Thursday, August 11, 2011

Happy Birthday, Reese!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Reese!
Today I am celebrating my daughter, her life, and her legacy. Her beautiful face and her quiet spirit. We held her only for moments, but one day we will hold her forever. 

Today I choose to look at all the wonderful things that have come from her life even as I would give anything to have her sitting in my lap blowing out two little candles.

Today I hug her brothers extra tight. Zach made me face each day after Reese went to Heaven, and Colson gave me hope for new life. They both make me laugh, smile and cherish life in a fresh way.


My mom shares a birthday with Reese, too. Happy birthday, mom! Love you love you.
My sweet Reese,


Oh how I wish we were celebrating your second birthday today with you. What I would give. Two years ago I saw you for the first time and knew you were the most beautiful thing I ever laid my eyes on. You still are.


Reese, it seems like yesterday I was holding you. Psalm 90:4 says, "For You, a thousand years are as a passing day, as brief as a few night hours" and I wonder if to you these two years have been just seconds.

 I would be lying if I didn't tell you I hope Jesus comes back soon. Will you please give Him a big hint for me? When I can finally breathe a sigh of relief and lay this burden down to pick you up and carry you in my arms. When my tears will be forever sealed in the His bottle, never to be felt or seen again.

I miss you so much precious girl. I miss saying your name countless times a day like I say Zach and Colson's. I miss not having a little girl in our home to watch grow up. I miss everything about you I'm missing.
I know you are happy, healthy, and loving Heaven. I am certain Jesus is taking wonderful care of you. I know He does not take it lightly that you are not with us.

I love you more than words can say. Thank you for being our daughter. I will never understand why the LORD took you so soon, but I thank Him with all my heart for the two days He gave us with you.

You are cherished. You are lovely. You are celebrated. Today and every day.


Love, Mom


There is a time for everything...a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance...

Ecclesiastes 3:4

104 comments:

Gina said...

Lifting you up today.

Mandy said...

I can't even begin to count all the ways Reese has touched so many lives. You are the perfect Mom for her. Jason is the perfect Dad for her. Z and C are the perfect brothers for her. Happy Birthday sweet Reese!!! Love you. Praying for you and Jason today and always.

walkers said...

Happy birthday beautiful Reese! I woke up thinking about her this morning and you. Praying and hoping for you these next few days. All of my love.

bp said...

Thank you for sharing your story and your daughter with us. I don't usually comment but enjoy reading your stories your posts. You are in my prayers today.
Bethany

ashley said...

Happy Birthday precious one! How can I love a little girl so much that isn't even mine? that I laid eyes on for seconds and never even held? Thank you Katie for recognizing and sharing the joy in today. Love you.

dee said...

I will be praying constantly for you all today! I will also be celebrating beautiful Reese!! Katie, I've shared with you before how your strength and strong beliefs have helped me through dealing with my daughter's bleeding disorder.....Reese touches so many! And we are blessed that you have chosen to share so graciously your story and your amazing strength.
I pray there will be more smiles than tears for you today.

Alisha Harris said...

Praying for you and your sweet family today!! Reese and my son Ryder are only 6 days apart..I'm sure she is smiling down from heaven on how strong and great of a mom you are!

For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord...

Wendy said...

Happy birthday, sweet Reese! Praying for all of you!

Kelley said...

"You are celebrated. Today and everyday." Those words couldn't be more true! Love you. Celebrating with you, and as always, praying and praising ~ Kelley

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to your precious Reese!! She is so beautiful. Thinking about your family and praying for you today Katie! You are such a sweet mommy.

Paige said...

Happy Birthday, Sweet Reese. It is hard to imagine it has been two years and yet it seems like so much longer.

Praying for you today!

paige

Trac~ said...

Sending you and your family extra love, prayers and hugs today my friend. Happy Birthday to your sweet, sweet Reese! Big big hugs! :)

Bryan and Stacy said...

Praying for you today and your family! Happy Birthday Reese! I have loved the galleries all week of her name and I admire your strength.

Whitney said...

She is so beautiful! Lifting you up today as you celebrate Reese. Happy Birthday Reese!

Joelle said...

tears...Im sitting here in tears. But so happy and hopeful for you. Amazing story and I love reading your blog, it encourages me as well

joelle

Sara said...

Praying for you today and the coming days! I am in tears after reading this...you have such a way with your words....so beautiful!

Brittany said...

Beautifully written! Praying for you and your family today, Katie!

Hopsy said...

Thinking of you and Jason today, Katie! Praying that God gives you the strength and peace your heart needs.

Happy birthday to your precious Reese!

Courtney said...

Happy Birthday, Sweet baby. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I hope Heaven throws the biggest party ever today, because two years ago today you forever touched thousands of people's heart with the love of Christ.

Lifting you up to the father this week, Katie and Jason. Praying that God would pour down His blessings on you this next year.

We love you,

Matt and Courtney

Sally said...

Happy Birthday Beautiful Angel Reese!! Praying for your family today and always:) I'm sure Heaven is such a beautiful sight...especially with that precious Angel lighting it up:)

Janette @ The Johanson Journey said...

Aw, Happy Birthday to Sweet Reese!! What a lovely post! I love how she lives through you every day and your family! So sweet!!

Deb said...

Praying for you today. Your sweet daughter's short life here on earth has given me a gift words cannot express. Thank you for sharing her. Deb

Lauren said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet girl!!! Love you, friend!!!!

KatieB. said...

Happy Birthday, Reese! Katie - praying for you today as you celebrate your precious daughter's 2nd birthday.

Melissa said...

Happy 2nd Birthday sweet Reese! I'll be saying extra prayers for you today Katie.

Mer said...

Katie, your words to her brought tears to my eyes. Sweet, honest, perfect. Happy birthday Reese. LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!

Taylor said...

Happy Birthday baby Reese!! Sending you guys hugs and prayers today!

Susy said...

Katie,
My heart is breaking for you today. I ask God all the time why you have to hurt, why you can't have your little girl on Earth instead of heaven. I will be thinking about you today and lifting you up in prayer. I hope today is a celebration of Reese's life for you.
God Bless!

Jennifer said...

I have been following your story with Reese for the past few years but never commented. You will be in my prayers today. Thank you for sharing her story and your strength through the Lord. It has been so uplifting to hear.

Jennifer said...

Happy Birthday, Reese Catherine!
You were the first thing on my mind when I woke-up this morning. Covering you and your precious family in prayer today.

Becky said...

Katie - A few years ago a fellow triplet family lost one of their little boys at age 6. His mom determined that his brothers lost their sibling, and they were not going to loose their mom (emotionally) as well. I appreciate that about you - you are honest, yet have not given in to that deep darkness and bitterness that so many have following the loss of a child. We celebrate Reese, her legacy that you have keep alive, and the family that will one day be re-united with her. You are a blessing.

ana said...

Thinking of you and your family today. Happy birthday, baby girl!

Melissa said...

Hello lovely friend (who I have never met in person and hope to one day ;)),

I am lifting you and your family in prayer today. May you feel an overwhelming presence of our Father.

xo,
Melissa

Hillary said...

Oh Katie, I'm just crying and crying as I read your beautiful post today. I know how terribly hard it is to be both joyful in having a child in Heaven with Jesus but at the same time missing her so terribly and wanting her here with you.

I'm so glad that you gave birth to such a beautiful and wonderful little girl who managed to touch the hearts and lives of probably thousands of people in just her few short days of life.

I'm so glad that you had her with you if even for such a short time!

Lots of love and prayers for you and your family today.

xoxox

Lindsay said...

happy birthday sweet reese! i can't believe she is 2 today! i have been reading your blog since she passed and have been praying for your family- thinking of yall today.

Brooke said...

Beautiful post, Katie! We are all remembering Reese with you today and saying a few extra prayers for your family. Thank you so much for your openness. God bless!

Summer said...

celebrating with you today! Check out the pics on your fb I tagged you and on my blog! I am praying so extra hard for you today sweet friend! Happy Birthday sweet Reese
love Sums

The Anglin Family said...

Happy birthday Reese Catherine!!
Katie, it amazes me the ways that Reese has touched others. Praying for you today, sweet girl.

Mara said...

May God comfort you today. You are in my prayers:)

Jaina said...

Happy Birthday Reese! The line that really hit me was that "Jesus doesn't take it lightly that you aren't here with us." As a parent who has lost a child as well, this line really encouraged me this morning. Praying for you and your family today.

Nancy said...

God bless you & you are such a wonderful Mommy ~ so excited that one day you will hold your precious girl again one day. Praise God!!

Clementsville: Population of 5! said...

Happy Birthday sweet Reese!! Lifting you and your family up in prayers today! I have really enjoyed her name gallery's... so beautiful!!

Unknown said...

Your daughter is so beautiful and perfect...praying for you today as you celebrate Reese's precious little life! She and your little family have been such an encouragement to me.

Brandi said...

I have thought and prayed for your sweet family every single day for the past two years and I will continue! Wow, Reese touched sooo many lives!!!! Happy birthday to your baby girl!!!

Nicole Rodriguez said...

Thinking of you today. Reese is so beautiful and so blessed to call you Mommy. Happy Birthday, Sweet Girl!

kelly said...

She is so, so lovely...and so, so loved. Lifting you up today, and praying with you as a mom who just hit the two year anniversary of my miscarriage for Jesus to come back quickly!! Can't wait to see mine in heaven, too.

Katie said...

Happy Birthday Reese! I have been reading just a little less than 2 years and your strength and faith in the Lord amazes me. Praying for all of you especially today.

Bev said...

You always figure out the exact, perfect words to say. You sure do have a beautiful daughter! My birthday is Aug. 13 and although that was a extremely sad earthly day for you, I will remember you & Reese on Saturday and think of the happy part when she was welcomed into the loving arms of our savior. What a glorious day that will be when you are reunited with her!

C R said...

Praying for you today. Today was also my dad's birthday. I e-mailed you after he died and told you he and Reese shared a birthday and reading your blog and the scriptures each day prepared me for what was ahead. I think of you and Reese everytime I go to the cemetary. It just so happens my dad is next to the children's cemetary. I think how fitting it is because he loved kids. I think it was because he never lost the kid in him. Thinking of you today...

Nicole Bolinger said...

Very sweet and honest post! You are such an insipration!! Happy Birthday Reese! I'm gonna Miss you my friend! :)

Madison's Mommy said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Reece...you continue to touch my life everyday. As a new mom, sweet Reece, YOU have helped me be the parent I am today and I will forever thank you for that gift. Because of your life Reece, I will never take a single day with my precious baby girl forgranted.

Katie you are an amazing mother...being a mom is truly what you were born to do and you inspire me in so many ways. Tears filled my eyes as I covered you in prayer moments ago.

I LOVE your blog!
XOXO

Mandy said...

Happy Birthday, Reese! I bet she & Jesus are having a wonderful celebration in heaven today. I'm praying for you and your family.

Lauren said...

Happy Birthday, Reese. A whole lotta people down here miss you. I know you'll have so much to tell your mom as you show her around our Father's house.

Rachel said...

Praying for you today. May today be filled with sweet memories of Reese and may you make sweet memories with your boys as you celebrate her life. I still love seeing pictures of her she really has to be one of the most beautiful babies ever! praying that you are able to get a glimpse of how she is celebrating in heaven!
Hugs and Prayers
Rachel
As always hugging my girls a little tighter and trying to show more patience with them in honor of precious Reese.

mm said...

Happy Birthday Reese! I know she will give you and your family the strength to celebrate her today and every day.

Linds said...

my heart hurts for you. what a precious little life that your daughter is/was/will always be. She has touched us in so many ways, and I am constantly reminded of her through small whispers from the Lord on the days I find myself complaining of the spitup/poopy diapers/constant toddler tantrums. Thank you for sharing your journey....

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday Reese! It's a special honor to get to share my birthday with such an amazing girl! and yes, her life is celebrated everyday! This was an incredible tribute to your girl. Your courage inpsires so many.
--Kelly F.

Marcie said...

Thinking of you today!
Happy Birthday Reese!

RachelM said...

Happy Birthday, sweet Reese!! Lifting you up in prayer today and everyday.

L said...

Weeping tears for you from one mom to another.... Happy birthday to Reese...lifting you up hoping you find peace and strength today. God bless you! -Lindsey

And then there were 4... said...

Reese also shares a birthday with my sister! Today was a wonderful day to be born. Reese is so lucky to have you as her mom...you are an inspiration to me and I'm sure many other mom's out there. Hugs for you today...

MyFairLadies said...

Extra prayers your way on this very special day, Katie. Happy birthday, Reese!

wendy donley

Jenny said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Reece! You have blessed so many hearts(including mine) over the last two years!
Katie...I'm praying for you today!

sweethomealagirl said...

I rarely comment, but read often. Happy Birthday to your sweet, precious girl! Praying that her day is blessed beyond measure!

Christy said...

Happy Birthday, sweet Reece!!!! Katie, I am saying a special prayer for you today. Many hugs and kisses to you on this special day.

Kris said...

What a wonderful tribute for your daughter. Wishing it were different for you...praying for peace and strength. God Bless you all today as you celebrate Reese.

Anna & Kirby said...

Happy Birthday Reese! You have so many people who love you! :)

Leslie said...

Sending your family all of our love today.

Bourg Family said...

Celebrating & crying with you. It's just not fair! She is beautiful! Happy Birthday sweet girl.

shawwendy12 said...

Happy Birthdya sweet baby girl Reese!! Lots of dancing and singing with Jesus today. Thinking of you and your family today.

Allison said...

Beautiful baby girl! Beautiful post! Happy Birthday Reese! Praying for God's special grace to surround you and your family today.

Maryellen said...

Happy Birthday Reese. No eye has seen nor ear has heard the celebration you must be having in Glory ! What a treasure in Heaven you are for your family . . .

Kaitlin said...

Happy Birthday to Reese. Wishing your family another year of God's strength, filled with memories of your beloved daughter. She is beautiful!

Lauren said...

Happy 2nd birthday Reese! Katie- I thought about you and prayed for you and Jason countless times today! Your precious little Reese got to sit with Jesus today and blow out candles, what fun! We love her so much and I love looking at her pictures! I loved your words in your post today, powerful! God has used you and Reese in mighty mighty ways! Love you!

Donna said...

Praying for you, sweet sister in Christ.

What a day, glorious day that will be...

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday, darling Reese! What a birthday party is going on in heaven today!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Katie,
I have been reading your blog for a while now and I have never posted. I pray for you and your family often. You are such a wonderful example of a godly woman and mother, The Lord always rewards the faithful! Thinking and praying for you and your family. Remembering Reese today!

In Christ,
Angie
Jeremiah 29:11

Brandi said...

Happy Birthday Sweet Reese in Heaven!

Katie-You were one of the first bloggers I started following. Your story has sucked me in time and time again and I've sat here sobbing at the computer. I have also smiled so much because your love fore sweet Reese is unconditional. Being a labor and delivery nurse, your story hits hard. I've saw people go thru this and it's unbearable... I can't imagine how a mom feels... Praying for you today and always.

Brandi
www.brandielam.com

Renia Flaishans said...

Happy 2nd Birthday beautiful girl!

Katie, we are sending lots of thoughts, prayers, and hugs your families way today!

Tristan said...

happy birthday to your sweet reese.
she is such a loved little princess!

The Petty's said...

She is beautiful. Your daughter will always hold a special part of your heart.

Melanie Mueller said...

This post is beautiful---just like Reese! I love all of the pictures you have of your precious little girl!! You are so amazing! You and Reese have touched many lives. I am praying for you today and always!
Happy Birthday Reese!!!

Tiff said...

Sweet girl is having a big day in heaven! :) this post is sweet. Youre an amazing mommy!

Allison said...

My heart hurts for you and I don't even know you! I do pray for you and will continue. Happy Birthday to your most precious Reese! God bless your family.

MLP said...

What a sweet celebration of a perfect life. Praying for you.

Amanda said...

Katie,
Absolutely beautiful. Happy birthday Reese. I feel your heart and know the ache you feel. I take comfort too knowing that our sweet, precious children are healed in Heaven and hurting no longer. Praying for you.

Blessings,
Amanda

Forever missing Gavin 4/7-5/3/08

Bridgit said...

Happy birthday Reese! Katie your little beauty has touched so many lives and will continue to do so ...I think of you all often ...though have we have never met. I thank you for your love of God ...thru you my relationship with Him has grown!

The Williams Family said...

Katie,

What a beautiful post. You continually amaze me with your grace and strength. I can't tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog, you are such an inspiration. Praying for you and your beautiful family.

Lindsey

Mrs.HVK said...

Happy Birthday Reese!!! Praying for you and your family today:)

Karen said...

Sending love and hugs and appreciation for Reese's life. In her two days on earth, she has left a legacy of love and faith that will live forever. Praying for you and your family today and always.

meg said...

Thinking of you and your family -- that post was sweet and beautiful, just like her and your boys.

Jenna said...

Katie, I have been thinking about ya'll so much. Praising God for the amazing little girl He sent to earth to change so many hearts for the better! And praying for her sweet family as they miss her so much. Ya'll are loved!

Kristen said...

I read your post yesterday about Reese's birthday, and on my way home from work I heard the song 'I Can Only Imagine.' It immediately made me think of you and your family and the time when we will finally get to meet Jesus, and thus you will be reunited with your sweet girl. I cant imagine what you have been through the last 2 years but you seem so strong in your faith and it's such an inspiration. So happy 2nd birthday to Reese, and I will continue to pray for you guys.

Kristen
http://ckmichaels.blogspot.com

Tracy said...

Hi Katie. Just stopped by to check in on yous and it is sweet Sweet Reese's Birthday

Tracy said...

Katie, my message was not supposed to post yet. Sorry. I am so sad you don't have that sweet girl with you. You are a great Mommy, but she knows that! Happy Birthday sweet Angel!

Jill said...

Beautiful. Precious. Like Mother, like daughter. Prayers.

AndreaChad said...

My heart just breaks for you and your family today, just as it did two years ago when Reese went to be with the LORD. I keep coming back to your blog time and time again b/c you do always remind your readers to Believe and to keep pushing on. *HUGS*

Melissa said...

Happy 2nd birthday to Reese! Thinking of your family during the day of celebration and rememberance. Happy 29th birthday to your mom, too :)

Christi said...

Happy Birthday Reese. She has definitely left an amazing legacy.

Happy birthday to your mom too.

Christi

Dianna said...

Happy birthday a little late Reese! Such a wonderful blog. You have amazing strength and are an amazing mother.

hi-d said...

Tears are running down my face...That was the most beautiful post, Katie! Oh, what a happy day it will be to be reunited with your baby girl!

Big hugs to you!
Heidi

Anna said...

Beautiful post...hugs!!!

Isaac's Family said...

Katie - Its been over a year since Ive read your blog, just want you to know that I still carry your pain in my heart over Reese. We were in a similar situation that God turned around for us and miraculously healed my baby over 5 years ago and we were able to bring her home at two weeks old. You are so faithful and its just amazing, but my heart still breaks so much for you - as much as it did two years ago. Praying for you still - and you are such an awesome reminder to cherish every second.

 
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