The Maughans: June 27, 2008

Two years ago today I met the most amazing man. I'm lucky enough to call him my grandson.

McKallister Vance Hinckley was born still. He never opened his eyes, cried or even pooped. But his "life" has touched many people, including myself.

He must have known he wouldn't be able to share experiences here on earth with us because he sure let us know his personality while in utero. We know he would have been big! And I think it's safe to say his personality would have been large as well! I'm so grateful for those few months I got to be his Nanny - even if it was through the stretched out skin of his mom's tummy. That may sound odd to some who have never experienced the beauty of a stillborn, but it's so true.

The day that he was born was the greatest day of my life. Honestly! I was witness to the miracle of birth and how fragile life is. I also witnessed how close the spirit world is to ours, as I could feel his presence in the room as a comfort to all who were there. (At first I wrote to all who loved him, but that's not true because even the nurses commented on the "feeling" that was in that room.) What a strength to my testimony on eternal families, and what a reminder to me of how much I love my whole family and want to spend eternity with them. Every day I think of Mac, and everyday I thank my Heavenly Father for being his grandma, as well as Mike's wife, and mom to a great group of kids!!

Now - two years later - I wish him a very happy birthday! No cake for him to squish around in his fingers. No candles. No gifts to rip open. But a lot of loving thoughts, and even a happy birthday song sung by me and Alex - complete with the "cha-cha-chas" -while we visited him at his park.

His gravestone looked great, albeit crooked. Someone must have known it was a special day for him and cleaned him up a little bit. (Sorry this pic is sideways. Me and my computer skills!)

We left him a brightly colored balloon, with a little message from Nanny, Papa Joe, and Alex. I loved the chubby fingers holding up their number 2. I saw it in the store and just knew that would be Mac, holding up his thick hands to proudly tell everyone how old he is.

We also left him a truck. He was going to be all boy, and what little boy doesn't love trucks! He would have loved crawling around in the dirt pushing trucks and tractors around. Heck! I would have loved doing it with him!!

And before we left I looked around at all his friends. I've said it before, but Mac's park (aka the cemetery) is a very calming place. To be surrounded by little angels who have lived a very short time or were born still like Mac has got to be as close to heaven as we can get without being in the temple. And as I glanced around, I noticed a little message from my boy.....

...a bunch of mushrooms! A little kiss from heaven to anyone who needs one. I maybe can't give this kid a hug, a kiss, or even a birthday present, but I like to think these shrooms are just for me. They're his way of telling me "I love you!"