Without the rain there would never be rainbows. This is a quote that has been around for as long as I can remember, but it never struck real meaning with me until October of 2013. So today I am really pleased to be able to share this amazingly beautiful free printable with you, share a little bit about my new printer that I printed it on, and also share why this quote has such great meaning to me.
If you have been around here for a while, you know that in October 2013 we lost our son at 28 weeks. (You can read all about it here.) Back in 2013 I wrote a lot about our experiences and the little angel baby that came into our lives. I have been meaning to write his birth story, but I didn't, for many reasons. I worry about how posts like this will be perceived and I wasn't sure how to write about this experience with the amount of reverence and respect it truly deserves.
And while I won't share much, this little portion of his story needs to be told today. I have had several friends and family members ask if I was planning to finish my story and I always indicate my good intentions. And this has started to weigh heavily on me; that I needed to share more. So when I asked my amazing talented friend from Paperelli to design a spring printable for me, without any guidance at all, she picked the phrase, "without the rain there would never be rainbows." That's when I knew it really was time to write more. So please bare with me today as I get a little personal.
click HERE to download this free printable for personal use only
On October 17, 2013, a chilly and very dreary morning, my husband drove me to the hospital to give birth (although I didn't actually give birth until the 18th, but that's a story for another day). I was 28 weeks along, but we had already lost our son. Our spirits were as high as could be expected but I actually noticed that the dreary day reflected the somber mood in the car. We knew that heaven had just gotten an angel and we believe that he will always be a part of our family, but we were about to embark on one of the most difficult days we had ever had.
While my husband was driving and I was gazing out the window, a perfect, beautiful rainbow appeared. It was a complete rainbow that could be seen from end to end! A sight that is so rarely seen, yet on this morning, we could not have missed it. It took my breath away and I almost couldn't speak because the symbolism was so strong. We felt like this rainbow was just for us. We were coming close the the end of a challenging storm in our life, and here was our rainbow, our reminder of all the promises God has given us.
We both felt as if it was our own personal sign that God was aware of us on this day. That as we truly faced one of the most challenging things in our life, He was aware and He was with us. We were not alone.
Without the Rain there would never be Rainbows. We all have trials in our life and those times when our life is filled with rain, we need to remember that rainbows come only because of the rain. And with every hard trial, blessings and good things will come too. Sometimes we just have to look out our window and take the time to notice them.
That day, in the midst of the most difficult storm we had weathered, we were so grateful for the no-so-subtle reminder that God was with us and that even in the storms, there are always rainbows.
If you haven't read my other blog posts about our journey, please be sure to start HERE.
And feel free to download this super cute printable HERE
And isn't this printable just so beautiful! For the last several months I have been having all my printables printed at a local print shop. It is neither convenient nor cheap. But my printer has been giving me such issues! So when HP reached out to see if I wanted to try out one of their new printers with their Instant Ink program, I was absolutely thrilled at the chance! Thanks HP for making this post possible today and for helping me to get a little personal on my blog today!
I printed this beautiful printable on my new HP Envy 7640 and let me tell you it is a dream! It prints quickly and quietly (at least quicker and quieter then my last printer) and the colors are simply stunning! It was fairly quick to set up (although I had a slight complication getting my printer web enabled) but once I figured it out, I was able to print from anywhere!
The thing I love about this printer is that I am able to print from my computer (wirelessly) from my iPhone and iPad, and even remotely! Yes, I can be in another state and send something to my printer to print! It is pretty awesome! In fact, I actually printed this very print above from my iPhone just because I wanted to see how it worked. And honestly, the quality was so impressive! (I printed this on HP Everyday Glossy Photo Paper.)
I also am thrilled about their Instant Ink program. This only works on certain HP printers, but it is an awesome feature of this printer. They monitor the printer usage and for a monthly fee, automatically send me ink in the mail before I run out! Oh I can't tell you all the times I have run out of ink! This is such a convenient feature that I am so excited about! I am really happy to have a new printer that works seamlessly and fills all the needs we have!
And I am so grateful and touched to have this new printable in my house!
So now I want to know, have you had a time when a "rainbow" has appeared in your life after a storm? Leave a comment and share your story!
Here are all the posts in this series about our family's journey:
Rachel
{Hugs} What a beautiful story. I'm cuddling my rainbow baby right now.
Nice printable too. 🙂
Ashley Phipps
Thank you Rachel! Oh I am so happy you have a rainbow baby! 🙂 Hugs!
linda(burlap+blue)
What a beautiful story, Ashley! While I am heartbroken for the loss you experienced, I am grateful for a God that shows himself when we need it most! Also? That printable is adorable and I WANT, no, NEED, that printer!
Ashley Phipps
Oh thank you so much Linda! And thank you for your sweet kind comments. I appreciate you stopping by! Have a lovely day!
Debbie
Thanks for sharing, I can't imagine.
Hugs,
Debbie
Ashley Phipps
Thanks Debbie for your sweet words!
Shannon @ Fox Hollow Cottage
You went through something I wish nobody ever had to experience. So thankful you had your husband with you, and God by your side.
Laura
Thank you for sharing more of your story, Ashley. While I have never had to deal with anything like this, I am sure it will bring great comfort to others in a similar situation. To know that they are not alone. Hugs to you and your family for your loss.
xo,
Laura
[email protected]
Ashley, I love your rainbow story-I've been following you for quite some time and remember when you were going through this time...I remember praying for your family and admiring your strength and faith. I love this printable and will be printing it out for my homeschool room! {And thanks for the printer recommendation-I am in the market for a new one!}
Katie
Ashley--you are one of the strongest people I know. And this quote and printable is perfect for you. Thank you for sharing a little more into the day you headed to the hospital. And oh... that printer. I'm in a market for a new printer. I love HP and have always had HP printers... I think I'll be adding this to my birthday list! 🙂
Heather
Big hugs Ashley - what a wonderful post! Keeping you and your family in my heart and thoughts. HP is an amazing quality brand - this printer looks amazing. Mine has been giving me issues too - so frustrating! Love your printable!
Robin
Beautiful heart post my friend...thanks so much for sharing and for the darling and oh-so-meaningful printable xo
Eloquence
So true! And such a lovely printable to remember this by. I should put a copy of this by my desk for those hard days.
Emily
I clicked on your post because I loved the printable...then ended up reading all your past posts about your loss. I am so sorry for your loss, but thankful that you have hope and comfort in our Savior. The printable is much more beautiful after I know the story. God's blessings to you...
Rachel @ {i love} my disorganized life
Thank you for sharing such a tender place in your heart- I could never imagine what this would be like, but am grateful God was with you and your husband to comfort you when you needed it most.
Amanda
I absolutely love this. I can't wait for a rainy Spring day...we love to splash in the puddles!
[email protected]
So, so cute Ashley! I love it's simple, yet powerful statement! Thank you for sharing this fun printable! PINNED!
Jeanette
God bless you and may there be many more beautiful rainbows in your future. God always has a plan, but sometimes, we can't see it until he shines a rainbow down on us.
Brenna @ Life After Laundry
So true and so cute! Thanks for sharing this with the Tips & Tricks Link Party. Pinned!
[email protected]
What a beautiful printable and thanks for the great printer recommendation. I currently have a love hate relationship with mine. haha Thanks so much for linking up last week at Creativity Unleashed. You are my featured pick and are now in the running for MegaRockstar! I will be lobbying on your behalf on social media in hopes for the big win (haha, i may be slightly competitive). Anyway, thanks for linking up and hope you win! http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/creativity-unleashed-link-party/
Angie
I personally could not imagine this happening to me. You and your family are so very strong. I sit here and cry not only because it is a sad story, but because you are so very strong for telling it. You have 2 angel babies waiting for you on the other side, one you barely got to know and one you got to know for 28 weeks. They will forever be with you and your family, waiting. Bless you and your family.
Sherilyn
I inadvertantly saw a message that a friend had left me on face book back in oct of 2014. She mentioned that your story might be something I would be interested in. I am so glad that even though it took awhile, I was able to read about your experience.
I delivered a Trisomy 18 baby 21 years ago. I had no idea that she had any problems until after the birth. At times I was resentful that they hadn't noticed anything during the routine ultra sounds but then in retrospect I was grateful to have blisfully gone through the pregnancy without worry. After the birth and looking back, I was able to recognize many things that a busy mother with 3 children of my own and doing day care let slip by unnoticed. Of course there is much more to this story regarding the birth and those first few day after but suffice it to say we took her home not knowing if we should buy a 10 pack of diapers or larger. We were sent home to enjoy her for as long as we could. Every day we thought would be our last with her but then finally decided that she didn't have plans on leaving us any time soon so bought larger bags of diapers and planned on a future with her. Our sweet Morgan baby lived for 4 1/2 years and was such a blessing in our lives. Lots and lots and lots of work which brought just as many blessings. Her passing brought great sorrow but not once did I feel any resentment toward the lord. We simply felt so blessed to have had her for as long as we did.
I am so sorry that you didn't have the same opportunity to spend time with your angel baby but just like you, know that we will have the opportunity to be with them and love them as we have been promised. I look forward to that day with sweet anticipation.
Ashley Phipps
Thank you so much for stopping by today and for taking the time to share your sweet and tender story! I am so glad you were able to enjoy time with your sweet Morgan! What a blessing! So much love to you and your family!