Lily's daddy's love for his daughter, as well as his anguish over losing her, are both clearly written on his face in this picture. 💔
Lily's hands with her daddy's... she had his hands and feet.
They will always be a part of each other.
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Father's Day
Father's Day makes me think about all that Lily's father is missing out on with her. Talk of a local father-daughter dance has been swirling around and how it aches each time I hear of it.
Lily's daddy's love for his daughter, as well as his anguish over losing her, are both clearly written on his face in this picture. 💔
Lily's daddy's love for his daughter, as well as his anguish over losing her, are both clearly written on his face in this picture. 💔
Happy Birthday, Aunt Rachel
My Aunt Rachel Ross would have turned 52 on June 14th. She was born on June 14, 1965. June 14th is Flag Day and Rachel was given the middle name Ross partly after Betsy Ross, who sewed the American flag.
Sadly, Rachel only lived for three months outside of the womb. She died on the operating table at UVA on September 10, 1965 as her doctor attempted to save her tiny, deformed heart.
Rachel was the seventh child of my grandparents, James Kirk and Nancy Virginia Bain. My mom is the eldest of the seven and was nine when Rachel passed, so she clearly remembers that time and has shared her memories with me. She even has a diary she wrote in then. This is the only family picture of all nine of them (baby Rachel in my grandmother's arms and my mom is in the back with the glasses). They are standing in front of Holy Comforter Catholic Church in our home area of Charlottesville, Virginia on the day of Rachel's Christening.
Sadly, Rachel only lived for three months outside of the womb. She died on the operating table at UVA on September 10, 1965 as her doctor attempted to save her tiny, deformed heart.
Rachel was the seventh child of my grandparents, James Kirk and Nancy Virginia Bain. My mom is the eldest of the seven and was nine when Rachel passed, so she clearly remembers that time and has shared her memories with me. She even has a diary she wrote in then. This is the only family picture of all nine of them (baby Rachel in my grandmother's arms and my mom is in the back with the glasses). They are standing in front of Holy Comforter Catholic Church in our home area of Charlottesville, Virginia on the day of Rachel's Christening.
My grandmother attended Compassionate Friends meetings and events until the time of her death at 85-years-old. We had the indescribable bond of knowing what it's like to have a daughter in Heaven. We were always close, but Lily and Rachel brought us closer. Even when I was a young teen, before I ever knew I'd lose my own child, I would go to CF meetings with my Bumma. I see now how God was preparing me for a future only He could see.
My mom said one of the few times she saw my grandfather cry was when Rachel died. Bumma was so brave in how she'd always correct anyone when they mentioned her "six children." She had SEVEN, even if one lived in Heaven.
Each year, I remember my Aunt Rachel on her birthday. Her absence has left a hole in my family. We will always miss her and wonder who she would have become and what other cousins I might have had. I'll always love her and hope future generations will speak of and remember Lily the way I do Rachel.
I usually send a gift to my Bumma on Rachel's birthday. I had already started thinking about what I could get this year. It meant a lot to me to honor Rachel with Bumma. Now Bumma has been with her little girl for two months. This is the first birthday she's getting to spend with her baby! I'm so happy for them both. But it sure is weird to not be able to call Bumma on this day.
You can read more about my Aunt Rachel in a blog post I wrote by clicking HERE. 🇺🇸 ❤️ 🎂 🎈
Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Lily's Summer Spot
I was recently able to decorate my sweet girl's special spot for Summer. I tidied up her stone and the weeds around it (Bumma used to get exasperated and say it was "grass" not "weeds" as I'd get upset that it grew so fast and much.. too funny!). The white lilies and little angel statue that my friend Kristen left for Lily are still in good shape from her birthday. I got the new monogrammed "L" flag from Kirkland's! It's one of my favorite flags I've found. I love the Laurel on it, and especially the little bow. 🌿 💕
Lily Remembered at Johns Island
My friend Teresa thought of Lily at Beachwalk on Johns Island in South Carolina. This was her very first visit to the beach! 😄
When she sent this photo, she wrote the sweetest message along with it: "I was so happy to be able to remember your precious girl when I was at the beach and share your story with those who were with me. Lots of love." ❤️ 🌊 ☀️ 🐚 🐳 🐬 🐟 🐠 🐢
When she sent this photo, she wrote the sweetest message along with it: "I was so happy to be able to remember your precious girl when I was at the beach and share your story with those who were with me. Lots of love." ❤️ 🌊 ☀️ 🐚 🐳 🐬 🐟 🐠 🐢
Sunday, June 11, 2017
The Smallest Coffins
This quote speaks for itself. It's amazing how so few words can speak so much.
I remember seeing Lily's tiny white coffin and thinking how strange it was that they even have to make them that small. Seems so unnatural. Shouldn't coffins be used for people who have lived long and full lives, with children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren?? Not for babies who never took a single breath.
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