I have been needing to update Luke's blog for a while now, but things have been so crazy with James going back for his hernia surgery and getting back on schedule. Above is a video of the kids singing "Happy Birthday" to Wittle Bubba. Just ignore the Mommy in the background with the bad singing voice! They really enjoyed making cupcakes for him (and they loved eating them, too!).
We were so touched by the outpouring of prayers and love on our angel's birthday. I had no idea how many people would help us celebrate Luke's special day. We are thankful that family and friends were able to visit Luke at his site--you all have no idea how much it meant to us! We want to thank Uncle Mike, Nicole, Lillie, Kim and Emery, Jacque, Trip, Jax, and Alyn for visiting Luke's site for his birthday. They sent some pictures and I wanted to share them with you all.
As you an see, Luke's site was quite festive and I know that he was smiling up in heaven. Thank you, guys! I wanted to share something that our good friend, Jacque, sent us after visiting Luke's site:
"I took the kids with me this morning for Luke's birthday. His plot was easy to see because he had already had some visitors that had left some fun balloons for him with big "Happy Birthday" written all over them. I have to tell you this was the 3rd time I have visited the site and this was the first time I really broke down (you know I'm not a big crier). You have shared so much of Luke with us that we have taken somewhat of an ownership over him. I was watching Alyn while we were there and was really sad that she never got to meet her little buddy Luke. Thank you thank you thank you for letting Rich and I into the room after his surgery, he was so beautiful even with all of those wires. It has been such beautiful weather here all week and today it rained, it was as if God was shedding His tears on all of us. When I got back in the car a song by MercyMe called 'Bring the Rain' was on."
Here is a part of the song that Jacque pointed out...it means a lot and I hope that I am living up to this verse:
"To turn my back on you, oh Lord
My only shelter from the storm
But instead I draw closer through these times."
My friend, Lillie, who I worked with for two years at Little Saints (boy, do we have some stories to share...) also wrote me a note that really made an impact on me. It was about a gift that a friend brought to her family when her grandmother passed away. Read on...
"A friend of the family gave each of my grandmother's kids a lily plant at her funeral. When I asked why (because I always thought you sent flowers) this is what she said. She gives the lily plants because the plant itself means "peace". Since my grandmother had passed, she was now at peace with God up in heaven and her family should feel peace knowing that she is taken care of and is no longer in any pain. The flower that the plant produces what almost looks an open circle. She said that when we see the flower that it is my grandmother giving us a hug and telling us that she is still watching over us. To this day, every member of my family has a lily plant in their house. This is why I gave one to Luke. That way he know that all of you are giving him a hug on his special day even if you can not be there with him."
My friend and fellow heart angel mom, Rebecca, and her family also celebrated Luke's birthday with cupcakes. I love how her son, Wyatt, doesn't eat the icing. Too cute! Thank you for sharing our angel's day, Rebecca. I just know our little ones had the best day with Jesus and all the other angels.
I also wanted to share some pictures of our balloon release...
It was amazing to watch the balloons float up to heaven for Luke and his friends to enjoy. The kids truly believe that the balloons floated up to Luke and that he got to play with them. I like to believe that happened, too.
Once again, thank you for your prayers on Luke's birthday. It was a difficult day, but we rejoiced in the fact that Luke is with God and that he is no longer hurting. We are now waiting, once again, for Luke's Angel Day to arrive. I am not sure how we will handle that day, but I am sure that we will be happy when we think of our angel's sweet life. God bless you all!
