Celebrating Hope 2009

Yesterday was our daughter Hope's birthday. It has been 3 years since she has passed away.

I always spend the week or two before her birthday crying on and off, and then the day of her birthday I am all cried out and am able to really enjoy the day.

The sun was shining so warmly again....just like last year.

We brought tulips to her grave, and this time planted them in a spot right behind her site, so we can see them every year.

We had cupcakes and took pictures.

This year I had a goal to finally update her scrapbook. A good buddy Jen Korth made it for us after she passed away. I cherish it- I have pages that display how small her hands and feet were and other precious memories. I have put a page in it every year we have celebrated her birthday.

Thanks Jen-It is such a great gift to have.

This year I would like to dedicate a song to Hope and all my children.

It is called
If I Only Had Today- by Hilary Weeks

It seems like I’ve watched a million sunsets
And stared at a thousand full moons
Sometimes it feels like I’ve been here forever
And sometimes it all feels brand new

I could never count the heartbeats
From the day I was born until now
But not a single one goes unnoticed
By Him who breathes life in me somehow

But if there were no more tomorrows
If I knew that I could not stay
I know how I’d spend every moment
If I only had today

(chorus)
I’d hold you and listen
And I’d let the dishes sit in the sink
I’d tell you I loved you over and over
And for once I’d just let the phone ring
Then I’d remind you of forever
And how our love would never change
If I only had today

I’d wake up before the sun did
And I’d watch as you quietly sleep
I’d pray for time to move slowly
Knowing the moment won’t keep

All the gifts that Heaven has given
Every blessing that’s come my way
Wouldn’t mean anything without you
So if I only had today

(chorus)
I’d hold you and listen
And I’d let the dishes sit in the sink
I’d tell you I loved you over and over
And for once I’d just let the phone ring
Then I’d remind you of forever
And how our love would never change
If I only had today

There’s no time like the present
Life doesn’t come with any guarantees
The sun will set and time won’t wait

So while I have today

(chorus)
I’d hold you and listen
And I’d let the dishes sit in the sink
I’d tell you I loved you over and over
And for once I’d just let the phone ring
Then I’d remind you of forever
And how our love would never change
Because I have today