Thursday, December 16, 2010

Olivia's 1st Birthday In Heaven...

So I'm a few days late in blogging about this...

Thanks to morning sickness -- or all day sickness in my case -- I haven't been on here much. We're still here in Ft. Jackson, SC while James finishes up his class and I veg out on the hotel room couch with the few things that agree with my stomach. I'm definitely thankful for the fact that the Army gave him one of those hotel rooms with the mini kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc. -- definitely more doable than a crammed regular hotel room!

I already mentioned the surprise phone call on Liv's Birthday, but never got any further...Much to our surprise, not only did Liv receive a balloon release in Indy, but some of our friends in WA did one for her there, too! We couldn't be more blessed with such caring friends and family!!! One friend wished Liv a 'Happy Birthday' on her FB and said that Liv was honored from coast to coast -- she sure was!

So going back to the 14th...Once James was done with class that day, we immediately headed out for dinner. For whatever reason, a grilled cheese sounded amazing, so we headed to Chili's. Did I mention my food aversions have been awful?? If something sounds good, I know I had better jump on it, since it may change five minutes later...With that being said, while James ordered his usual, I was able to order off their kids menu. It's a shame I didn't think to bring a skillet to SC, or I could've been making grilled cheese sandwiches all week long here in the hotel room -- thanks to the little stove-top here in the room...

While we were at dinner, it was very somber. We talked about Liv and just pretty much remained fairly silent the whole time. Such a rough day for the both of us...

By the time we got back to the hotel room, we started receiving pictures from Liv's balloon release there in Indy. Four different people were kind enough to take pictures so we were able to see it from different angles -- so incredibly sweet of them!!! We wish we could've been there, but since we weren't, I'm thankful that we could see it through their eyes.

Here is a slide show of the pictures a long time friend of my in-laws took...


Here are a few others that were taken. It turned out to be a beautiful day in Indianapolis. Here's my dad with the extra balloons that had yet to be handed out...


It's amazing to think that there were about 90 people in attendance...


And up they go!



We were truly blessed with such an event. Liv was remembered by so many. Here are the videos that were taken as well -- I'm so glad we have all of this to remember the day by...



We were truly touched by seeing all that attended, and the service that was done before the actual release. Olivia will not be forgotten, and such an event reminded us of that.

Well, there is still more to blog about regarding Liv's day, but I'm starving and James is done with class so we're off to go grab dinner -- perhaps some B-Dubs are in order?

To be continued...

5 comments:

  1. She is one very lucky and loved angel baby.

    Thank you for being so open and honest in your blogging.

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  2. Wow, I love how so many people gathered and did a balloon release for Olivia. That is so, so amazing! What a loved little girl.

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  3. What an amazing sight to see. The balloon release looks so heartwarming. Olivia has so many loved ones. She surely must have been smiling from heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you, James, and your little ones this season. Love to you!

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  4. This brought tears to my eyes. As Allison said, Olivia has so many loved ones who honored her on her 1st birthday in heaven. It was such a heartfelt gesture. I like the service, too, especially the part where good and bad are compared to railroad tracks. They are indeed happening side by side and how true is that in our grief journey. Remembering Livy with you and James. (((hugs)))

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