Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Bundle of Joy

When the home care nurse came for Max's newborn jaundice check she kept saying over and over again, "what a little bundle of joy." It drove me crazy. As obnoxious as that phrase is to me, it is true. Babies are little squishy bundles of joy. And Ellie was no exception.
From the beginning, I described her as the "dream child." She was so easy-going, good natured, funny, cuddly, sweet... Ellie was so curious and observed everything around her. It obvious that she got so much enjoyment out of the world around her. Ellie, in her short time here, taught us to find joy in the world around us, especially the little things.

I have a huge fear that people will forget about Ellie. Her time here was so short and by next summer, she will have been gone for longer than she was here. I am scared people will quit talking about her and get sick of listening to us talk about how amazing she was. I worry that soon all we will have left is pictures and videos...

It sounds cliche but Ellie really was a bright light in our lives. She literally lit up a room with her goofy smile and infectious laugh. You couldn't be in the same room with her and not smile. Our girl isn't ever coming back to us, but I know that it doesn't mean her light has to quit shining.

We are in the process of starting a charity in Ellie's memory. Our mission to keep her light shining and to spread her joy and happiness to as many people as possible. Apparently, starting a charity is a rather lengthy and irritating process that involves the IRS and lawyers... sigh... so it will be a little bit before we are ready to officially establish the charity. But we wanted to do something in the mean time...

So tonight we went to Target with our parents, siblings, nephew and grandparents and went on a huge Toys for Tots shopping spree using some of Ellie's memorial money. It's really hard knowing we don't get to buy Christmas presents for Ellie- we never got to, but I think it would make Ellie very happy to know what joy other children will get from those toys. Thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to Ellie's memorial fund. Ellie's light has been reflected in many people's kindness and because of that light, so many kids will be very happy on Christmas morning.

Little Girl~ we miss you so much and would have loved, more than anything, to be buying Christmas presents for you tonight. We hope it makes you happy up there in heaven to see all those presents that will bring so many kids joy. We promise you won't let people forget about you. We won't let your light burn out. Thank you for teaching us what's really important in life. Thank you for being our little bundle of joy.
Love you baby girl, Mama

15 carts full of joy and happiness!


This is for you Elle Belle!


We all picked out at least one things we would have bought Ellie for Christmas


Our bundle of everlasting JOY


4 comments:

Stacy Evans said...

That is such an amazingly gesture. I sincerely wish you all the best of luck with setting up a charity for your beautiful girl.

Anonymous said...

Wow Tiffany that is so amazing! Even though I never got a chance to meet Ellie, I know she is proud of you guys for making sure so many kids have a great Christmas. I hope everything goes well and smooth with setting up your charity and I look forward to contributing to it :).

Anonymous said...

You are truely inspiring. Ellies light will never fade. We dont know each other but your story has had such an impact on my life. I look forward to contributing to your charity as well!

Anonymous said...

Hi Tiffany-

I was one of the nurses that helped when Ellie was admitted to the Mpls PICU. I want to say I am so, so sorry for the loss of precious Ellie. Such a beautiful little girl. Thank you for the card you sent to the PICU-so amazing. I have been thinking of you and hoping you are doing okay.
You write beautifully! You should seriously consider writing a book someday. You have so many wonderful words to describe your Ellie.

Thinking of you-
Cheryl
PICU

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