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Livie: a Tribute to my Granddaughter

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.

This Post Has 47 Comments

  1. Janet Brantley

    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.

    1. Anne Peterson

      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.

  2. Stella Myers

    Anne, this is so simply beautiful. I loved Livvie from afar and loved that you all shared her with me.

    1. Anne Peterson

      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.

  3. Connie Sue Larson

    What a precious gift from God Olivia was and is, because her memory continues to teach us. Thanks for sharing with us.

    1. Anne Peterson

      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.

  4. Patti Iverson

    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

    1. Anne Peterson

      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.

  5. Sharie Shupp

    What a sweet Grandma love note! Thanks for sharing it with us, dear Sister.

    1. Anne Peterson

      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.

  6. Colleen Golafshan

    Thanks for sharing such beautiful words even though your emotions must be so raw missing Livie,

    1. Anne Peterson

      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.

  7. Lori

    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.

    1. Anne Peterson

      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.

  8. Scott Postma

    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.

    1. Anne Peterson

      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.”

      1. Barbara Drewry

        Oh, my…. that’s beautiful…. <3

        1. Anne Peterson

          I’m glad you thought it was beautiful, Barbara. Just like Livie.

  9. Joan Hall

    Beautiful tribute to a beautiful child. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    1. Anne Peterson

      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.

  10. Sue

    Anne, the words from your heart are beautiful and let Olivia’s legacy live on. Thank you for sharing your heart while at the same time reminding us of what’s important!

    1. Anne Peterson

      Sue, thank you for taking the time to read my tribute and for your kind words. Livie has forever taught us what is important. That’s for sure.

  11. Xochitl E. Dixon

    Thanks for sharing so God could use sweet Livie to inspire and teach more people to live every moment, remembering every life matters and makes a difference. Praying for you and your family, Sister. I love you and thank God for bringing us together. Hugs!

    1. Anne Peterson

      Xochiti, Thank you so much for taking the time to read my tribute and for your kind comments. There were thousands who knew about Olivia and were praying from the time we found out she had Trisomy 18. Because of that all those people had a chance to not only be part of the praying, but also praise God for all the answered prayers regarding our sweetheart. Yes, every life matters. Thank you for your prayers and I love you too.

  12. Barbara Drewry

    Dear Anne – I didn’t know. 🙁 I’m SO-O-O sorry. Your precious little granddaughter was so beautiful. And so are your words to honor her. May God hold you and yours so close. Love and Blessings…. Barbara

    1. Anne Peterson

      Barbara, Thank you for taking the time to read my tribute and to also leave comments. Yes, Livie was and is beautiful. We just have to wait a while to see her again. I was hoping my words would honor her. God has been my comfort through all of this and I know when the waves of grief come, he’ll continue to comfort me. That’s the kind of loving Father he is.

  13. Denise DiNoto

    Thank you for sharing this with us Anne. Sweet Olivia touched so many lives, and this post is a testament to the love she helped to foster.

    1. Anne Peterson

      Denise, Thank you for taking the time to read my tribute. You’re right, Olivia did touch many lives, still continues to do so. She’s taught us so many things. Most of all to be where we are, in the present, so we don’t miss a thing.

  14. Molinda

    You are teaching others (like me) to appreciate each moment more! Beautiful tribute. I know the Angels welcomed her with open arms, and if Heaven has a window, she is smiling at you. Blessings,

    1. Anne Peterson

      Molinda, Thank you for taking time to read my tribute and for your sweet comment. Yes, I can just see her smiling at me now.

  15. Winston Staples SR

    God bless you and your family my friend and what a day that will be when our loved ones we see when we all get to Heaven!

    1. Anne Peterson

      Thank you so much for taking the time to read my tribute and for your kind words. You’re right, it will be a wonderful day when we see the ones we lost. Such a wonderful day.

  16. Andrea Stephenson

    Such a beautiful tribute at such a sad time. Loving thoughts to all of you.

    1. Anne Peterson

      Thanks for taking the time to read my tribute, Andrea and thank you for your comment. Yes, it has been a sad time, but we’re sure glad we have some memories. Some are not so lucky.

  17. Linda

    Anne, I am so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful little girl Livie was! I came across your tribute while looking for poems that express my grief at losing my oldest son, just a few days before Halloween. Thank you for writing words for “people who hurt”. I hope you have a Merry Christmas.

    1. Anne Peterson

      Oh Linda, I’m so sorry for the loss of your son. How your heart must ache. I can’t even imagine. I will pray for you. Especially during the holidays when their absence seems so prominent. I hope you will free to check out other writings I have. I’m on Medium.com. And I’m often writing for those who have experienced losses. Thank you for your comment. May God comfort your broken heart.

  18. Christine V Mitchell

    Anne …. this is such a beautiful, beautiful poem! Awww!!
    Thanks for sharing such sweet words about your precious grand-daughter. I love your poetry and look forward to reading much more!

    1. Anne Peterson

      Christine,
      Thank you so much for not only reading my tribute to Livie but for your comment. I’m glad you enjoy my poetry. I now have some poetry books available. I absolutely have to write. To me, it’s like breathing. Thanks again for your feedback.

  19. Jan Zac

    Hello ,

    I saw your tweets and thought I will check your website. Have to say it looks very good!
    I’m also interested in this topic and have recently started my journey as young entrepreneur.

    I’m also looking for the ways on how to promote my website. I have tried AdSense and Facebok Ads, however it is getting very expensive. Was thinking about starting using analytics. Do you recommend it?
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    P.S.
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    Regards
    Jan Zac

    1. Anne Peterson

      Jan,
      While I may not be able to help you I know a lot of people who would be glad to give you valuable feedback. I am part of a Tribe Builder’s Network. There are many people there who understand SEO much better than I do.

      I thought your website looked good. If you’d like to know more about the online group, I’d be glad to let you know.

      Honestly, I’ll have to ask my daughter as far as the SEO thing. Let me know if you’re interested in the group. There is no cost.

  20. Betsy Wise

    So heartbreaking for you, but the assurance of seeing her again propels you closer to heaven. It won’t be long before you’ll hear her giggles.

    1. Anne Peterson

      Betsy,
      Thank you for reading my piece about Livie. You’re right. Someday I will get to enjoy those giggles in person. She is running and laughing and singing now. And I’m sure all of heaven is enjoying it. One day that veil will be lifted.

  21. Sandra Richards

    That was so Beautiful, I am so sorry for your loss. This is a Much needed website Thank you for your Caring Words!

    1. Anne Peterson

      Sandra,
      Thank you for your condolences. And I so appreciate what you said about my website. Thanks for taking the time to not only read, but to also comment.

  22. Sandra Richards

    You are so Welcome, my Prayers are with you.

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