Balloons

A CD sat in a basket on top of all the cards Rob and I had received when Olivia passed away. I looked at it every day wondering what photos I would find when I gathered the nerve to view it. I was nervous it would bring on a flood of emotion I wouldn't be able to put back in its hidden spot within my soul. You see, this CD contained photos of Olivia's Celebration of Life.

I had no idea what the CD would contain. I never saw the photographer so I had little clue as to what she captured. I wondered if there were snapshots of me crying or clinging onto a friend or family member trying to keep myself upright. I worried I was not strong enough to see how true despair looked like on myself. I also wondered if there were photos of Rob, heartbroken, at his most vulnerable state and it would break my heart again to see him so sad. It was a mystery that I was not ready to solve until suddenly, tonight, I was.

Everything I worried about was present on the CD. Yet in all the midst of sadness and heartbreak in these photos, the most evident emotion is love. I spotted every person who has helped us along this journey and still continue to stand by us.

Looking at the photos was hard, it was emotional, but it was helpful. I was reminded how loved Olivia was and how lucky Rob and I are to have such a large support system. I enjoyed seeing the looks on peoples faces as they watched in awe as the balloons floated up and away to join our sweet Livie. I had forgotten what a beautiful day it was, complete with a beautifully clear and blue sky.

Rob and I are so blessed to have such beautiful reminders of the support and outpour of loved we received on such a difficult day. I hope you enjoy some of them as much as I did.

Our Balloon Brigade will never know how much I love them.