Isla Noelle

She is part of each of our days, and forever in our hearts. Held for only moments, loved forever, our dear daughter - Isla Noelle.

We think of her each day, but today we think of our little girl especially. How I long to be hosting her one year birthday party with sparkles and butterflies and pink curly ribbon. We think of her in heaven. She escaped all the hurt, pain, and disappointments of this world and is in a perfect place. We can rest and delight in that assurance. She is having the greatest celebration - more than we can ask or imagine.

We are thankful that God has seen us through this year. It really has been the hardest year of our lives. Through it all, we have seen God's love, hope, peace, joy, promises and control. The tears have flown in abundance, they still do, the pain of loss is still real, but we rest in God's covering. It's not always easy, but it's always there. "Be still and know that I am God."

Thank you to all of our family and friends for walking through this year especially with us. We can't thank you enough for your prayers, love and encouragement. You shared in our joy, and you shared in our sorrow. Thank you for sharing the burden with us and for looking ahead together with us. We need you all and we love you all.

Daniel put together a little video of our journey throughout this year. I was blessed that he used his artistic skills as an outlet of grieving. If you'd like to see it, here is the link: http://vimeo.com/18295856

Shortly after we lost Isla, a friend encouraged me with a picture of our hearts in grieving. At that time a huge tree had been ripped out of them, and the hole and void hurt immeasurably. She shared of her own personal journey of loss and how growth began to fill that void and that deep loss again in time. This year we have seen growth, we've been able to see flowers budding and blossoming, rays of sunshine, blessings and new life again. We give thanks.

We love our darling Isla.
Mama and Daddy :)