Lily's Upcoming Birthday

If you can't tell, I love having Lily Katherine's name written in all different ways all over the world, especially in the sand.

Some of the many ways her name has been honored in the past 7 years

Lily's name was one of the only things I could ever give her, one of the only things that's hers. It speaks of her existence and value. Dignity is in a name. Beauty is in remembrance of the person behind a name.

Lily's 7th birthday is in a couple weeks. Would you celebrate her life with me by honoring her name and writing in in any way you can wherever you are in the world? Or even taking a photo of a sign, store, etc. with her name?

It comforts my mother heart when I see that not only is she not forgotten, but she's actually remembered by *many, many people.* Her impact is reaching the farthest corners of the globe, in places I will most likely never travel. But she is getting to. 😌

My email address is roseandherlily{at}gmail{dot}com. 💕🌷🎈🌸 

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The Gift of a Butterfly Balloon

I'm all misty-eyed.

I saw a beautiful large pink butterfly balloon at Wegmans that I wanted to get for Lily's birthday celebration next month. 🎈 Only thing is, they didn't have any extras in stock (just the one that was already inflated that I saw). I really wanted to get it though since I don't have a Wegmans near where I live in North Carolina and I'm leaving Maryland tomorrow. 

The sweetest lady who is an employee there offered to get it deflated for me and said with the type of balloon it is, it'll work to get in re-inflated. 

As we were standing there waiting, she asked what it is for, so I shared about Lily. She went on to ask some more questions, which is a rare thing for people not to shy away and act awkward about Lily Katherine. I shared that my baby girl died just before birth, that she'd be turning 7 in March, and that the balloon is for her grave for her special day. I even gave her a blog card (I keep them in my purse just in case because I never know who I might meet). :) She appeared to get a bit teary and had such kind and loving eyes. She asked if seeing butterflies feels like Lily saying "hello." I told her butterflies, roses and lilies are significant to me. 

After they were finally able to get the $9 balloon deflated, she folded it up, placed it in a bag, and told me "there will be no charge for this today." With tears, I responded, "really?" and then thanked her and told her how special it was to share Lily with her. 

One small act of kindness can mean so much. If you're reading this, Wegmans employee, you made my day. And by the way, the lady I was with was actually not my mom, but my mom's best friend, but I didn't think it was important to mention that at the time. :)💕 #WegmansCustomerForLife

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Riley's 2nd Birthday!

Last night, I celebrated my friend Ellen's sweet son Riley's 2nd birthday in Heaven at Buffalo Brothers! Her friends and family were so warm and welcoming and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. You are loved and missed, baby boy! I'm thankful I could be there for such a special occasion. His actual birthday is on Thanksgiving this year. Riley is Ellen's only child and as I've written about many times before, there is a unique grief that comes when you lose your only child. Please pray for her... that the Lord would comfort her heart and would give her the blessing of having another child to call her own and bring home one day soon.

And it got me thinking... I am single and therefore, my schedule is a lot more flexible to do things like this. If I were married, perhaps I'd need to be home with my husband, making dinner, caring for kiddos, and doing the wife/mom thing. That is of course what I long for and desire, but I want to fully embrace my singleness for the gift that it is. I have the freedom to go out on a Monday night to honor the baby of a friend of mine. I have the freedom to stay for hours talking with her about our little ones and just being there for her. That, my friends, is a gift that I don't want to take for granted. ❤️🎉🎈

Ellen and me at the celebration

The adorable cake for Riley! It was delicious too :)

Gifts for Riley's mommy

There was a little 5-year-old girl at the celebration who was playing and said the salt and pepper on the table were getting married. When asked what the salt's name was, she pointed at me. Then, she said the pepper is named Brandon. I said maybe it's a sign I need to be looking out for a Brandon. haha 😂

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