Abby's Sunset

Here's Abby's picture on Mullaloo Point Beach.  All purple and orange sunsets there this time of year; so pretty!  Here's a link to the memorial page: Abigail Grace Allard

On the memorial site her name is written as Abby, which is how I requested it.  I shared this one here because I thought both were beautiful!

Heaven is for Real

When Connor started asking me about Abby in Heaven, a few smart people here suggested I read Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo.  I got around to it about a month ago and I must say, those who suggested it were right- it was a heartwarming, easy read.  Even if you don't believe in Heaven, or just aren't sure how you feel about Heaven, I think you'll enjoy the story.  The author, Colton's father, is a pastor, but he isn't preaching or trying to convert non-believers.  This is just the story of their family's experience, and Colton's testimony.  I really can't imagine any parent not being moved by Colton's story.  It's one of hope and healing.

Here is their interview on the Today Show this week.  If you don't love the interview, don't let that turn you off to the book- the book is far more satisfying :) 

Beautiful sunsets and names in the sand

Me and my kids :)

"How very softly you tiptoed into my world.  Almost silently, only a moment you stayed.  But what an imprint your footsteps have left upon my heart." -Dorothy Ferguson


This quote is from Abby's prayer card, and as the weeks pass, those words become more true.  She was so small, and her stay was so brief, yet she changed me so much.   That little angel is always on my mind, and thinking about her led me to the most beautiful website a last week.  I was drawn in by images of some of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen, and the tagline "At the end of the day all the children of Heaven come together and paint the colors of the sunset."

Names in the Sand is a children's memorial site run by Carly Marie Dudley, a bereaved mother who is also a photographer in Australia.  Inspired by her son who was stillborn in 2007, Carly writes your child's name in the sand by the shore at sunset and photographs it.  It sounds so simple, yet it is so beautiful and special.  She never reuses a name, each image is unique.  It doesn't seem like a big deal, but there are so many special things Abby will never have- capturing a sunset just for her seems nice.  The images go up on a memorial page with any wording you like, all free of charge, and you can purchase your child's sunset image to print.  Since 2008 she has done over 10,000 names.  I thought it was so beautiful, and was very happy to be able to submit my Abby's name tonight.