Tiff and Jason celebrated Emmie's birthday last night by having both sides of their family over for dinner, a balloon release and an inspired family home evening lesson. It was the perfect way to honor their sweet daughter. Each of us wrote a little note on our balloon and then Jason gave everyone a short moment to say our own silent prayer before we released our balloon. It was the perfect evening and the sky was beautiful!
I love the fact that there will be the Gilbert Temple sitting behind this wall in just two short years... What an amazing photo that would have been!
Since I didn't get in any pictures, I wanted to have a record of my balloon with the moon.
The message read:
To my angel niece, who I love so much and can not wait to see again someday!
After the balloon release we came in and had a delicious dinner and a family home evening lesson, given by... Grandpa McCleve. As always, his message was inspiring! He reminded us that we need to be living our lives, so that we can be reunited with Emmie again some day. Emmie's purpose of coming to this earth, the way she did, was part of our Heavenly Fathers plan and we are the beneficiaries of her purpose. I know that each of my own children have a very deep love for their cousin and they can not wait to see her walking, talking and playing some day. This is something that they have longed for since Emmie was very little and I don't think they will want to miss out on... So hopefully in hard times, we all will remember that there are people on the other side of the veil who are anxious to be with us. They love us and want us to make good choices so that we can be worthy to be with them and especially in the presence of our Savior and Heavenly Father. At least for me, it's great motivation!
I am just so saddened at times that my sister and Jason are the ones who pay the painful price for the rest of us who benefit from Emmie's purpose. We have ALL been so blessed by her life and the hole in our hearts will always be there, but nothing like it is for Tiff and J! I know it is still so painful and they miss her terribly. It makes my heart ache to think that this part of them will probably never be completely healed. The emptiness will always reside in their hearts for their sweet, first born daughter. But, I do know that this is why we have the gift of the Atonement. There is compensation for all things when we use the Atonement and we rely on it to heal our hearts and souls. Tiff and Jason will be compensated someday for the sacrifice they have made for each of us, who are the beneficiaries. That, I do know and love them for what they have agreed to do. I feel very blessed to have such an amazing family and I do love them all so much.
It was absolutely amazing to see how many people called, texted, emailed, stopped by with flowers and treats to the Check home... just to say hi and we are thinking of you and Emmie today... this went on until 8:30 p.m. It really is amazing what little things people can do to make a difference in someones day. 
Soph and Ava leading the music for fhe
I wish I had a picture of the whole clan
Happy Birthday to our sweet Emmie... We love you and know you are a beautiful angel!
7 comments:
What a beautiful night you all had. What a lovely way to remember her!
Tiff & Jason must now have some idea to what it must have felt like for Heavenly Father to sacrifice his Son yet knowing his other children would be the beneficiaries. I can only imagine.... I'm amazed that they agreed to it & am so grateful for their sacrifice. Emmie has & will bring so many unto Christ & they will be forever grateful to her.
What a perfect celebration! I am sure she felt all your love today and you all felt hers. So sweet!
I have to admit I secretly want a Strawberry party now after seeing all the bright pretty colors. The candy buffet, balloons all of it made my heart smile. What a wonderful celebration honoring such a cutie.
P.S. A temple in the background would have looked awesome. 2 more years...
Tracey, my best friends daughter was killed in an accident 6 years ago and on her birthday I let 8 balloons go in my backyard for her one for each year she would of been. In each ballon I wrote special words, they are not members but I sent her a picture, there was a special feeling I had letting those balloons go. Keep up that tradition it is not only theraputic but makes you feel close to Heaven. I agree with you, what a great picture it will be in a couple of years when the Temple is finished. xoxo
The embers burning in the fireplace looks like angel wings, that was where my eyes focused first, I got goose bumps and smiled. Em is never to far from her family..:)
Tracey, your words, your family, extended family brings comfort to so many. Thank you for all the pictures, I feel so much closer to all of you.
Tiff you and Jason have such an exciting journey ahead of yourselves. I love you both..:) Thank you for allowing us to peak into your lives.
Love and hugs to you all,
XOXO
Amazing! You really know how to put the right words and pics down! Tiff is lucky to have a sister like you! We all feel so lucky and blessed to have had Emmie a part of our lives! thanks for sharing
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