance and it only seemed right to give my best plus some for him, you could almost say in his honor. So every practice, every extra workout, every coffee that was bought for a stranger, every random act of kindness was for CJ and I wanted people to know it. So came #doitforCJ. Now, its used by my sisters, parents, and even strangers who have followed our story through his Facebook page. People are doing things in CJ's honor everyday and it makes me smile just to think about it.

 

So, I challenge you... do something good for someone least expecting it... and #doitforCJ.