Happy Birthday Princess

Nov. 11th, Veterans Day.  Also known to us, as Ethne's birthday.  Shortly after the accident I remember wondering what this day would be like.  Her first birthday after she died.  I tried to approach this day as one not of sadness and mourning, but one of happy memories, rejoicing because of the gospel of Jesus Christ and eternal families.  That doesn't mean that tears haven't been shed (in fact I think it's been a month or two since I've cried so much), but it certainly has been of happy memories. 

Ethne (right) and her cousin with daddy's pillow

Right after the accident, a friend I use to work with sent me a link to a blog written by a friend of hers who had lost a child.  The post was about celebrating "Families are Forever Day."  I failed to contact the person who runs the blog to ask permission to post a link to it, so I'm not going to, but it was certainly a story I needed to read.  Since then we have talked about having an "Eternal Family Day" on Ethne's birthday.  The problem was in the planning.  This birthday was a hard one to think about, making it an even harder day to plan.  But between yesterday and today, we did a good job remembering her. 

Oquirrh Mountain Temple

Snow Picture

Yesterday we went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple with my in-laws, while Melissa's grandparents watched Edward.  Afterwards, we picked up balloons and a little stuffed Elephant and went to the cemetery to visit her.  It had been snowing the last couple of days and the cemetery hadn't had many visitors.  I love the site of freshly fallen, untouched snow.  It was almost too bad that we had to walk through it to get to Ethne.  We all went and released all of the balloons except for a few we tied to a light there for her, and the Elephant we got her as a present.  We went there after it was dark, so we were did not get any pictures, but I'll try to get some and add them later.  Then we rounded off the day by eating at Ethne's favorite restaurant, The Olive Garden (she loves pasta just like her mother).

Bread sticks were her favorite part of Olive Garden

Ethne (right) and her cousin playing in Sam's Club

Holding baby brother

Today, we went through all of the pictures and videos we have of Ethne to reminisce.  Not much was said as we went through the pictures, but a lot of memories came flowing back to us.  After going through everything we saw an e-mail from my mother remembering being in Madison Memorial Hospital when she heard music playing that announced the birth of Ethne.  That brought back special memories of that important day, when our lives were changed for the good, forever. 

Minions

Now we are watching her favorite movie, "Minions" (aka. Despicable Me).  One of a number of movies we haven't watched since the accident.  After I get done writing this I am planning on making "Noodles" for dinner, which is her favorite food.

Blessing day with the men dad, grandpas, and great grandpas

Princess, we love and miss you so much.  Every day you are thought of and remembered.  Each memory brings us happiness, even the frustrating moments, because they are of you and ways that you taught us every day.  Thank you Ethne, we love you.

-Lawrence

Ethne with Great Granddad Cyril Burt - a WWII Vet

P.S.  As a side note, thank you to all of our wonderful Veterans out there.  The sacrifice you have made for our liberty and lives will never be forgotten in this family.  I count one veteran in particular as one of the greatest influences in my life.  Thank you granddad!