Finding Happiness through Grief
Wednesday was the 18th birthday of our oldest daughter Heather. Like all of our children we celebrate our daughter's birthday every year. The difference with Heather is that she only spent her first three birthdays celebrating them with us. Heather was 3 years 9 months and 6 days old when she passed away.
Heather wasn't sick, she died from a fluke accident. The climbing frame she was swinging on collapsed and a tiny corner of her head was hit by the cross-bar. She never regained consciousnesses and passed away a few hours later despite being life-flighted to one of the best Children's Hospitals. Our world fell apart that day and I can honestly say we have never been the same since. Every year since then we have tried to make her birthday a happy day. A day to remember her and celebrate her life. The joy she brought into it. I have learned that we only suffer grief and loss because we love. I would go through it all again for the opportunity of having her in my life, even if it was only for three years, 9 months, and 5 days.
Since our other children have been born the tradition of celebrating Heather's life has continued. Every year we let off balloons and sing I am a Child of God a song from the children's hymn book of my church, followed by the traditional 'Happy Birthday'.
This year was no different. Except because of work commitments it was just the five of us. Normally as many of our family gather with us, they have been a great support over the years. My Mom and my Husbands Dad joined us via Skype from England and Utah. It is amazing how technology blesses our lives.
©2011-2014 Chickensbunniesandhomeschool. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author Chickensbunniesandhomeschool.blogspot.com
Heather wasn't sick, she died from a fluke accident. The climbing frame she was swinging on collapsed and a tiny corner of her head was hit by the cross-bar. She never regained consciousnesses and passed away a few hours later despite being life-flighted to one of the best Children's Hospitals. Our world fell apart that day and I can honestly say we have never been the same since. Every year since then we have tried to make her birthday a happy day. A day to remember her and celebrate her life. The joy she brought into it. I have learned that we only suffer grief and loss because we love. I would go through it all again for the opportunity of having her in my life, even if it was only for three years, 9 months, and 5 days.
Since our other children have been born the tradition of celebrating Heather's life has continued. Every year we let off balloons and sing I am a Child of God a song from the children's hymn book of my church, followed by the traditional 'Happy Birthday'.
This year was no different. Except because of work commitments it was just the five of us. Normally as many of our family gather with us, they have been a great support over the years. My Mom and my Husbands Dad joined us via Skype from England and Utah. It is amazing how technology blesses our lives.
This tradition has really helped our family cope with our loss, celebrate Heather's life, and bond our family together.
©2011-2014 Chickensbunniesandhomeschool. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author Chickensbunniesandhomeschool.blogspot.com
Your post was simple and from the heart. Beautifully written. Thank you for sharing your daughter, and your family with us <3
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