Dear Cate –
Today is your first birthday. I hope you are having a wonderful party in heaven.
I never got to meet you or see you but I love you anyway. Just a little more than a year after my own “Kate” (as Grandpa calls her) went to heaven, you joined her.
Your mother is so special to me. I have tried to be there for her in any way that I could over the last year. She is so strong. She keeps herself together and keeps on smiling, never letting her other sweet children see the pain I know she is feeling. She is beautiful, she is kind, she is loved.
She is the reason I began the journey of Sunshine after the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother. When I learned of your birth, sleeping, I wanted to try to capture everything I could to help her survive this pain. It is not a perfect product, but it is full of love, hope, and encouragement. And it is dedicated to you.
Sweet “pure” Cate. You are so loved, by so many people. And we miss you.
My heart is filled by images of our two baby girls, Kathryn and Catherine, playing together somewhere beautiful and nice.
I hope you received our birthday gift!
with love,
Alexa
another jennifer says
May 19, 2014 at 4:58 pmWhat a beautiful and bittersweet letter. My heart goes out to little Cate and her family today. I have no doubt she and Kathryn are with you all today. xo
katbiggie says
May 20, 2014 at 1:43 pmThank you Jen. Yesterday wasn’t about me, but it still hit me really hard. I’m glad we were able to celebrate in an uplifting way.
Janine Huldie says
May 19, 2014 at 7:15 pmAww, Alexa, this was absolutely beautiful and I was crying reading it. I also have no doubt the two girls are playing together and best of friends up in heaven. Thanks for sharing here today, Alexa. Hugs xoxo.
katbiggie says
May 20, 2014 at 1:43 pmI didn’t include this in my letter, but they are buried just a few feet away from each other… so both our families will be together for eternity. So yes, I’m sure they are besties.
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
May 19, 2014 at 10:09 pmOh, me heart! So sweet and so sad. I’m certain they are having a beautiful party, indeed. Hugs to you!
katbiggie says
May 20, 2014 at 1:42 pmThe best party ever! At least I hope that’s what happens!
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
May 20, 2014 at 8:48 amSo beautiful, Alexa. My heart aches for Cate’s mom today, but also rejoices in the image of the two little girls dancing around with pure joy!
katbiggie says
May 20, 2014 at 1:42 pmIt’s hard to be sad when you’re surrounded by so much love. Cate’s parents had no idea we were all going to be at the park to do this balloon release for them. It was a happy moment in a sad situation.
thedoseofreality says
May 20, 2014 at 9:47 amHugs to you and your sweet friend. This is just beautiful in every way.-Ashley
katbiggie says
May 20, 2014 at 1:41 pmIsn’t it? My favorite part is that I caught her parents smiling as they released the balloons.
Dana says
May 20, 2014 at 12:40 pmTwo beautiful girls playing together – what a lovely image. Thinking of Cate’s parents, and you, Alexa. And thank you for including the photo; it made me smile through the tears.
katbiggie says
May 20, 2014 at 1:40 pmThank you Dana. The best part was, Cate’s parents had no idea we were doing this for them. My sneaky friends arranged it all. It was beautiful!
Chris Carter says
May 21, 2014 at 11:19 amOh my heart! I am so deeply touched by your precious letter… and how you celebrated her birthday in Heaven.
*tears*
katbiggie says
May 21, 2014 at 1:41 pmIt brought a bit of serenity and happiness to a sad occasion. Thank you Chris.
The Dose of Reality says
May 21, 2014 at 12:39 pmI’m typing through tears, Alexa. It’s hard for me to even express how touched I was by this post. It’s just completely beautiful. –Lisa
katbiggie says
May 21, 2014 at 1:40 pmThank you Lisa.