There are three pictures in a frame, and a few dozen more waiting to be put in their place. We all want to remember Zoey how she was, her happy smiley self who loved her mom and dad and touched hearts of people she never met, so we surround ourselves with pictures. We are all dealing. We are all present and laughing when we can. I am the strong one who makes sure everyone is doing okay. I feel as though there will be some who wonder how I could laugh and smile as much as I do, just two days later. I choose to believe that if Zoey could speak, she'd tell us not to cry over this huge empty space in our lives, but to smile and be grateful for the puzzle piece that was no longer missing when she came into our lives five months too early. That piece is forever ours to keep, the memory of her is ours, her smiles are ours and always will be. This is why I let myself be the me that I was when she was here, because she still is here with me.
But with this loss comes the weight of having to put her things away, pack away clothes that she never got the chance to enjoy. And the weight of making arrangements and the stress that comes along with it. I used to not ask for help much, but I've found that it's okay to. There's no shame of asking for help when it is needed, so that's what I'm doing now. I'm asking for help. Not for me, but for my family and the people closest to Zoey. We need your thoughts, and we need your prayers, and as much as I hate to admit this, we need your financial support as well.
Zoey's parents have chosen to cremate her and, out of the goodness of people's hearts, the urns they have chosen for Zoey have already been paid for. The cost of the cremation is still an issue though, as are the funds to hold the memorial. It is very much appreciated if you could donate to help us all pay for these things. Every small amount helps, even if it's just $1. At the moment, you can donate via paypal by sending the money to [email protected]. Thank you so much for all you guys have done for us the past few days and months. Thank you for your thoughts, thank you for your prayers, and thank you for loving Zoey as much as I did.