Today's the day. One year ago today I was just getting up after snuggling in bed with the Monkey, getting her a jelly-bun--jelly on a hamburger bun--with Hannah bouncing around the kitchen excited beyond belief we were heading for the beach late that morning. Oh, how she LOVED the beach and the water.
Hannah was a blessing in my life and I miss her with every fiber of my being. I want to take a moment to celebrate the fact she is having the best time ever. She is happy, laughing and playing, discovering new things every day. I know in my heart of hearts she is.
Thank you to each of you for all your support, all your prayer, all your positive thoughts and love over the course of this past year.
Today is going to be CA-RAZY busy, so I had best be off to prepare--the FM calls among other things.
Big, giant HUGS to you all!!
101 comments:
With tears in my eyes, I wanted to tell you how much I love you and your sweet family. Today I will think of Hannah, a girl I was never destined to meet on this earth, but who I have grown to love this past year through your blog. Bless you all, I hope you feel the love of all your family and friends on this day.
Love, Pam
I came across your blog just about this time last year and I've followed along ever since, but I think that this is the first time I've posted. Today seemed appropriate. I wanted to tell you that I've been thinking of you and your family, and last night I read Fancy Nancy to my girls (ages 5 and 2) before putting them to bed. This morning, I wanted to post and let you know that Hannah's in my thoughts more today than ever.
Leanne in ME
Hugs to YOU! All of you are in my thoughts.
Prayers are coming your way! Hope you have a happy and blessed day!
Words escape me on this day, but know that another cyber-friend is sending all the good thoughts, prayers & hugs I have. Have a beautiful celebration of your sweet girl.
Oh, Rach. Huge hugs to you! I'm glad that you're remembering Hannah being so happy. The jelly bun morning is such a lovely, peaceful image.
I can feel her vivid presence. I'm sure that she's bouncing around in excitement today at all the people who are gathering (physically and in spirit) to celebrate her life.
You are amazing, and please know that you're not alone. We'll keep the thoughts and prayers coming even after your house gets quiet again.
Rach and Brien,
This is a memorable day for y'all. I just pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you. I pray that you feel His comfort and peace today.
Yes, Hannah is in a better place having the time of her life, but she is still gone. I pray that you will be able to rejoice in the days that she lived!
Hugs to you on this day, and every day. I have loved every minute of reading your blog for the past year. I found your blog one year ago and it has been a huge blessing in my life! Thank you for sharing your life with us. You have blessed the blogging world more than you know!
Hi -
I stumbled across your site just after this time last year, and I have admired your bravery and strength this past year. I know today will be tough for you. Just know that besides your flesh-and-blood friends and family, you have people all over the world thinking of you and wishing you strength, healing, and peace today.
(((hugs)))
just thinking of you today---hugs through a few tears
I hope everything goes well today. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Congratulations on making it through a very difficult year.
I haven't posted before but I've been reading your blog for a little while. My thoughts are with you today. God Bless!
Rachel,
Hello! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers today. Have a wonderful Hannah celebration! I want you to know that a lot of us are better people because of Hannah. I feel for certain that Heaven is a more beautiful and sparkly place because of the Monkey. I know she is dancing and having a blast, and is looking down on you, Brien and Lil.
Lots of love,
Melinda from Giles County, VA
Someone in South Dakota is praying for all of you today--and imagining Hannah dancing in heaven as she watches everyone in their sparklies and fancies celebrating her!
I cannot begin to imagine how difficult this past year has really been for you, however have had just a small glimpse as I have followed your struggle through your blog each day. There are lessons learned from pain, that joy cannot teach. From your pain, I have learned to celebrate each moment with my grandchildren--to watch a little closer, wait a little longer and hug a little harder. Thank you Rachel (and Hannah and Lily and Brien), for opening my eyes and reminding me what is truly important in life.
Thinking of you all today and every day. I'm sure the celebration today will reflect Hannah's beauty and sparkle. (((HUGS)))
Big hugs to you, too. You have come so far in a year. I'm sure Hannah would be so proud of how you have handled yourself!
I've been reading your blog for a few months now. I know I've commented before, but not for awhile. Your daughter's legacy has touched me SO much in a way that nothing else has. Since I've been reading your blog, I've been trying my best to live my life to the fullest and add a little sparkle to my day ;o) I've never met you, nor your amazing Hannah, but I truly feel like I know you both after reading your beautiful posts.
I'm thinking of you all. I know Hannah has touched the lives of so many of us. I think of her so often. You have changed the way I think of my life.
I hope today you feel her all around you.
With love,
Kris and family
My Thoughts are with you all today!! Big Hugs to you as well!!!
Rachel and Brien,
My heart is yours today and my prayers are for the most beautiful day of celebrating Hannah's Happy Heaven Day. I feel I know her well through everything you have done to honor her this past year. Have the most wonderful day celebrating the most wonderful sweet monkey girl. I will be doing some sparklies out here in California today, celebrating with you in spirit. I love you guys.
Laurie in Ca.l
I came across your blog a year ago and have been following along ever since. In honor of Hannah, my daughter and I are having a girls day out today.
I'll be thinking of you and your family today.
Lisa
I too discovered your blog a little less than a year ago. Thanks for sharing so much about your lives and Hannah's. I know today will be a wonderful celebration of Hannah's life. She is celebrating with all of you from up above, watching over you always.
We are still thinking of you and your family. I am sure this is a milestone that seemed so far away at many points. Enjoy your day! I can't wait to see all of your "fancy" pictures!
With thoughts, prayers, and hugs as you continue to move forward,
Lynn/PA
You and Hannah will be in my thoughts today...I will be wearing my sparklies in her honor!
Beth
Thinking of you and all your family today and continuting to lift you all up in prayer. I know your celebration today is going to be just as Hannah would want it!
I'm sending a big hug you way :o)!!! Thanks also for allowing us to learn so much about your precious daughter. I know she has touched so many of our lives forever.
It seems improbable that the blog of a total stranger could make such a profound influence on my life, but, well, life is full of improbabilities.
I stumbled across your blog last year, (Googling a different Brien and Lily, LOL) and have been inspired by your journey ever since. Through your generosity in sharing your pain and joy, I've come to realize that my troubles are truly small, that life is too short to miss out on the beauty, that even when we are most entitled to feel self pity, that emotion is ultimately a waste of time, and that my kids need to be treasured every day. With deepest gratitude and respect, I am sending you smiles, tears and hugs. Much love, Pamina
Rachel, my thoughts and prayers are with your family today as you celebrate your little girl's life. I can only imagine the depths of your sorrow this past year, yet you have managed to be such an inspiration to all who have "watched" you. You are an amazing woman and I so appreciate your sharing of your journey this past year with us. I hope you have a wonderful, sparkly, Hannah-filled day. Know that peace and love are being sent your way from Georgia.
There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you all. I'm sure that today will bring a wide range of emotions. Have a wonderful day celebrating and honoring your monkey. I'll be doing the same out here on the west coast.
Rachael,Brien and Lilly-
i want to let you know that today the Blaine family is thinking of you all and praying for you. We passed thru Williamsburg for the night on thursday and I would have loved to stopped by to give you all a hug. We ares till out of town but I made sure to find a computer today so I could send you a message. I know that the Lord is dancing with Hannah by His side today as He rejoices at the fact that He has such a wonderful angel with Him. Prayers to you all.
I have been following your story for the past year, and, I'm continually amazed by your strength and determination in how you handle your grief.
I have cried over so many of your words, and I have tried hard to keep you and your family in my prayers.
I hope you have a wonderful celebration day. May God continue to hold you, and comfort you, and give you peace.
Blessings,
Stacy
Hey Rach, I'm thinking of you all today. I pretty much think of you all every day. I hope today is filled with all your great memories of your sweet little girl.
I'm so sorry, prayers that Jesus will hold you very tight today in your pain and remembrance of sweet beautiful Hannah
Thinking of y'all today and sending love, hugs and prayers. Have a great day remembering your Monkey. I know that she is watching from Heaven and enjoying every bit of her day.
Love & Hugs from Texas
Stephanie
I've been thinking about you guys all week but especially today. I'm so glad I got to meet you in person earlier this year, and hug you and share memories of Hannah.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
I too have been reading your blog for the past year but never left a comment, as I really didn't know what to say. I love the way in which you write and express yourself, and manage keep so positive. Enjoy your celebration of your beautiful daughter.
I have also been following your wonderful blog for the last year but have never left a comment before, mainly because I just didn't know what to say to you. I have a daughter who recently turned 6 and I see so many similarities with Hannah. Enjoy your celebration of your beautiful daughter.
Prayers and Hugs with you today, as everyday! Going to put on my sparklies today in honor of Hannah.
Hugs to all
Heart From Ohio
Big giant HUGS to You, Brien and your whole family today. I am off to look for butterflies. (they are hard to find).
Today will be hard, and I am pulling for you.
It will also be special.
As Dolly Parton said "laughter through tears is my favorite emotion". I have tears while I type this, and I know you will have tears too, but I KNOW you will have a lot of laughter on this day of rememberance as well.
thinking of you today. just yesterday i came to your blog and realized that one year must be approaching and i prayed for your family...as i have been throughout the course of this year. i also took some time to read through some of your older posts. Hannah is amazingly beautiful and sounds like there was never a dull moment with her around :) how blessed you are to be her momma. may you cling to the many special memories you have of your precious daughter Hannah. sending hugs from manitoba canada.
thinking of you today. just yesterday i came to your blog and realized that one year must be approaching and i prayed for your family...as i have been throughout the course of this year. i also took some time to read through some of your older posts. Hannah is amazingly beautiful and sounds like there was never a dull moment with her around :) how blessed you are to be her momma. may you cling to the many special memories you have of your precious daughter Hannah. sending hugs from manitoba canada.
Rach,
Like so many others have said, your strength and bravery have inspired me throughout the last year. Know that my thoughts are with you and your family this weekend, as are those of many of us in the 'burg. Hannah has touched so many lives in her short time with us, and continues to live on and inspire others through you. While I usually read through my blog reader, I always follow your posts, often with tears in my eyes, and awe at your strength.
Giant hugs for you. You will remain in my thoughts.
Like many others here, I have been reading your blog for over a year and never left a comment, but today seems an appropriate day to tell you how inspiring and wonderful your writing has been to me. I am an online friend of your sister's and have known her for many years, we post in the same readers' group, so I occasionally checked out your blog when you posted pictures of your girls and Ella. I even remember the day Hannah was born because Jess posted about it in our group and sent pictures. Therefore, it came as a complete shock to me to read that Hannah was no longer there. I barely slept that night and cried a lot during the day, over somebody I had not even met, and yet felt connected to.
Ever since that day, I have been reading your blog regularly, amazed by your enthusiasm for life and your strength, by your courage and resilience. I truly admire you. I have two small boys, one who is only a few weeks older than Lily and a baby who was born a day after Gabriel. I am a teacher like you, so reading about your profession as well as about Lily's daily shenanigans has been interesting to me, as well. ;-)
I would like to wish you a wonderful day today, full of beautiful memories and celebrations of life. I will be thinking of you, your family and Hannah!
Love,
Vivien
I have been thinking about you all a lot as today drew closer, I don't comment often but somehow I feel like I know your family through your blog. I hope today is full of happy Hannah memories for you all and that those memories can salve some of the pain.
May you all be especially blessed today with your celebration!
Rachael, Brien and Lilly We send you our thoughts and hugs and lift up prayers for you all. Will be thinking of you today and will be there with you in thought. I hope you all can visit sometime soon.
Love to all
Cheryll, L. T., Scarlet, et.al.
I woke up thinking of Hannah, and you, this morning. It saddens me that this anniversary for you falls on my wedding anniversary...and yet, sometimes I think that maybe that's why I found you. Hugs for you and for Brien, for Lil...for Lissie and Jess... for everyone.
You are in my thoughts and prayers today. I honored Hannah on my blog today. I will never forget her and she is always on my mind when I see something sparkly or beautiful in a store. :)
Much Love to you all,
Aimee and family
I've been reading your blog for the past year and never left a comment, because I didn't know what to say. I'm a student at VT and actually passed you, Brien and Lily on the Cascades trail last fall. I wanted to stop, but I thought you might think I was crazy for recognizing you:) I wanted to finally tell you today that reading about your lives has made me (and many others) appreciate the smallest things and live life more fully. I'm inspired by your strength and honesty. I'll be thinking about Hannah all day today and praying for you.
I too have read your blog for months (and both laughed and cried with you) but have not commented until now. It seems like a good day to do so, especially since I had a beautiful pair of big yellow butterflies hovering around me this morning.
I wish you and your family peace and healing. I know there must be an extra sparkly little girl looking down on you all today.
Blessings to you.
Rachel, I will be thinking of you all today. I have been reading your blog for a year, and have commented before, but I read every day! I don't think I can get across how much you and your family has touched my life. I truly, truly don't take for granted one day and if I start to, I remember your family and how precious life is!
I hope today is a wonderful celebration of Hannah and all that she represents!! Just know that she has touched and helped so many people!!
God bless you all!
Mar
This is my first post to your blog...I just wanted to let you know that you are all in my thoughts today especially Hannah.......Your blog is a real inspiration to me.. Bless you all.... {{{{{Hugs}}}}}
You all have been in my thoughts and prayers so much as this day approached. I pray that it will be a day of celebration of the special sweetie that God blessed you all with. May God envelop you all in His peace that surpasses understanding.
Just yesterday I was sharing with a dear friend about reading your blog and she asked how I could do that when it seemed so depressing. It was hard to explain to her that really, as sad as it is that Hannah is no longer with you all physically, that it inspires me daily to not take any moment with the people I love for granted. Plus, if anything, it helped me realize that God can be trusted and will cary me through even the most devastating circumstances, as He has given you the strength to not only live, but find and share your joy in the last year. Thank you again for sharing your journey.
A "friend" praying for you in MD
We put are sparkles on for Hannah today. xoxo
Thinking of you and your family today.
I woke up this morning and immediately thought about Hannah's first year in Heaven. I said a prayer for your family that you will have the strength to make it a special day remembering your precious Monkey. Thank you for this past year of sharing your heart with all of us. God Bless you all.
Prayers for your family.
*HUGS* *HUGS *HUGS*
Rach,
There is a party in heaven today. You have done so well. I hope I can follow your example of really living after the death of a child.
I am thinking of and praying for you and Hannah and your family today.
Love and hugs,
Stephanie
I'm thinking of you are your family as you celebrate Hannah's life today. What a special little girl! Blessings!!
What a testimony your life is! God Bless!
Rachael,
I first discovered your blog about five weeks after Hannah's death. I have checked up on you daily since and you are a total inspiration to me. This past year must have been so hard for you and your family.
I hope today surrounded by your family is of some comfort to you. Hannah is very much in my thoughts today.
Cara
OH Rach...you and Brien and Lilly and Lissy and Jess are in my heart today. I bet your little monkey is soaking up all the love you are sending her way today, and loving all the attention!
Thanks for sharing Hannah with us. I have come to love her sparkly personality and bust-your-gut zest for life through your posts. I know she is in a place where she feels even more alive and exuberantly happy than we could imagine.
Much, much love and lotsa hugs,
Sumi
Rachael and Family,
I hope your day is full of Hannah memories, love and happiness. I went to the river in my town today to send off balloons for Hannah, my mom and I went to the local party store and picked out the most beautiful colors for her...lots of pinks and purples, I actually was able to get a balloon with her name on it. I took pictures if you would like them. I have been thinking of you and your family all day.
Love,
Kate W.
we remembered Hannah today as we did our candle burning ceremony. Emily put Hannah's name on the list. Hugs and prayers! I know today will be bittersweet.
I don't think you will ever know how many people your blog has reached . . . I read it daily & am so inspired by your faith & courage! Keep on keeping on . . . you and yours are in my prayers & one day we'll all have a Home Coming and will be reunited with our loved ones on the other side of Glory! I too have had Hannah on my mind all day . . . it sprinkled rain here & the sun came out . . . I saw a small frog on my porch and immediately thought of Hannah. She has definitely touched my life! You have such a testimony! Love & Prayers, Diane (I live in Lake Charles, Louisiana & am Mimi's Toes Sister)
Thinking of your family today. Wishing your sparklies, fairies, frogs, joy and peace. We are so sorry for your loss.
Detroitmama
Much love, Rach. Much love...
Rachael, Brien and Lily; I've been reading a while now and just wanted to let you know that all of you are in my thoughts daily, today especially as you celebrate Hannah's life. May you find comfort in your family and friends and in the glorious memories of your precious child/sister.
kesha.
PS: I found your blog listed on Laura's blog. (I promise not to laugh during the seance)
Rachael,Brien, and Lily
Just wanted to let you know that you all are in our thoughts and prayers today and every day but especially today as you celebrate the Joy that was Hannah. Our entire congregation will be holding you up in prayer as well.
Remember that God's grace IS amazing and will help bear all our sorrows. May you find comfort and peace today and everyday
love and shalom
Gale and Harry
Rachel and Brien,
Can't get you off my mind this afternoon and want to check in and let you know I am praying as you are celebrating back there. It is 4:10 pm here. I hope it is the most wonderful and blessed event as you are surrounded by all the sparklie people that you love. I am with you in thought and spirit. I love you guys.
Laurie in Ca.
Thinking of you and your family.
Thinking of you and your family!
((hugs))
You don't know me, but I have been reading your blag for a while. I want you to know that I am thinking about Hannah and your family. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to meet Hannah, she sounds like such a sweet, fun little girl.
Today when I went to the FM - for the first time - I picked up some cut lilies. I wanted to make sure I was a part of the celebration.
Congratulations on making it a year. : )
-Christa
I also discovered your blog after that day a year ago, the link was posted on the mommy board I run, you have no idea how much Hannah has touched people lives. Thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you all today.
As I have every day for the past year, I am thinking of you and your Hannah today. Adam and I toasted her this morning and Megan put on her fanciest dress for her (as fancy as a four month old can get) It's a milestone anniversary. The last first you have to overcome. Know that in the next year and the years to come, you have a friend in Canada praying for you. Love you very much and sending hugs to you, Brien, sweet Lily and you beautiful sister and mom too. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
You all are in my thoughts and prayers today. God bless
Rach,
You are in my thoughts and prayers today. Hugs.
There was a hugh rainbow in our sky this evening (in Lake Charles) . . . I told my husband, that was created by Hannah! Wow!
Diane (again)
I hope today was sparkly and fun, full of celebrating Hannah's Heaven day....I read something beautiful the other day on another blog by a mother who lost her little boy to cancer (www.caringbridge.org/fl/jacob) and I thought I would quote her:
Of course, I can't think of the 4th of July and fireworks without thinking of the following story again that someone sent me shortly after Jacob passed away. I LOVE the way it describes Heaven . . .
"This author describes the death of a child to an experience he had as a young boy, watching fireworks with his mother. He was so awed by the beauty of the fireworks that he unknowingly wandered away from his mother. She spent a desperate 10 minutes trying to find him, shouting and screaming his name, fear tearing her apart. And just as he turned to say, "Mommy, look at that one!" she appeared around the corner. For her, the separation was agonizing; for him, it was as if those 10 minutes simply didn't exist, he was so absorbed in the glory before him."
Yes - I am hoping that Jacob is so awed by the glory of Heaven that he doesn't realize we are separated! It is agonizing for me - but brings me peace in knowing that Jacob doesn't know this time apart exists. What a great thought!
Ending with a scripture . . .
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
I thought of your family first thing this morning and many times today. Thank you for sharing with us, thank you for allowing us the glimpse into your life that helps us value every moment with our children even more than we would have before.
jennifer
Hello Rachel
Thinking of you and your family today. I know there are no words that can make it any better. I am so glad for you that you started this blog while you were enjoying your time with Hannah.
You are a very brave loving Mom.
Wendy
(Sheri's cousin)
Rachel, I also found your blog the day after Hannah's accident. I have checked in every day since. It is so amazing how many people all over the world are changed because of one sparkly girl named HANNAH! She will certainly never be forgotten! I can't wait to read about the celebration today. I am sure it has been absolutely perfect and everything Hannah would want. Huge hugs to you for turning today into a wonderful day and honoring your sweet monkey.
I have been thinking of you today, Rachael.
Thinking of you and your beautiful girl today.
Kerry Dunne
J05
I've been thinking of you all today - hugs and prayers!
My family and I have celebrated Hannah's life and all the great things she has brought to each of us through your blog. Thank you for sharing. I am sending hugs and thoughts to you and your family on this day.
Carrie
Rachael and Brien,
I just wanted to let you know that I am here praying for you. Your family remains in my thoughts and prayers daily. I miss you all so much!
Love,
Sarah
Hugs.
Hannah will never be forgotten. Thanks to you. So beautiful that the anniversary was spent with loving family and friends. So perfect.
Rachael, Brien, and Lily,
I thought of you all day! It looks like you had a wonderful celebration for Hannah. I hope you feel my continual prayers.
Hugs to you,
Laurie in NJ
Hannah has touched my life even though I never met her. Her short little life has impacted so many others in such a profound way. My kids know about "Fancy Hannah" and we celebrate her life today. I love reading your blog, though I cant do it unless I have tissues in hand. It reminds me everyday to treasure all the sparklies in the day and to hug my kids a little tighter and let go of all the small things that bother me. Your sweet little girl has been such a blessing to so many people. And Lil, sweet little Lil, that girl sparkles too! I am praying for your family, today and always. Thank you so much for sharing your sweet Monkey with us!!
I am just getting here to this post and I see... 88 comments! What LOVE! What a legacy! Thank you, Hannah... and thank you Rach for allowing us to be with you on this past years' journey.
A friend just sent me to your blog. I hope you were able to enjoy many happy memories on Hannah's "Heaven Day". I usually celebrate my Sydnie's "Heaven Day" (and her birthday) with her favorite cake (yummy red velvet), a balloon release, flowers at the cemetery and even her favorite meal...BBQ ribs and spaghetti and meatballs. Rest assurred that as much as it hurts now, time does indeed ease the intense pain. You'll forever miss Hannah, but you'll love her more every single day. It's been 11 years since my Sydnie left us...but she is forever 4 in our hearts and I'll love her more and more every single day until we are together again! God bless you and your family and big hugs to Lily.
www.sydnieclairesbabies.com
Thinking of you this weekend from CO. Sparklies to all =)
Rachael,
I have read your story over the last year. You amaze me with your honesty, love, and grace in which you've handled the most difficult situation I can begin to imagine. Hannah was a lovely girl here on earth, and I know she is dancing just like you imagine up in heaven. May you find peace in the coming days....
Thank you! Thank you! We feel so special to have been included in Heaven Day.
Love to you all!
Jess T
Love & Hugs to you and your family! You all have been in my thoughts and prayers!
Love you all,
Jennifer
I am days late, but thoughts of Hannah and you came to me Sunday and in all the craziness just whooshed out again. Then I read your post on my blog and hit myself in the head.
I can't say anything other than I am thinking of you.
Love and hugs for this long long year. I am also glad you have wonderful support - husband and daughter.
Thank you for sharing your journey, your openness has helped me to achieve a bit of peace.
Hi Rach!
I have been thinking about you so much this last week! The pictures from Heaven Day are so beautiful! I love the little girls in their butterfly wings. One can only imagine the wonders Hannah is celebrating in Heaven! I am continuing to pray for you!
Much love and Prayers,
Annie :)
Death can be a messenger of joy, and you allowed it to become so. I knew this was going to be a profound, committed project for you. Successful people know how to produce miraculous outcomes, and this was all about a Mother's love and care, all about You. Bravo, Rach!!
Dear Rachel, Brian, and Lil,
Have followed your blog since someone else told me about your loss. I can only imagine how very difficult it has been during the past year. I know that the celebration was a wonderful sparkly and I'm sure that Hannah was watching the festivities planned for her 'heaven day'. I could just imagine her all decked out in pink, sparkley wings and giggling! You're all in my prayers daily.
Blessings, Aunt Bea
I have been away on vacation, but I wanted to post to let you know I think about you and your family. I continue to stand in awe of your bravery, strength, and determination. I was thrilled to read how you honored Hannah on this day.
Words have never been my thing. I suck at them. But just know you all are always in my thoughts. Julia is 5 now and I always see Hannah in her. You are so strong and such an amazing person. Thank you for continuing to share your story. I am thankful to have been a part of it.
*hugs*
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