A birthday in Heaven

It is tradition to let off balloons each year on July 12th. On that day, 4 years ago, my sister and her husband lost their baby girl at birth....Allison Hope. WE had a lot of hope but I KNOW that Heavenly Father had other plans and that He knows all and sometimes we just don't understand or realize why some things have to happen. But sometimes really bad things happen to really good people. And it was amazing how our family came together and it was even more amazing how my sister and her husband had such strength. WOW. We were supposed to help them heal but because they were so strong and because they handled this trial with strength it helped to heal us. I know it wasn't easy and I know it still brings tears but I also know that there will be a day when we will see Allison again. I am so eternally grateful for the knowledge of knowing that we can see our loved ones again.

There they go. It was sunny out and very very windy. There had been a fire that day in a city about an hour away so it was a bit hazy. BUT still it was a beautiful day.

Everyone with their balloons ready to be released.

And off they go. Happy Birthday Allison.

I found this poem and I inserted Allisons name:

WHAT MAKES A MOTHER

I thought of Allison and closed my eyes

And prayed to God today,

I asked, What makes a mother?

And I know I heard Him say:

A mother has a baby,

This we know is true-

But, God, can you be a mother

When your baby's not with you?

Yes, you can, He replied

With confidence in His voice,

I give many women babies,

When they leave it is not their choice.

Some I send for a lifetime,

And others for a day,

And some I send to feel your womb,

But there's no need to stay.

I just don't understand this God,

I want my baby here.

He took a breath,

And cleared His throat,

And then I saw a tear.

I wish I could show you,

What Allison is doing here....

If you could see her smile

With other children and say,

"We go to earth to learn our lessons

Of love and life and fear,

but my mommy loved me so much

I got to come straight here!"

I feel so lucky to have a mom who had so much love for me,

I learned my lessons very quickly,

My mommy set me free.

I miss my mommy, oh so much

But I visit her each day.

When she goes to sleep,

On her pillow is where I lay.

I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,

And whisper in her ear,

"MOMMY, please don't be sad today,

I'm your baby and I am here"!

So you can see dear sweet one,

Your child is OK.

Your baby is here in My home,

And this is where she'll stay.

She'll wait for you with Me,

Until your lessons there are through,

And on the day that you come home,

She'll be at the gates waiting for you.

So now you see what makes a mother,

It's the feeling in your heart,

It's the love you had so much of

Right from the very start.