Today, our sweet baby girl would've turned 3-years-old. How can time come and go so quickly? Thinking back on this day last year, it was a very hard, hard day for me. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know how to feel. I just plain didn't want this day to come and have to feel all the emotions that I knew were coming. But, the day came and was gone so fast.
This year, my perspective was a little different on Kate's birthday than it was the last. I decided that I wanted to start a few traditions. I have found that making a birthday cake for her has brought me a lot of joy. Even though it was so painful having to make and decorate a cake knowing that she is not here to blow out her candles, I found that it was very therapeutic for me. Also, I want Mia to know how important it is for our family to celebrate Kate's life every year and how special her life was to us.
We spent some time at the cemetery and decided that for each birthday we celebrate, we let off one balloon for each year. This was such a fun thing for Kate's cousins and Mia to participate in. 
Over the past 3 years, our lives have changed immensely and we have gained a whole new perspective of this life. This life is for our experience. We choose the direction our lives are going to go. Some things we are in control of and some things we are not. Through detours in our lives (big or small), we have the opportunity to take the road to happiness or the road to unhappiness. I am grateful for the road we were led down, even though parts of it were a little bumpy at times, because at the end of the road is the greatest destination of all.
16 comments:
This post brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad you are keeping the memory of precious Kate alive. I LOVE the cake..you are quite the betty crocker!!
Happy Birthday sweet angel girl!
You are amazing! Thanks for your example. Darling cake!
Kate taught so many people so many wonderful things! I think its so great to celebrate her. What a lucky little girl she is to have had such a wonderful family. You should enter a cake decorating contest, your hired for my next b-day cake!!
Marcae, you are such an example to me. Life has definately handed you a few lemons, and when you have had every right to complain, and just throw your hands up in defeat, you have made lemonade, and been so optimistic. Thanks for your example, and I know I'm not the only one to look up to you. Youre a super cute mom- and your traditions are precious- your cake turned out adorable. Hope you are doing well... what ever happened with a get-together?
Marcae you are so strong and such an example. I really look up to you. You inspire me to be a better person. (And you look so beautiful! i really can't get over how much I love that haircut on you.)
Marcae...that is such a great tradtion to carry on. That cake that you made was so cute. You should start up a career in cake decorating. You are such an inspiration to me. You couldn't have put it any better on life itself. Just when I think that you have said it all, you seem to amaze me along with everyone else with more inspiration than ever. BTW....I love your hair, what a cute mom and wife you are!
I totally had tears reading this post also! You are truly an inspiration and I love coming to your blog and leaving with such strength and courage! LOVE YOU!!!
Kate is so blessed to have parents with such a understanding of a forever family. You are an amazing woman who has such strength that I cannot comprehend. I have been blessed with such a remarkable friend like you who helps me realize that life is what you make it. It's so true that we create our own happiness! Love You!
Happy Birthday and lots of love!!
Happy Birthday Sweet Kater Bugs! Marcae I'm so glad that you've found some fun and special ways to celebrate her birthday every year. That will be so good for your family and for Mia. I love being reminded of Kate. I love and miss her and I think of her often. I think of faith and love and patience when I think of your sweet angel. You are so amazing and your cake was adorable. Love ya!
Happy Birthday to sweet Kate! You are amazing Marcae. I am still in awe of how incredible you have been through this painful situation. Thank you for your example to me.
--Jen Roper
Marcae you are a great example. Thanks for sharing.
happy birthday to sweet kate!! I love that you come up with such cute ideas to remember kate by it is such a special thing for you to share that with all of us. We love kate so much and often think of her sweet spirit and amazing family love the howells.
Happy late birthday to Kate! Thank you for the touching post! You are so amazing!!
I don't even know you, but I came across your blog a year ago. I read all about your daughter Kate and her struggle. Your story touched me so deeply that I thought I'd let you know that I follow your blog every now and then. It's been a while, but I like hearing about your enthusiam for life and your positivity. I have suffered from depression here and there and your strength has given me so much courage. Your seriously my HERO! I cry whenever I read about your daughter Kate and how you make it through each day with a smile on your face. You have a beautiful family and you are the strongest woman I know. The cake you made was beautiful and I love that you are celebrating Kate's life every year. I live in San Diego and I have a daughter named Mia also.
Post a Comment