Our Farewell Celebration

I first read about farewell celebrations on a wonderful website www.stillbirthday.com. When I read about it I knew we would have one. We decided to go to one of our favorite spots, Morris Island lighthouse at the end of Folly Beach. It was a beautiful day. My parents and close friends of ours joined us. I read a letter I wrote to the babies and Dru read a couple of poems.

Ila released two flowers that floated away in the water towards the lighthouse. It was really beautiful and it honestly felt like full closure. Afterward, we played in the water and found starfish and seashells. We went to lunch and then Dru and I went and had a couples massage. It was just a beautiful day and a wonderful way to honor and celebrate our babies.
The letter to my babies:
To my dear sweet babies,

A child comes into a parent's life and teaches them many things. Parents are taught to slow down, to love, to appreciate what they have, to grow, to become better people. You have done all of these things for me. Both of you. You have done your jobs well sweet ones and I am forever proud of you. I feel I might not have been able to love any of your brothers and sisters quite as deeply had you not been a part of my life.
I hope you are happy, safe and warm. I hope you feel loved. I hope you know how much we wanted you. I hope you know that the arrival of your brother or sister in no way lessens our love for you. You are forever a part of us.
I wish I could hold you. I wish I could watch and help you grow. I wish I could watch you splash in mud puddles and push you on a swing. I wish I could watch your sister and you play and love together. I wish I could watch you discover and follow your dreams.
I feel you with me. I hope I will always. You are both amazing and I am forever thankful for you. Take care sweet ones. Until we meet again.

Love you til the stars turn cold,
Mommy


The beautiful poems Dru read:

"These are my footprints,
so perfect and so small.
These tiny footprints
never touched the ground at all.
Not one tiny footprint,
for now I have wings.
These tiny footprints were meant
for other things.
You will hear my tiny footprints,
in the patter of the rain.
Gentle drops like angel's tears,
of joy and not from pain.
You will see my tiny footprints,
in each butterflies' lazy dance.
I'll let you know I'm with you,
if you just give me the chance.
You will see my tiny footprints,
in the rustle of the leaves.
I will whisper names into the wind,
and call each one that grieves.
Most of all, these tiny footprints,
are found on Mommy and Daddy's hearts.
'Cause even though I'm gone now,
We'll never truly part."
~Unknown


"I know I'll see the sun shine bright
upon my baby's face....
When I finally get to heaven,
all my pain will be erased.

We'll soar the skies together,
as angels two by two.
We'll have a sweet reunion,
Your parents’ dream come true!"
~Unknown

“What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” -Helen Keller.

We are thankful that we have a beautiful place that will always make us think of you. We love you sweet babies.