HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET ANGEL.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 would have been our Gabriella's first birthday. As you might imagine, we were overcome with sadness on this day. The weekend prior began a very melancholy mood that overshadowed our family. Teresa and I had plans to visit the NICU unit and Gabbie's nurses, but when it came time, we could not bare it. Instead, I decided that work would be better for me, giving Teresa the day to herself in the house alone with her memories and Gabbie's spirit. The night before, Teresa, Angelina and I started making decorations, pictures and writing letters to our precious Gabbie-all to be added to her room on that Tuesday morning. I purchased red roses and white Fuji mums for her room, so that a lovely scent would fragrance the room that day, and Nurse Michele sent baby red roses and daisies. Uncle Greg placed an order for pink flowers, but unfortunately they never arrived, when an online glitch somehow didn't confirm the order. We appreciate the thought and the effort, so no worries, our dear Greg. After dinner that night, Teresa, Angelina and I made pink & white cupcakes with one candle in each. After sharing half of them with the neighbor family, we took the remaining ones to Gabbie's room, sang Happy Birthday with the lit candles- Angelina blowing them out in honor of Gabbie. We each took a few moments, I turned on her lullaby music just like I do every evening, and turned on her Angel nite light, closing the door behind me. Attached see some pics of this memorial day for us.

Gabbie's Ornaments.

Nurse Michele had given the family two angel ornaments at Gabbie's Celebration of Life in October 2008. Those ornaments adorn our tree. Nurse Michele had told us the the one with uplifted hands represented "a free spirt" at last. We agree. The other shows Gabbie's pic showing her "peace" sign that she often made in her sleep. Appropriate, as now she is at peace.

Christmas 2008 - In Memory.

Our bittersweet Christmas, 2008. In memory of our Gabriella, the family decided on an "all angel" tree this year.

PRETTY IN PINK - OUR PRECIOUS GABBIE

As promised, here are Gabbie's Professional pics taken a few days before she passed back in October. It has been 5 weeks now. We hope you like these final pics for the blogsite. God bless you all.

HER JOURNEY'S JUST BEGUN (Gabbie's Last Picture Taken)

Don't think of her as gone away-her journey's just begun. Life holds so many facets-this earth is only one.

Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears, in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years.

Think how she must be wishing, that we could know today, how nothing but our sadness can really pass away.

And think of her as living, in the hearts of those she touched...for nothing loved is ever lost-and she was loved so much.

AN ANGEL TO US IN THIS WORLD

"What an angel Gabriella Christina has been to us in this world. What trust and love and courage she and each of you has had. Now we have an angel in heaven. One who loves us well from the place of love. No tears or pain. No struggles. Only love and hope and glad joy to share. Everything reconciled. In perfect balance. Now is her reward. Eternal joy. The ability to run and play and stand amazed by Father God's creations. How numberous they are. So beautiful. From flowers to stars to the rings of Saturn, and more unending. But most beautiful is love, between mom and dad and daughters. Between sisters. And grandmom. Between all those who care. God sent little Gabriella to us all to help us love more. A gift of love. So precious. I never actually saw or touched her here on Earth, but I will not forget her. To know an angel is a great thing. It is a miracle.

God bless and keep each one of you and us always as he is blessing little Gabriella now."

Uncle Ted

SMALL MEMORIAL IN FAMILY DEN.

Gabbie's flowers from Celebration along with one of our favorite pictures and her recent handprint on the left (at 8 months) and footprint & hand sculpture (taken a couple of days before her passing). We love you and miss you, sweet Gabriella.

Lovely Flowers from Celebration of Life.

The keeper of Gabbie's room - our white Parakeet, Peace. (in center of cage)

Beautiful Sayings concerning Gabbie written by family friend, LeAnn.

Beautiful Laminated poem written by family friend, LeAnn.

Gabbie's hospital book along with Angel ornament - representing Family - and Gabbie's ashes in engraved urn.

South wall view. Gabbie's ashes in center.