Wednesday, June 29, 2011

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.


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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.











11 comments:

Mary Clark Gregory said...

That was really beautiful. I want you to know that you and your family are in my heart and my prayers. xoxo'x

Lisa said...

That was beautiful - everything from the poem to the balloons to the cake. I'm glad you had a good day. June 25th is our wedding anniversary, so I will always remember sweet Harper's birthday.

Becky said...

That was absoutely beautiful, all of it is. I am glad you had others and their rainbows to share this special day with.

Anonymous said...

Great job on your first birthday party Mom! I know Harper was all smiles while watching the festivities! By the way, you look beautiful!

Kerri said...

You are an amazing mom Rhiannon! What a special and beautiful way to honor Harper and her 1st birthday in heaven. Praying for you as you progress through your rainbow pregnancy. Stay cool in that Georgia Summer! Sending lots of love and prayers:)

Melissa said...

Beautiful...thanks for sharing!

Alissa said...

Oh, my goodness...this post just gave me chills, especially the picture of you beautiful mommas and your rainbows. Harper is looking down on you and smiling, sweet friend. She's proud that you are hers. There is no better momma for Harper than you. Remember that. What you have done in memory of her is truly beautiful work. Take care of yourself. ((hugs))

Dana said...

Such a beautiful day for Harper. I loved reading about it and seeing the pictures. Everything about her day was perfect. I'm looking forward to her next birthday when your rainbow is in your arms.

(((hugs)))

Allison said...

What a special day you held for Harper! I am glad that you felt her presence near. <3 I imagine she felt so very loved by everyone there and all those who were thinking about her. It's so nice that you were able to share Harper's celebration with Priscilla and your other rainbow mommy friend. Their rainbows are so precious, and I can't wait to see pictures of Pooh Bear playing with them in the not so far future!
The pictures of Harper's Day are beautiful! Happy Birthday, sweet Harper! You are forever loved and missed <3 <3 <3

Priscilla said...

It was such a perfect day to honor Harper. Thank you for letting us share in her day with you. She will forever be remembered! :)

girls first birthday invitations said...

It is so amazing that you actually celebrated her 1st birthday in heaven!

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