Just as we had done the year before, Brad and I decided to memorialize Aubrey's birthday with a balloon release celebration... only this year, we decided to open the invitation up to all of our family and friends. We sent out invitations...along with donation requests for Aubrey's memorial fund set up at First Candle/SIDS Alliance...and we were pleased when the final count was in and nearly $3000 had been raised.

The weather on the day of Aubrey's celebration was nowhere near perfect...yet we felt surrounded by our beautiful angel as the clouds opened up and the sun began to shine less than an hour before everyone met at the cemetery.

Similar to last year, Aubrey's Grandma Wilkin began the celebration with a prayer. We stood in a circle...hands entwined...hearts connected...tears streaming down many of our faces. It's hard to explain the intensity of being surrounded by so many people who love us...and love Aubrey...but we felt the power of prayer work its miracles as we stood together and listened to the prayer below. Her words spoke to each one of us differently...providing us with exactly what we needed to hear...giving us a sense of peace...and helping mend our broken hearts and shattered spirits.

Dear Father God,

Let our lives...our words and actions...be reflections of Your love for us. In Jesus' holy name, Amen.

After Aubrey's Grandma Wilkin finished the prayer, I shared something special that I had written for the occasion with our family and friends...

We stand here today...a circle of family and friends...people who knew Aubrey...people who love Aubrey...people who have made it a priority to continue to celebrate her life. It’s definitely not the birthday party we would have once planned for, yet it is a birthday celebration none-the-less. It is a day to remember the moment that Aubrey came into our lives...the day that our world became a brighter, better and more peaceful place. It is a day to celebrate all the blessings that she brought to us...a day to think about the way that she has forever changed our lives. We will never have birthday memories of Aubrey like we want to... memories of a now two-year-old girl, blowing out the candles on her birthday cake, running around as she plays with her friends...but we will have memories of her special day...memories that each and every one of you are helping us create as you stand here today.

In a poem by Grace Easley are some of my favorite words:

Memories are heartbeats sounding through the years
Echoes never fading of our smiles and our tears
Images that linger deep within our mind
Memories are lights that burn to keep the heart alive

We all know why memories are so important. We understand how memories help us survive, especially in the midst of bittersweet moments like this. Aubrey left us with many special memories...memories that we will always hold in our hearts. We believe that memories are the most important way to keep our daughter’s spirit alive in this world. What was your favorite memory of Aubrey? Close your eyes...remember that moment...that special something about her that you will never forget. Think about her dark, but shining eyes...her chubby legs...and of course, her toothless grin that could make anyone smile. Think about the way that she worked so hard to grab her favorite toy...with such intensity on her face. Think about the gentle way she played with Charger...following his every move. Think about the way she squealed with excitement and the way she curled up in your arms...usually with her left thumb stuck in her mouth. Whatever your favorite memory is about Aubrey, be sure to share it with someone today...and of course with us if you have never told us before.

As we remember the life of our little girl, we thank you all again for being here to celebrate Aubrey’s 2nd birthday...for always remembering the special things about her...and for helping us create memories today, that like those we have of Aubrey, we will cherish forever.

Finally, Aubrey's Aunt Andrea read a poem that I had found - and edited a bit - in honor of Aubrey's birthday...

My Birthday in Heaven

I heard you crying yesterday and felt your heart-sent love
So I’m sending you this message now from heaven up above
You wonder if I’ll celebrate my birthday way up here
I know you’re missing me today; I feel your spirit near

So though you’re there without me on this special afternoon
Just hold tight to all our memories and know I’ll see you soon

Just as Andrea finished reading this poem, a little white butterfly flew between the two of us and then made its way around the circle of family and friends at the celebration. Everyone was pointing at the butterfly...following it from one person to the next...oohing and ahhing at the wonder of it all. It truly was the most amazing moment of the day! Not only will I cherish that memory for the rest of my life, but I can imagine that everyone else in attendance that afternoon will as well.

After all the balloons were released...275 to be exact...everyone headed back to our house for cake and ice cream. We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting with loved ones and sharing special stories of our little girl.

Though it's not the birthday party I truly want for my angel, it was a wonderful celebration of her life and all that she continues to give to those of us she touched.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated Aubrey's birthday with us...both those who were able to attend, as well as those who joined us in spirit. Brad and I continue to be in awe of the steady support and prayers we receive from each of you.

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