Thank You

floral arrangement

– flowers from one of my best friends who’s like a sister, that had a surprise butterfly on it –

Oh my oh my. Where do I begin to thank all of you for your support, prayer and fellowship this past week? I have been completely overwhelmed by the response from all of you, and it’s really shown me what a huge a privilege it has been to share Edie’s story.  My brother and sister-in-law asked me to read excerpts from my blog post at Edie’s memorial, and it was one of the biggest honors I’ve ever been given.

During the week, we kept feeling this link to butterflies. We would see them and couldn’t help but think of our girl, watching them gracefully flutter and fly around.  The transformation process is such a symbol of all of our bodies once we enter the gates of heaven, but even more so for our Edie who suffered so many physical and mental handicaps during her short time on earth.  We decided to have a butterfly release after the service, and since then we’ve continued to see butterflies everywhere; from the shape of the shadow cast on the ceiling by an orchid to butterflies on wallpaper and in floral arrangements (like the stunning arrangement above) amongst many more, it’s so evident that Edie is trying to tell us, “oh guys – if you could only see me now!”

So my brother and sister-in-law ended Edie’s memorial in a gorgeous Episcopal cathedral with the hymn, “I’ll fly away” before releasing 26 butterflies in a garden around a fountain.  I have to share the words with you because they just say everything that I cannot.

Some bright morning when this life is over
I’ll fly away
To that home on God’s celestial shore
I’ll fly away

   I’ll fly away oh glory
I’ll fly away (in the morning)
When I die hallelujah by and by
I’ll fly away

When the shadows of this life have gone
I’ll fly away
Like a bird from these prison walls I’ll fly
I’ll fly away

Oh how glad and happy when we meet
I’ll fly away
No more cold iron shackles on my feet
I’ll fly away

Just a few more weary days and then
I’ll fly away
To a land where joys will never end
I’ll fly away

We had a celebration of Edie’s beautiful life all week long and shared stories, videos and photos every day before welcoming her second brother on Monday.  They’ve chosen to name him Pierce Abide after our Edie (Edith Pierce). Thanks be to God for his blessings and most perfect timing.

Such a joy it will be for all of us to remind Pierce of his incredible big sister and how she changed our lives.

Appreciate each of you and the love you’ve shown to my family. XO –

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15 thoughts on “Thank You”

  4. I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family. Of course you know she will always be looking down on you from Heaven. XOXO

  5. When my baby brother passed away at 6 months old butterflies were our symbol for him as well. That was 20+ years ago and I still smile each and every time a butterfly crosses my path. Much love to you and your family.

    1. I love that. I know it will be just as special for all of us. Thank you for sharing Cory and hugs to you!

  7. Thank you for sharing! So so beautiful. Love you & your dear family so so much!

  8. So beautiful. I have felt such a burden to pray for you and your family over the past week, even though I don’t know you at all (except through your blog). I have thought of Edie often. But you are right — how beautiful to think of sweet Edie now, free from the physical and mental challenges that she experienced on earth — and made even more perfect than she already was in the presence of our Lord. I thank God that she was so loved and so cherished — so many babies don’t get to experience that. Continued prayers for your family, especially little Pierce who is such a blessing.

    1. Thank you so much Jessi. So beautifully said – we did adore her and thanks to her amazing parents, she lived a very full life during her short time with us. Appreciate you!

  10. Your faith and ability to see beauty in the sorrow is so inspiring and stirs my heart to greater faith. Thank you so much for sharing her whole story, you are a light, as was your sweet niece!

  12. I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m praying for your brother and sister. I too lost a baby almost 20 years ago and he had Trisomy 13. I was told he could live to be 2 years old or pass away in utero. Benjamin passed away in utero when I was six months pregnant and we got to hold and kiss him. My husband and I have strong faith in Jesus, much like your family and that is what got us through. If anyone in your family ever wants to talk or pray I’ll be happy to do that. God is good and I pray that His peace that surpasses all understanding fills them in the name of Jesus. God bless you and thank you so much for sharing. XO

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