Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Mother's Day!

Mother's Day was a really special day for me. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Wade and I had a picnic breakfast at Ava's burial site, which we decorated with Gerber daisies. We sat up there for a long time as we talked and read books.

I felt very comforted and overjoyed to think about how safe Ava is and how much good she is doing. These pictures may seem a little light-hearted, and they are. We had lots of fun, and wanted to capture the happiness we felt.

So this is us trying to get Ava's flowers and name placard in the picture.
It took a few tries before we got it just right. I love looking at these pictures because Ava was always wearing flowers, especially daisies, on her head.










The barn and shed that you can see behind me in the background are on my mom and dad's property. I love that she looks right down on our house, and that she is always by family, even when Wade and I aren't in Morgan.
One of our sweet neighbors told me that she walks the cemetery road everyday and always stops to see Ava. And my Dad often brings up more dirt to smooth the grave as it settles. I am so grateful that she is surrounded by so many loving people.

I have often thought of pioneer moms who had to bury their precious ones wherever they happened to be. To think of using a thin shawl to wrap the child in as they tried to dig a grave in the frozen ground, and then walk away--knowing they would never be able to visit this sacred place that housed their child's body is unimaginable to me. How heartbreaking that would be. I am so grateful that I am able to re-visit this beautiful spot and remember the fun and love that we did and still do share together. I am able to care for her in a small way by being able to keep her grave clean and protected.