Day 5: A Memorial

Day Five: A Memorial

This pretty much sums up Bella's memorial service. Daniel and I created her shadow box...which was to be full of the things we wanted her to have...but would never get to buy. It had flowers....to remind us of the bloom of love she was...there were butterflies, to remind us that anytime we see one, she's there. The outfit, shoes, socks, and pacifier in her box were a labor of love. We went into Babies R' Us, fully aware of what we were there to do...and yet---we couldn't help looking around us at all of the things that we SHOULD have had months longer to buy. We settled on an outfit that we thought would have been something we'd want to take her home in, some cute little sandals, lacy socks, and a pacifier with "Isabella" on it. $80.00 later, our hearts were broken, but our box could come together, and baby girl would be dressed. Everything was made from scratch. The programs from her memorial were made by me, written by Daniel, and we just had them printed at Fed Ex. Keepsake bookmarks were also made by me, and were more for Daniel and I than anyone else. We bought her Urn from Hobby Lobby, and to this day, I find it to be perfect for her. The ceremony was short and sweet, and full of meaning. Daniel's mom spoke, Daniel spoke, the Reverend spoke, and Renae sang. It was beautiful. Gina and Jason lit their candles, and together lit Bella's memorial candle...(which we also hand-made)...and then we all went outside to release our balloons in memory of her. It's something we still do. That day defined me. Who i was as a person...who i'd be...where i'd go from there. In a lot of ways...it still does.