This weekend I received some news I knew was coming yet never wanted to hear. My friends child had passed away, disappeared into the hours of the morning leaving behind a heartbroken mother. My friend knew she didn’t have forever but was praying desperately for one more day.
One more day.
How often I would wish for Livvy one more day, one more hug, one more giggle.
How often do i allow grief to consume my heart?
Too often .
This last week I have been camping in a special field in Shropshire, the field itself isn’t rather special but for a week or two each year it transforms into something rather remarkable.
From the grassy emptiness it becomes full with love, laughter and friendship.
It overflows with energy, life and living.
For this time each year this field becomes a place where friendships are forged in life experiences.
This field becomes a place where children the world tells cannot, CAN.
This field is rather dangerous though, it is rife with infection, a infectious disease known as hope.
It creeps up into your soul and you start to believe that anything is possible.
Children who can not communicate start to talk, children who cannot walk take steps.
Parents close to breaking become refreshed, families divided are reunited.
This field has no barriers, its a place where everyone gets to be exactly who they were made to be. Not everyone gets on but there is a freedom in acceptance. We are all walking our own pathways and sometimes they can be overwhelming, but here on this field thats ok. You can cry, scream or break down, complete in the knowledge that we all get it.
Over the last week I have become a people watcher, I have observed shy children blossom in confidence, from the first awkward hello to beginnings of life long friendships.
From fire pits to bouncy castles friendship has flowed around this field, some already a lifetime in the making, others being created in that moment.
I have heard so much laughter than even in my grief it has lifted my spirit.
We have had fancy dress from the cute to the never to be unseen, quiz nights, animals and magic. We have hosted our own special Olympics with a level of competitiveness and determination I still can not get over. A child may not be able to walk but they can scream with joy at whizzing over the ground determined to get a medal on their chest.
A balloon release so painful yet so beautiful, how can the most painful part of the week be the most amazing? My heart breaks as I watch those balloons lift up into the sky, my soul aches for my Livvy so desperately I can hear it scream. Yet as my eyes drop to those around me I am struck by how wonderful life is. How everyone standing there beside me gets it somehow. Some may have experienced a loss, others may live in fear of it.
Yet fear of death isn’t found on this field, fear isn’t welcome here.
This field, this camp is about living.
Its about packing life into every moment.
Its about cherishing one another and holding on to what really matters.
The world isn’t allowed on our field, for a week each year we are protected from the daily battles our lives bring to our doors. People who don’t understand don’t visit this sacred place, every chair is filled with people that understand or accept.
Different struggles, different issues, different lives but we are united in our love, our love for our unique wonderful courageous children.
Our special kids.
- A big thank you to all at Lower Lacon caravan park for looking after our special field for us all. For welcoming us in a way I have never experienced on any campsite anywhere else and for also being just truly wonderful people that I am pleased to call my friends.
Rebel with kindness 