Not long ago we celebrated Olivia Jane’s life. White balloons were released.
Before I released mine, I kissed it.
Livie
Although you were so little, you taught us many things,
like living in the present so we don’t miss anything.
You taught us things that matter, are the little things around,
like making daddy laugh because you made a farting sound.
You showed us pure contentment in such a simple way;
you’d shake your pumpkin rattle and you’d hit your head each day.
You showed us how to head-dance, with rhythm and with grace
and we could tell you liked it by the look upon your face.
You showed us precious, tender things can make a heart feel glad,
like a hundred little kisses from your mom or from your dad.
You taught us we should pause each day to share a smile or two,
like Ruthie, Jude, and Charlie who would share their smiles with you.
You were a little fighter and you taught us how to fight;
for every single thing you tried, you tried with all your might.
Livie, we are proud of you and all that you have done,
your life has touched so many lives, for such a little one.
I wanted to do more with you, to watch you as you play;
to push you in the baby swings and hear you laugh each day.
And oh, I wanted so, to share the stories from my head,
to maybe tuck you in sometime, and kiss your precious head.
But God had something else in mind the day you slipped away,
and now you are with Jesus every moment, every day.
I’ll save the stories from my head, Grandma kisses too;
and when I come to heaven I will share them all with you.
And every day when I will gaze, in skies so clear and blue,
I’ll think of looking in your eyes, the way I used to do.
Beautiful tribute to a beautiful child. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Joan, thank you for taking the time to read my tribute also for your comment. Please know we appreciate every prayer you took before the Father.
So beautiful, Anne. Thank you for sharing your heart like that. It’s difficult to imagine losing your grand baby. May God richly bless and comfort you all.
Scott, thank you for not only taking the time to read my tribute, but also for your comment. Losing a grandchild has been one of the hardest losses imaginable. Not only do I miss her, but I hurt for my son, his wife and all Livie’s siblings. Little Ruthie told me the other day, “Grandma, I am saving Livie’s ladybug and when I go to heaven I will take it to her. And I will tickle her and she will laugh and laugh.”
Oh, my…. that’s beautiful…. <3
I’m glad you thought it was beautiful, Barbara. Just like Livie.
What a gift this precious Livie is! Your poem was so lovely. I can’t imagine your heartache, and I am so grateful you let us know her.
Lori, she truly has been a gift to us. Especially because we thought from what they said we would never even get to meet her. Sharing her has been wonderful because not only would others join us in lifting up prayers for Livie, but then they could also praise God for the gift she was, and still is.
Thanks for sharing such beautiful words even though your emotions must be so raw missing Livie,
Colleen, thank you for taking time to read my tribute. Yes, there are days I have been raw. And yet, I must say, God has been here through it all. From the time we first heard the words, “Trisomy 18.” If it wasn’t for God, we never would have gotten to meet her, and so many people would not have been touched.
What a sweet Grandma love note! Thanks for sharing it with us, dear Sister.
Sharie, thanks for taking time to read it and then also leaving me a comment. While I have been writing here and there, this is the first time I have written on my blog in a year. I’m so glad that one day when I get to heaven I’ll have a special tour guide.
Sooooo hard to lose a little one so soon! Yet ohhh, to think of her perfect with Jesus—lucky little ducky! I look forward to knowing and loving her when I get to heaven… yep, I do—thanks to YOU! <3
Patti, thanks for taking the time to read my tribute to Livie. I have to say even though my heart has been so heavy since the moment we found out about Livie’s Trisomy 18, God has been there the whole time. God cares about what we care about. You’re right. There will be many that want to see this little miracle who wasn’t supposed to make it to the day of her birth, but was instead a gift of joy to us for 14 months, and still is. Thank you for any whispers of prayer you sent up to the Father. He heard them.
What a precious gift from God Olivia was and is, because her memory continues to teach us. Thanks for sharing with us.
Connie,
Thank you for taking the time to read my tribute and for your comment. She continues to teach me. I’m just so glad that Nathan and Heather shared Olivia with everyone.
Anne, this is so simply beautiful. I loved Livvie from afar and loved that you all shared her with me.
Thanks Stella. I was glad when Nathan and Heather made the decision to share Livie. It made it easier when we needed prayer and then we got to praise God together when he answered those prayers.
Anne, so beautiful, just like Olivia, just like all of your family. When I look into my sky to the north, behind my house, I have that awesome shade of blue that was Olivia’s eyes. Think of her so often! She was so very special.
Thanks so much Janet. Her blue eyes. They were so expressive. I did ask her one time, “You’ve seen him, haven’t you.” They were truly beautiful blue eyes. Miss her.
Oh Anne. It’s beautiful. Simple, precious, beautiful. Thank you so very much for sharing it.
Thanks Crystal. Keep praying.