Elizabeth Cady

Elizabeth Cady
Our Darling Girl

Friday, November 4, 2011

A year without Elle



                                                                              
Hard to believe little girl has been gone a whole year.  She has been gone longer than she was alive - for over a month actually. It is weird, unreal even.  In many ways it feels like yesterday. We love her so much as many others do.  We miss her; our longing for her burns, but we are so, so grateful that we are her parents.

Stefan (Steve), Chloe, and I honored Elle's memory today in a couple of ways and the day was sunny and cool and beautiful.  Perfect. 

We woke up leisurely and I made scrambled eggs and butterfly shaped pancakes with apricot syrup- yum. We looked at a few pictures of her and then went to Capitol Nursery to choose a tree to plant.  A SUPER helpful tree expert, Dave helped us to choose the perfect tree.  We spent nearly 2 hours choosing just the right one. In the end, we chose one that looks pretty on this day with red fall leaves and has a beautiful lavender/pink bloom in the summer. It is small, delicate looking, graceful, balanced, but strong; just like our Elizabeth.


Steve and Chloe digging a hole for the tree


                                                                            



Later, we went to Elle's grave and released a dozen gorgeous Monarchs.  All flew away gracefully except for one that took a shine to Chloe.  The last butterfly lingered on her finger and even let her kiss it.  Chloe was as gentle with this butterfly as she was with her own sister!  It too, finally floated away. It was lovely!









Already dark when I remembered to photograph Elle's tree!

Later we had a nice Thai lunch, watched a compilation of home movies and photos of Elle, and  lit her special candle. Of course we cried too, but over all, it was a perfect way to spend Elle's Heaven Birthday, as Chloe calls it. (Tonight she said "On November fourth, Elle died and went to her big birthday party in Heaven" -cool, huh).

I read this today too but I don't know the author:

Where I have gone I am not so small
My soul is as wide as the world is tall.
I have gone to answer the call, the call
Of the one who takes care of us all.
Wherever you look, you will find me there-
In the heart of a rose,
In the heart of a prayer.
On butterflies' wings, on wings of my own,
To you I'm gone,
But I'm never alone-
I am home

Thank you to everyone who loves Elle and has supported us today and always.  We received thoughtful, loving messages today.  Lightens our hearts knowing that Elle is still so ALIVE in all of us...

God Bless



10 comments:

  1. Thinking about your little brave girl!

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  2. What a great way to spend the day honoring Baby Elle. That picture of Chloe with her butterfly is just beautiful. We wish you continued strength and comfort knowing that you have so many fond memories of her. Our girls are surely all dancing together in heaven.

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  3. Sounds like you guys had an amazing day honoring Elle. I can't imagine how you must feel, but I know Elle is in Heaven painfree. :) We're hoping to get up that way (Morro Bay) in December, but we'll call to let you know. we're looking forward to seeing you all! Love, Brian and Jenn (ps-love the tree idea!)

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  4. Still thinking of Elle and you all here. I love the way Chloe kissed the butterfly...so very gentle. Holding you all in my heart always.

    Denise WI

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  5. Dear Pop Family: What a wonderful way to honor Elle. The pictures are great, and I love the butterflies. That tree will grow and be the best, biggest, and prettiest tree ever. I just know that Elle and Leah have become best friends.
    Miss those smiles. Your family will always be in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Love and Peace Leah and Tabby's Nana

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  6. Such a sweet way to remember your little girl, what a beautiful angel. I came across Elle's story while following the story of Tripp. I only wish I had heard about your little Elle sooner since I live in Sacramento, I would have loved to have helped fundraise in any way that I could. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Kelly
    Holtonkc@aol.com

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  7. Praying that your family is feeling peace this Christmas.

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  8. I love that the monarch stayed around for a kiss. So sweet. My thoughts are with you often.

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  9. I found your blog by accident and hope you don't mind me sharing that I am so touched by your experiences and your sweet baby elle. What an amazing strength you and your family demonstrated throughout the journey. I love the viewpoint that you have. She is reunited with other family gone before... she is a beautiful girl. I love her deep peaceful eyes and that radiant smile. My thoughts prayers and well wishes are with you. What an incredible blessing to have enjoyed her sweet spirit even for such a short time. God bless you!

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