Go Tell Mommy I am Ok

This sculpture is called "Go Tell Mommy I am OK" - a fellow mom told me about it - it is available for purchase on ETSY. It really resonated with me, as for those that attended Angel's memorial know, Jeff and I had an encounter with butterflies in our backyard....here are the details.

Within a minute or two of deciding on the butterfly theme for Angel's memorial, Jeff went in the backyard and a small white butterfly flew right up to him and landed within arms reach for a moment.  The butterfly then crossed the yard and landed on the grass for another rest. When it rose again, it was followed by another little white butterfly, and the two flew off together.  

Angel’s parents have found comfort in knowing this butterfly was a sign from Angel, and that she was showing her parents that she has already made a friend in her new world.  It was her way of acknowledging her parents and their love, and also showing them she is ok and will see them another time.

Charities & Children Angel has helped

Angel's parents are proud and thankful that their daughter has inspired family and friends to help others who are also in need.  Jen and Jeff had requested that family and friends who wanted to help during this time consider making a donation to a children's charity of their choice in Angel's name.  Angel's parents find comfort in thinking that gifts donated in her memory could possibly enhance or even save the life of someone else's child. This has helped Angel's parents to take a positive from this experience, and help give a purpose to their suffering and grief.

Some of the organization that have received donations in Angel's name
include:

* Children's Wish foundation
* Sick Kids foundation
* Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario
* St. Joseph's Birthing & Neonatal Unit
* Free the Children in Africa
* Phoenix Children's hospital in Phoenix Arizona

* BC Children's Hospital Foundation

Poems - from Service of Remembrance for Angel

These are My Footprints

"These are my footprints, so perfect and so small. These tiny footprints, never touched the ground at all.
Not one tiny footprint, for now I have my wings. These tiny footprints were meant for other things.
You will hear my tiny footprints, in the patter of the rain. Gentle drops like angels tears, of joy and not from pain.
You will see my tiny footprints, in each butterflies' lazy dance. I'll let you know I'm with you, if you give me just a chance.
You will see my tiny footprints, in the rustle of the leaves. I will whisper names into the wind, and call each one that grieves.
Most of all, these tiny footprints, are found in mummy's heart, cause even though I'm gone now, we'll never truly part."

I REMEMBER YOU

The world may never notice
If a rosebud doesn't bloom
Or even pause to wonder
if the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be
Touches the World in some small way
For all eternity.
The little ones we longed for
Were swiftly here and gone.
But the love that was then planted
Is a light that still shines on.
And though our arms are empty,
Our hearts know what to do
Every beating of my heart says
"I Remember You"
Author unknown 

Quotes from a fellow mom

"If you know someone who has lost a child and you're afraid to mention them because you think you might make them sad by reminding them that they died--you're not reminding them. They didn't forget they died. What you're reminding them of is that you remembered that they lived, and that is a great gift." --Elizabeth Edwards

"If I had lost a leg, I would tell them, instead of a boy, no one would ever ask me if I was 'over' it. They would ask me how I was doing learning to walk without my leg. I was learning to walk and to breath and to live without Wade. And what I was learning is that it was never going to be the life I had before." --Elizabeth Edwards

Remembering Angel

Angel Eternity Stewart was born into the loving arms of her parents at 2:45 a.m. on August 11, 2011 at St. Joseph Health Centre in Toronto.

Angel's mommy and daddy are so grateful to have spent time with her, tell her how much she is loved, let her know that she is forever in our lives as our daughter, and she will be remembered and cherished by us always.  Angel felt safe and loved throughout the pregnancy and was sang to, rubbed and told "I love you" countless times.  She takes this knowledge and warmth with her.  Angel is mourned on Earth by her grandparents, many aunts, uncles, cousins and so many dear friends. A service of remembrance is being held August 26, 2011 at 3pm, at James Gardens in Etobicoke.  Contributions in Angel's memory can be made to a children's charity of the donater's choice. The family would like to thank the dedicated midwives, doctors and nurses at Midwife Alliance and St. Joe's for their compassion and support.

"How quietly she tiptoed into our world. Softly, only a moment she stayed but what an imprint her footprints have left upon our hearts."

We will never forget you

Most people only dream of angels, I held one in my arms

Be joyous and fly high Angel

Taken from Jen's letter to Angel:

"Your father and I want to plan a service for you, where we and close family and friends can reflect and remember you.  We want to make this a special ceremony and we hope you can watch and know how many people love you. We want you to also feel set free by this. Become a butterfly and explore your world.  Be in peace, knowing you are so loved and protected by our thoughts and hearts, holding you up always. It is not goodbye because you will always be our daughter Angel.  We see this as a release to your glory - take your wings and fly high."

Angel Eternity Stewart - An angel in the book of life wrote down our sweet daughter's birth, then whispered as she closed the book, "too beautiful for Earth"

30 weeks, going on 31!