Birthdays and Homecomings

February 5, 2008

Four years ago, I was celebrating a very special little girls 8th birthday.  My life had become consumed with caring and loving my dear friend and her beautiful daughter.  We knew that this would be the last earthly birthday she would have and we set out to make it the best possible day.  I think that we succeeded in making her day special, bright and cheerful even as the weather was doom and gloom outside.  We had actually started the birthday festivities the night before and carried them over into her actual birthday.  I remember it all so vividly- from the decorations, to the cake, to the kiss of shared lip gloss...

February 5,  2012

Today, I attended the funeral of one of Ethan's former classmates' 4 year old cousin, Joel.  It was a beautiful service with a loving tribute given by Joel's father, Kevin.  I admired his strength and composure as he spoke of his son who had passed.  He spoke of how after Joel passed away, they gave him a bath.  I, immediately, went back four years to February 10, 2008 after Olivia passed away.  Karen and I gave her a bath, washed her hair, blew her hair out, and got her dressed into her Princess panties and fancy nightgown only a Princess should wear. 

Today, Princess O would have turned 12 years old.  Not a day goes by that she is not on my heart.  I miss her very much.  I find myself at her gravesite and I have never been one to visit cemeteries.  I feel so honored to have been a part of her life, even for a short time.  I know that she had an amazing Heavenly birthday today.  I am sure that she welcomed Joel "home", too, and told him how awesome it is to be pain-free without any more tubes!  :)

I would also like to say THANK YOU to Karen for allowing me to love her daughter the way that I do.

:::

Today is also my dad's birthday.  I hope that it was a wonderful day for him.  The Patriots are playing in the Super Bowl, so if they can pull off a win I know his birthday will be complete.  :)  xoxo