Our baby girl's 1st birthday in Heaven

This past Saturday, June 25th, we celebrated Harper's 1st birthday in Heaven.  It is so hard to believe that it has been a whole year since we said goodbye to her, since we last held her and looked at her sweet face.  The reality of those simple words, "a whole year" is so hard to accept because I know that after one year comes two and so on.  All of this taking me further and further from her and that fact is a tough one to face even though I know that we will be together again one day.

Harper's day was a beautiful one and I felt her presence around me so much.  The day was bittersweet, full of so many emotions but we were so blessed to be surrounded by family and friends who showed their love and support for Harper and remembered her on her special day.  I felt/feel, and always will, so much pride for that sweet little girl who made me a mommy.  It felt so good to celebrate her life and even though we were only blessed with her for a short time, the lessons that she left with us have made their impact for a lifetime, just as she will be in our hearts for the rest of our lives.

In the last year I have learned so much from Harper, she has taught me so much about unconditional love and how to live life despite it's unpredictability. I have learned to open my eyes and really see things for what they are and people for who they are. I have learned who my real friends are and who I can really depend on when times get tough. I am so much more thankful for the gifts in my life after losing a most precious one.  We had a very short 26 weeks together, but in that time we forged a bond so strong and an unbreakable love.  She will always be my beautiful baby in the sky.

.................

We had a balloon release with family and some close friends in Harper's honor on her birthday, as a way to celebrate her life and remember the impact that she has had on ours.  The day was perfect, complete with blue skies, big puffy clouds and a few dragonfly sightings.  The temperature was even tolerable as it most often is not at this time of year in Georgia.  Before we released her balloons I read the poem, Look For Me In Rainbows by Vicki Brown.

Time for me to go now, I won't say goodbye;

Look for me in rainbows, way up in the sky.

In the morning sunrise when all the world is new,

Just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you.

Time for me to leave you, I won't say goodbye;

Look for me in rainbows, high up in the sky.

In the evening sunset, when all the world is through,

Just look for me and love me, and I'll be close to you.

It won't be forever, the day will come and then

My loving arms will hold you, when we meet again.

Time for us to part now, we won't say goodbye;

Look for me in rainbows, shining in the sky.

Every waking moment, and all your whole life through

Just look for me and love me, as you know I loved you.

Just wish me to be near you,

And I'll be there with you.

Letting our balloons go, first. Happy Birthday, baby girl.

All eleven balloons soaring, so much love being sent up to the Heavens.

We were lucky to have these sweet rainbow babies in attendance...

Samuel

and Finley!!

Me & Harper's little sister with Sam, Finn and their momma's.

Birthday table.