I wish I had the time to respond to each and every one of you all. Your outpouring of love, sympathy, support, and prayers is incredible. Who knew one special little girl could touch and inspire so many?? I've read stories of butterflies, lilies and frogs. Of finding wonder in unexpected places. Of people putting on their fanciest of Hannah duds to join in a celebration of life for one absolutely amazing little girl.
As a mom, I'm greedy for my children. I want for everyone to love them as much as I do, to be inspired by them as much as I am. From all the comments I can tell so many of you have stayed to explore and get to know my sweet Monkey and have fallen under her spell. What a remarkable legacy that is.
As you all know, I was absolutely dreading today. Dreading it. We some pretty amazing things planned but who knew how it would go off, it was to be so different from any funeral ever. That, and it wasn't a funeral but a celebration. And, boy was it.
I worried no one would come in their Fancy Hannah clothes. What a waste of anxiety. I've never seen such glitz, glitter and glam. There were trails of feathers from molting feather boas leading from room to room. There were baskets of Mardi Gras beads waiting at the door for guests who arrived under dressed. There were bowers and bowers of flowers, many of them LOADED with sunflowers and lilies. And, who knew you could spray sparkles on flowers? Hannah would be so tickled!
I'm not quite sure how many people were there, let's just say it was standing room only. Someone put the estimate at 500+, but who knows. So many people touched by one small yet precocious child, coming to send her off. There were balloons, photos, a DJ (yes, a DJ!) and laughter.
I had promised myself, for Hannah, I would make it through the service without completely losing it . Amazingly enough, I didn't! There were many small children there and it was fantastic. I read "Fancy Nancy" and a couple of them came up close so they were sitting at my feet as I read so they could see the pictures. In fact, as one of the little girls was leaving, she said to me, "Thank you for inviting me to Hannah's party." Wasn't that just perfect?
I had family drive in from Blacksburg for the day (TONS of 'em). Mom had friends drive in from NC and Blacksburg for the day (again, TONS of 'em). There were so many gathered in love and fellowship I thought my heart would burst. Fred and Carol did a lovely job with the service and the best part was the butterfly release. It was the most glorious thing I have been privileged to witness in years. We had 24 butterflies and I gave them all out to family and watched in awe as they were released. They flittered and fluttered about, lighting here and there, many of them on people. Hannah would have LOVED it all!
I tried very hard to greet everyone I could, but there were just so many I'm afraid I missed quite a few. I'm so sorry for that. I did however have an opportunity to finally meet Ruhiyyih. It was so wonderful! I knew her the moment I saw her and was actually quite anxious for her to arrive. :o) I have to confess, as we were leaving, I saw her again and found her talking on the phone, and I'm afraid I very rudely interrupted her phone call to her mother, Bonita. I'm so sorry about that but it was such a pleasure to speak with her.
I know I'm very giddy right now, running on nothing but grit and exhaustion, but my spirits are so incredibly buoyed by the beauty of the day. My friends, Chuck and Erik, put together the most most beautiful slide show of Hannah. You can access it here: http://www.westcraigenterprises.com/test/images/hannah_0003.wmv , but be sure to have tissues handy. A note, if you are using Firefox or another browser, this will only work in Internet Explorer--so sorry. You will need to copy and paste the link into IE.
Thank you all for simply everything and please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers because I know I'm bound to crash and burn before you know it.
P.S. This evening, as I was walking out some friends, I happened to spy the sweetest pot of daisies sitting on the castle rocks around our flowerbeds. That in and of itself is interesting and mysterious as no one seems to know where the came from. More importantly, there was a toad sitting on the sidewalk gazing up at those daisies. She's all around us, my friends, isn't she? :o)
104 comments:
Thinking about you and yours on a daily basis. I can only imagine what a fairy tale day it was for you. I'm sure your angel was dancing and smiling.
My heart is still bursting for you. I hope you continue to let us all grieve with you and help you heal.
I have only just met your sweet angel, and I am captivated by her...and by the loved ones she now smiles upon. Thanks for sharing this all with us.
She is all around us. I didn't know Hannah before, but I feel like I will always be touched by her spirit. I think of you constantly and have been praying. I am just so happy that Hannah's celebration went exactly like you wanted. What a wonderful Mom you are.
Steph
What a beautiful party it was darling! Hannah is SO proud, I'm sure.
Thank you for sharing her with us. And please, take care of yourself, especially now that the party is over.
Love,
Rachel
dearest rach,
bonita and george just left after sharing prayers, music, and meditative time with us. we had a lovely chat as well.
rachael, this is such a unifying time: ruhiyyih, jess, you meeting and talking with bonita, bonita and george coming up to seattle ... it's just bringing a lot of joy through the grief.
we love you.
leila
Thanks for sharing the slide show with us. I love, love, love the music. It's so appropriate.
I'm glad your day was so beautiful and that so many of your friends and family were able to join you in person. You had a large crowd there in spirit as well. I'll be blogging on Wednesday about my "Fancy Hannah" experience today.
Lots of hugs to you all,
Marilyn
You sound so uplifted, so close to Hannah even though she is far away. I am so glad the party was wonderful, she deserves nothing less. Stay strong, but if you stumble, we are all here to pick you up and to hold your hands with every step you take. Miss Hannah would be proud! And most definately YES she is all around us! With all my love, Sheri
Rachael -
Just as you found a way, through your numbness and grief, to celebrate Hannah's life, you will find a way to "keep the spirit of her life" fresh in the years to come. Just as the frog and the daisies seemed to come from no where, your understanding and vision of what comes next will come to you in its time. Pray, Rachael. We all pray for you as we are so inspired by Fancy Hannah!
Love and Prayers my friend. I'm looking closer at the flowers!
Lisa
Sounds like today was a beautiful and wonderful tribute to a very special little girl.
You will continue to be in my prayers as you now move forward, an unbelievably hard step I imagine.
My daughter and I donned her Mardi Gras beads in honor of your angel today. She even decided to announce, for the first time, that they were "my beads".
Both you and Hannah have inspired me and your daughter will never be forgotten by this family, who only had the pleasure of knowing her by stories and your blog.
Please remember through the ups and downs of times to come that there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of people wishing you healing, strength, and love.
Lindsay
(an internet friend of Jess's)
I knew this would be a spectacular, wonderful event, just like so many of the other occasions you have celebrated here with your family! Thanks for sharing it with us - and thanks for grabbing that phone away from Ruhiyyih so we could talk together! That was so precious!
I wish you could have seen the beautiful photographs that Leila decorated of Hannah that were used as part of our program...all the images had sparkle-paint on some of the outlines - so Hannah-like.
And dearest Rach, close your eyes and 'crash' a bit - we are all here holding you in our thoughts.
It's hard to read your post without crying and smiling at the same time. I know I'm speaking for many of us out here but, we'll be here for you when you do "crash and burn." Today sounds like a beautiful celebration of such an amazing little life. Reading the book and having a child thank you for the party invitation will forever be in your memory and will forever make Hannah smile. You're amazing.
Its 1:00 a.m. and I should be in bed. Instead, I am sitting here just basking in Hannah's smile. Her radiance, well, it just shined through in every photo. Those eyes...wow - what a charmer!!!
Can I just tell you something else that I was thinking when I watched that video? I was thinking what a very lucky girl she is. She knew love. Although I don't know you and please forgive me if I sound like I'm trying to sound like I know you...but from watching that video, it is evident that Hannah was loved. She IS loved. So greatly. What a family. And what joy she brings. She is still bringing joy. I laughed through tears while watching this video.
Hannah has touched ME and I didn't even know her in real life. My words can't begin to express the sorry I feel for you right now and for your family. I wish I could say something that would make it all better.
But, please know you are touching people out here in blogger land. Thank you, thank you for sharing your precious monkey with me, with us. Hannah will never be forgotten.
God bless you and your precious family.
Dana
Hi. I found your site from another blog site, http://slacker-moms-r-us.blogspot.com/. I am overwhelmed with tears and sadness for your loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers and I'm going to keep checking in on your blog to see how you are doing. I am the mother of two little boys and they are my life..I'm going to hug them tighter. What an absolute incredible special party you put on for your precious little girl. She is no doubt enjoying the biggest party of her life in heaven right now. I will pray that God's Spirit wraps around you like a warm blanket to comfort and keep you. Your Lily is adorable too. May her joy strengthen your heart.
Perfect! I am touched by your strength.
I am so thrilled that Hannah's party was just as beautiful and sparkly as your lil' girl. You and your family have never been far from my thoughts over the past few days. I have been a great fan of Melissa M. over the years and have heard many stories of The Divine Miss Hannah ("nice shoes!") I am anxious to hear first-hand accounts of feather boas and butterflies and all things that twinkle from my co-workers/friends today.
Thank you for sharing your strength and these amazing, inspiring stories. You made me play a little sillier with my 2 year old, Avery, last night. You and Hannah are reminding me to look for wonder and fascination in EVERYTHING!
What a gift! I wish for you and yours days full of frogs and surprise flowers and butterflies and twinkly stars and tiaras and feather boas and music and wings and... wonder.
Love,
Sharon Z.
Oh Rach, it's wonderful that there was such a celebration, and how everyone honored Hannah in such a way. When I look at the pictures you post of her, I can feel her spirit, her sparkle, and it proves just how very special she is. As an adult, I feel she's opened my eyes to all the amazing beauty out there. And I think Lily will be a reminder of that. Your family has really made an incredible impression on me Rach. I'm so glad I know you.
I'm happy to hear her celebration went so well! I'm sure she was smiling down from above. You are so strong!! Hugs!
Hi Rachel, Thanks for letting us know how you are and how everything went yesterday. I was thinking of you all and knew even though you'd have tons of support that it would still be difficult. It sounds like an amazing service...my thoughts and prayers are still w/ you during this time--take good care.
- Andrea
I used to live in Richmond, VA and my children lost forever friends at the VT tragedy so when I came across your blog a few weeks ago and found you lived in Virginia, I started reading about your family. Hannah was everything childhood should be about--she was spontaneous, she was happy, she was free and she lived every moment of each day. And then to read about her death just simply put me into a spin. I donned my fancy-dancy tshirt and hat yesterday at 3 and started at the beginning of your blog and read about this wonderfully beautiful spirited child that God had loaned to you and Brien. She has left all who encountered her in person or through this blog a legacy to wake in wonder every day and take nothing for granted. Know that you were the best parents she could have ever asked for and she had an amazing family of cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents that made her the secure, loving child that is Hannah. I will keep you and yours in my prayers that each lonely, sad moment in the time to come will be replaced by a beautiful Hannah memory. I went out on my deck this morning to check on my butterfly bush and there was a white butterfly circling it and a tiny green frog sitting at the base of it. Hannah sends frogs to remind us to FROG-Fully Rely on God. Bless you.
I happened to come to your blog through 5 Minutes For Mom. The slide show was a lovely tribute to your beautiful little girl. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you all. I'm so sorry for your loss.
rach- I echo Bonita- go ahead and crash, we are here to catch you.
I haven't watched the video yet- I am saving that for when I can sit a cry. Just the song alone will bring me to tears, it holds such specail meaning to me too.
love and hugs Bella
ev
Rachael,
Thank you so much for allowing me to celebrate the life of Hannah at yesterday's service.
It certainly was a very special party.
You looked delicious, dahling! :)
Hugs,
Jess T
Both of your girls are so beautiful. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts as I have for many days now since finding you. Be sure to allow yourself to really fall apart. You need the release, my friend. And know that all your readers, both new and old, are out here, giving you one big collective shoulder on which to cry . . .
Speaking of frogs, might I add that my son spied a tiny one the other day while on the tractor with my husband. I don't know how he spotted it sitting so high up, but he did. He carefully picked it up and placed it by the stream. "To return home," he said.
Beautiful post!!
What a wonderful celebration. The last line of your post proves that Hannah was there with you all and participated right along with everybody else. I am sure she was touched and that she was amazed at all the glitz, glitter, and glam!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chris & Sheryl Hadley
Found your blog from 5 Min for Mom. I am so very sorry to read of your loss. Blessings on you and yours as you continue to walk through grief and hang on to hope.
Ah Rach -What a relief. All day yesterday I kept shooting up prayers, "Stay strong, Rach. Stay strong, Brien." What a relief to hear that Hannah's party was magnificent.
I'm so glad to hear that it went well!
What a beautiful photo montage. I cried and laughed, you can really see her personality in her pictures, that glow in her eyes says it all. My girls dressed for Hannah in their finest yesterday. She will be missed and loved forever. My heart really hurts for you, she is on my mind constantly!
Aww, Rach...
I'm so glad the day went as well as it did for you. I thought of you and Hannah and Brien and Lily throughout the day yesterday.
I was wearing a Hawaiian print scrub top, a puka shell necklace and some dangly parrot earrings--as "fancy" as I could be, doing my job. Lots of people commented on my earrings and when I told them who they were in honor of and why I was wearing them, they smiled. Hannah's spirit is touching strangers even here in Atlanta, Georgia.
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful little girl with us.
My prayers and thoughts continue to be with you.
Love,
Cinthia
Beautiful. Simply beautiful.
beautiful post. beautiful way to remember and honor her. thank you for letting me share in your moment
What a magical tribute to such an exceptional little princess. This is the first I have ever heard of such a celebration. I think your strength is simply Amazing. Releasing of the butterflies is awesome. To this day, everytime I see a butterfly, I think of my mother-in-law who passed away from cancer. She loved butterflies! So now, everytime I see a butterfly, I will think of both her and Hannah...same thing with frogs...Wow, Hannah's spirit is everywhere....
You might be interested in this sometime in the future ...
it can convert your blog into book form ... I heard about this on another blog....
http://www.blurb.com/create/book/blogbook
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful angel Hannah is...
The world is thinking of you and grieving with you and your family.
May you have many daisies and sunflowers to hold. Please know that the entire world is saddened by your loss.
Oh Rach it was an amazing unforgettable event, I was so blessed to be able to attend - I really feel like it will forever be a defining moment in my life! I loved the celebration theme because there were so many children in attendance and it helped them to think about life and the dance that it is. What a pleasure to finally get to meet you in person and thank you for honoring my mama "flitzy phoebie" with including some of her quotes on the brochure! Sooo glad that you got to talk with her a bit! I will definitely continue to pray for you and will be in touch! Thank you for sharing this angel with us all...
Love,
Ruhiyyih
My heart is broken for you.
Please feel the love and prayers flowing your way.
I am glad you had a beautiful day. I am sure Hannah was happy to see everyone in their Fancy clothes enjoying life and celebrating her. I know she is proud of you.
She will be greatly missed. There has not been a day since the accident that I haven't thought about her. I am consantly praying and thinking of you and your family. Love you all!
Aimee aka Angelhunter
I think about you all the time. Gavin wore his purple beaded necklace to town yesterday in honor of your sweet girl. I pray that God will give you the strength you need for Lily.
Love,
Kristi(gavoweymom @ July05)
I wish I could give you a hug...you are amazing and I want some of your spirit...God is going to do wonderful things for your family...He already is...love,
Tamara
You are so brave. I'm sure when you do finally crash, that you will have the support of so many to help you through that time.
All of us are blessed by your daughters spirit which is so apparently in you too. I am so grateful to have heard your story and to be able to read your blog. It trully is an inspiration to me to remember to see the beauty n each day and to stay focused when my oldest 2 boys start in on each other.
I will continue to pray for you and your family to have the strength and courage to walk this path you have been thrust upon.
Thank you so much for sharing Hannah with us! I really enjoyed the slide show. My daughter said, "who's that, Mama?" "It's Hannah, Honey." "Is she my friend?" "She sure is silly, Mom."
I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm so glad that yesterday went so well for you. I wish we were closer so we could have been there too!
I am so happy to hear everything went as Hannah would have liked...I cant get over how strong you are...God is taking care of your angel and you and your family...I'll keep the prayers...
We were at College Creek last Thursday with our children when this tragic accident occurred. Since that time, you and your family have been in our thoughts and prayers.
Even though I have not lost a child, I have heard that Tony Dungy's new book, Quiet Strength, is very good(the book discusses how Dungy's faith helped him overcome the loss of his son).
http://www.abcnews.go.com/GMA/Books/story?id=3366802&page=1
Take care.
Rach,
What a beautiful tribute that slide show is to Hannah and her zest for life!
We're here for you when you crash and burn, but Hannah's spirit will be there to help you soar again.
Love you hon, Monica
Rach-We had our party here at home. As a matter of fact we ended up going to the zoo yesterday....decked out in all our fancy duds. I am going to post some pictures for you to see. Sam was SO proud of himself...and even insisted on wearing a PAIR OF WINGS himself! :) So we were quite a site yesterday....but all we got were grins and "my dont you look special" comments the entire day. No one gave us a weird look....and Sam even got to share his wings witha buddy he met on theplayground. They were actually taking turns "flying around" Hannah would have giggled her head off at the sight! I LOVE my new shoes, and I think I will be wearing them A LOT! :) :) I had a little girl come up to me and say "those are the prettiest shoes EVER!" and I said "thanks....they are my Hannah banana shoes" she said "whats hannah banana shoes?" and I said they were to remind me of someone VERY special that wasnt here anymore" and she looked right at me and said "like my dad huh?" and I said "where is your dad?" and she said "he is in heaven....mommy said....but I'll get to see him one day.....are you going to see YOUR special person one day in heaven?" so I knelt down (wanting to hug her so tight) and said "honey...I cant WAIT to see her" and she said "dont worry my dad will play with her" and ran off.
I talked with her mom for a few more minutes and told her about Hannah. She prayed with me and then said "You know Greg loved his daughter more than anything...I'm sure him and Hannah are dancing away right now"
We said our goodbyes and left.
I saw her once more as we were leaving and she (the little girl) ran up to me...hugged my legs and said "I'll say hi to your hannah when i talk to my dad tonight before I go to bed...I'll tell him to make sure he plays with her"
I hugged her hard (trying hard not to cry)and said "thank you sweetheart"
That was just ONE of the MANY conversations we encountered yesterday about Hannah.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful spirit with us...and being so open in sharing her life. You amaze me Rach...and I cant wait to meet you and lil.
PLease know that if you EVER need to talk....yell...cry...share or laugh.....
I will ALWAYS be there.
Look at what Hannah did!!! How many people she brought into your life. What a star!
P.S The video was awesome. I love how they put in her dancing at the end!! What a great tribute to such a SPECIAL little lady!! She was such a light! THANK YOU for sharing that with me.
I'm glad Hannah had such a wonderful day yesterday! She, as well as you and your family, were definitely in my thoughts and prayers. Continued peace and love.
I was directed to your blog just this morning, reading about Hannah's love for sunflowers and frogs and her love of life.
This weekend, I took a different path on a trail ride, one I've never taken before, and I found acres and acres of giant, bright yellow sunflowers reaching toward an impossibly blue sky. It was quite a sight to see, absolutely amazing.
Today I'm thinking about those beautiful flowers again, because of Hannah. I think she would have LOVED them.
You and your family are in my prayers.
I just finished watching Hannah's beautiful slideshow. Your updates in your blog and slo Jess's are just heart breaking. Your little angel has touched so many lives and I'm sure you already knew that. From all the stories that we are hearing and seeing all the wonderful pictures, I can tell that she was just an absolute joy. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your whole family.
I have been praying non-stop. Hannah sounds like my kind of girl and I'm so glad that you were pleased with the celebration. How beautiful and fabulous it sounds. I'm so amazed at how strong you are. Hannah is gorgeous and so is Lily
what an INSPIRATION!! i hope you all with Hannah's help have triggered a sea change in how human beings celebrate the lives of their loved ones! i sure wish that when i go my life could be as worthy as Hannah's was for such a fantastic celebration! it fills my heart with joy and delight even as i have tears in my eyes to hear of all the activities...I just love that: "thank you for inviting me to Hannah's party"...beautiful, precious beyond words.
I just met your sweet Hannah through your blog today. I have no words, except to say I am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Praying for your family! {{{Hugs}}}
I also just met Hannah today through your blog. I am so deeply sorry. Hannah is obviously a wonderful child, too perfect for this world. I believe that God has bigger plans for her.
Your family is in our prayers, and I pray for you to be in as much peace as possible. I love the celebrations you have made for her, I'm sure she loved it.
- Cristen
I read about your tragedy at 5min4mom and wanted to add my condolences and prayers. I'm holding my 5yo dd who thinks Hannah is just beautiful. I am crying and praying for you, too.
I found your blog through 5 minutes for mom. Your daughters are beautiful and amazing. I can kind of relate to the pain you are going through right now. I lost my daughter, Natalie, in March 2006 when she was 3 days old. I am so thankful that you know Jesus...isn't it wonderful to know we can see our girls again?? Sometimes the only thing that I can find comfort in is that I know that my precious Natalie--and now your beautiful Hannah--is snuggling in the arms of Jesus and he sings sweet songs in their ears. Aren't they lucky?!? I will continue to lift you up to Him. Love, Amy
Rach,
Thank YOU for having such a wonderful child and being such a great Mom. A co-worker said to make sure and tell you that she can tell just from looking at Hannah's pictures and reading your blog that you were/are very blessed by such an amazing child and Hannah was as well with the love you all had for her and have for Lily.
And thank you for allowing us to share in your special Hannah day. I think there are many lives forever changed by Hannah. Love to all!
I continue to think of you and your family daily. Your Hannah celebration sounds like it was FANTASTIC and I am sure Hannah is bursting with happiness in heaven - no wonder today was so sunny!
Continuing to send you prayers...
Laurie in NJ
I am a midwestern mom who got to your blog through someone else. God Bless You, your husband, daughter Lily, and especially Hannah. I too am the mother of 2 daughters and I will hug and kiss them every day as I always have. Your story is an inspiration. Thank you.
I am so, so sorry. Words could never express. Take one day at a time, and love that Lily girl!
I am so sorry. My heart is broken for you. Your girls are beautiful. You are strong, and I am inspired by your courage.
Hello,
I just found your blog through Monkey Giggles.
My heart and soul just break for you. Thankfully you seem surrounded with wonderful people.
I have only my thoughts and prayers to offer.
God bless you, Hannah IS beautiful.
(Not was, because she still IS).
With love,
Sue
My heart aches for you! I have four of my own, I can't imagine. But, I know that Jesus will keep her close until you can see her again. Much Love. :)
My words will not be enough....My heart breaks for you and your family. You are right...you will "crash" I am praying that God will send His Angels to you during those times. I have read through your blog... I just weep...
Consider yourself hugged!!!
I did not know your beautiful little angel, but after watching that slide show - I feel like I did! I will be sending prayers your way from Michigan. Celebrate each day, like you said, with joy for her little life. Hugs from one mommy to another. :)
I'm glad things went as planned and you could celebrate Hannah's time that she had with you.
I have not stopped thinking and praying for you and your family.
I had never been to visit your blog before these past few days, but I will continue, so that you know myself and others are here for you, not just at this time but also when the time comes when it hits. You have been so strong, God is so good! And He will continue to be good to you because of your Lily. I pray for you and your family to know peace and to know God has Hannah next to Him as they watch over all of you each day. God Bless!
I keep thinking about you all and Hannah and how your lives have changed so much in the blink of an eye. It's constantly whirling around in my head at all hours of the day. I wish there were a way to take away all the heartache and to make things better.
Your blog is beautiful! Please take care of yourself. I am thankful that you have friends and family you can turn to when you are in need.
The frogs are definitely Hannah. I saw a cardinal every day for a month after my grandmother passed. We were VERY close and she loved cardinals. I still see them and it makes me crack a smile because I know she's sayin hi. Your daughter is a beautiful soul!
Beautiful video, I watched the whole thing. I love Hannah's passion for plant, flowers and animals. I am so sorry again for your loss. God Bless you and your family. I can't stop thinking about y'all.
I admire your strength and courage.
be well.
Rach - the video was beautiful - Thank you so much for sharing. It was pouring rain here yesterday afternoon, but once it subsided a little bit I took my 2 year old out and we picked flowers for Hannah (or Han-dah as he kept saying). I told him Hannah was an angel, so he kept saying "flowers for Han-dah Angel." This morning he came down, noticed the flowers sitting out in the kitchen and reminded me that those were Hannah's flowers. Thank you for sharing Hannah with us, and please keep sharing, memories of Hannah, and updates on Lily. You have many people lifting you up in prayer.
((((hugs))))
Thank you for sharing your precious daughter with us. I'm so glad today was Hannah's party =)
My heart aches for what you've been through and my prayers are with you.
Your Hannah was a Beeeeyooooteful Princess. You must be a very proud momma to know that she was such a happy child and her life has already touched so many people.
While I was watching the beautiful tribute video tears started streaming down my face, my daughter asked who the pretty princess was and why I was crying... I told her about your Fancy Hannah, and how she was an Angel in Heaven playing with Jesus now... My daughter asked if we could have a Fancy Nancy party for Hannah. So, we donned our feather Boas, crowns Mardi gras Beads and wands and sat down to read our favorite book (Fancy Nancy) all in celebration of your daughter life.
Sending Hugs your way and letting you know that your Hannah has made a differance, she's important and is very loved.
Ally from Michigan
So very sorry to read of your loss...It sounds like the sendoff was beautiful and a treasured event.
I have buried my father.
I have buried my brother.
I have buried my husband.
My most fervent selfish prayer is that I never have to bury one of my sons.
I am so deeply sorry for your loss and your pain ... the pain you have now and the pain you will always have.
May the most holy Theotokos spread her mantle of tenderness about you, may you find mercy and comfort in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior, and may Hannah's memory be eternal.
-- Pentha, wishing you a measure of peace today
(I came here from Jen's blog.)
What a wonderful way to celebrate your daughter's life. You are truly an amazing family and I know God has Hannah wrapped in his arms, watching over all of you.
Whether you know it or not, you AND Hannah are an inspiration - reminding us all of what is so very important in this life.
My prayers are with you and your family.
May God bring you peace, love and comfort during this time.
Hugs, Lisa
Even though I never "knew" Hannah before this week, I will never forget her. Thanks for sharing her with us.
You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.
Lately this song has been a favorite of mine. Its on my iPod and I listen to it daily. Since last week though, it has been "Hannahs" song. From now on every time I hear it I will think of you and your little Monkey.
Natilie Grant: Held
Two months is too little.
They let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would
Take a child from his mother while she prays
Is appalling.
Who told us we’d be rescued?
What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?
We’re asking why this happens
To us who have died to live?
It’s unfair.
Chorus:
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.
This hand is bitterness.
We want to taste it, let the hatred NUMB our sorrow.
The wise hand opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.
(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.
Bridge:
If hope is born of suffering.
If this is only the beginning.
Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?
(Chorus)
This is what it means to be held.
How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life
And you survive.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know that the promise was
When everything fell we’d be held.
This is what it is to be loved.
And to know, that the promise was when everything fell, we'd be held
Thank you for sharing your beautiful Hannah with us. I can see the sparkle in her eyes. My thoughts are with all of you.
Your words, your spirit, your courage are all amazing and beautiful.
And my heart aches for you.
I'm so sorry.
Rachd, as a recent Bella at Michelle's blog I didn't get to know Hannah before. This week, though, I've spent a lot of time with her, and all of you.
You have been blessed in your family, and Hannah was blessed beyond measure in her family. Your love, your courage, your faith shine through quite clearly.
We are praying for all of you, for the strength to carry on with the joy and wonder Hannah felt each day of her life.
Take care of yourself and Brien and Lily.
I can't even imagine how tough this must be for you... I just found your blog through another site. One of my 4-yr old's favorite books is Fancy Nancy, so I can picture what your daughter was like! God Bless.
I first read about Hannah the other day and I did not have time to post a comment. I'm really happy a found your blog again, because I wanted you to know that I have been praying for you and your family. I do not have any words of wisdom for you, I just wanted you to know that you are being prayed for.
What a beautiful slideshow of your beautiful Hannah.. A friend led me to your website and I now find my heart absolutely ripped open for you and your family. Please know that there are prayers coming from TN. You have definitely showed me how important it is to cherish every moment with my girls. I too am very guilty of being too busy for the little things. Thanks for sharing your story.
I just found you and your story through the mommyblogosphere, and I just wanted to tell you that you and your family are in my thoughts. I can't even imagine how difficult it must be. I hope you can make it through this to care for your daughter Lily.
Susan at Working Moms Against Guilt
You have so many comennts i do not know if yo will even get this one. but my heart aches for your loss. I lost my oldest when he was 5 but it was not tragic like you losing hannah. I am so sorry for your lose. I love the way you celebrated her life. she was very blessed to have you and you to have her. I will say a prayer for your family hey maybe our kids will meet each other up there ;)
I'm so, so, very sorry for your tremendous loss. I cannot imagine the heartbreak of burying a child.
Many prayers are being said on your family's behalf!
What an amazing little girl Hannah sounded like. I have a 6 year old boy, 3 year old son and a 4 month old girl. Life is so precious.Your little Hannah has touched my heart very deeply today. She will be very close in my thoughts today as well as you and your family. Prayers will be going up today to the Father for your peace, comfort and joy to be restored. I also pray for your little Lily as she goes through this confusing time.
My heart weeps for your loss. I am glad to hear that Hannah's celebration was a beautiful outpouring of love.
joyfully in Him,
Kelli
I am so in awe of your strength and uplifted spirit. This is the way it should be. Hannah would have wanted you to remember her in such an amazing way. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and Hannah always.
When I turned on my hose in the garden, and watched the water spray up into the air, I thought of Hannah. So many nourishing droplets scattered over my flowers, almost seeming to dance. And, the butterflies - I think they've flown over HERE! Ha!
I can see how bright your beautiful little girls light shined on the world. I wish I would have been lucky enough to know her and to know you. I think its beautiful the way you are celebrating her life. I know no words I say can ease your pain but just know that you and your little girl have touched my life. I'll hug my daughter a little tighter, cuddle her a little longer and cherish this wonderful gift of motherhood. You are in my thoughts.
My heart breaks for you. Please know there are prayers being sent your way.
So glad you could celebrate the beautiful life of Hannah today.
As a fellow Hokie who found your stie through others...I am so glad that the day went well...she is such a beautiful little girl...
Continue to celebrate Hannah everyday and forget not the sunshine she gave you. Cling to the hope of eternity! Wishing you lighter days of sorrow while you hold Lily close.
You've been linked.
Growing with Julia
First of all huge cyber {{HUGS}} sent your way. I have been reading about Miss Hannah and trying to think of something to say but only tears come. I have lost both my parents so I know deep loss but we are not meant to outlive our children so I cannot even comprehend the pain you feel. I do know that I will continue to cherish every moment with my daughter and do some of the things you have done with Hannah and Lily. You are an awesome mom and they are both blessed to have you and your hubby!
That was a beautiful tribute to Hannah. She has touched my life in these past few days more then you will ever know. What a special angel you have shining down upon you. I greive and pray daily for your family. God bless you all.
LOVE LOVE LOVE the video ~ what a wonderful tribute to your beautiful little princess! Sean especially loved the princess dress with the tool belt :O)
Thank you so much for sharing
I found your blog from a link at Slacker Moms & I felt moved to comment.
As a parent, I can't even begin to imagine how you feel or what you're going through, but I am in awe of your strength & positivity in this tragedy. Hannah's party is truly inspirational & it sounded like such a wonderful event.
I'm even more amazed at the frogs & toads (& Hannah) that are keeping you company. It gives me goose bumps to read about them in your posts.
I am so glad "Hannah's Party" was such a blessing for you!!!
That slide show had me bawling!
I am in agony for you - I can't imagine how much it must hurt.
I've been out of town so I'm catching up with how you are doing. I'm so glad Hannah's funeral was just what she would have wanted. Imagining everyone in their glitter and glitz gives me goosebumps. I think and pray about your family everyday.
We have not met, and I just found you and your blog today. My heart is breaking for you and your loss of Hannah. I am so terribly sorry. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. God bless...
Kim
Hi,
I just came across your blog last night, and was reading it from the beginning. I know that at this point, it's been over a year since Hannah, but I wanted to elave a comment anyway.
Your post about 'Hannah's Party' (as one little girl described it) brought me to tears. What a perfect way to farewell a girl who you described as being so 'fancy'.
Everythign you've said about Hannah makes me think that she had a wonderful spirit.
Thank you for sharing your stories.
-Jacey
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