I can't believe that our little angel is turning one on Saturday.
It's been a long 21 months. The good news is that God has been forever present and is restoring our family.
We all went to the beach this week to get some sand. We collected some shells and enjoyed the beach at dusk. We mailed the sand and shells to my parents so they could put them at Olivia's grave. 
Our family and friends will be gathering at Olivia's grave in Arkansas on Saturday. I ordered cupcakes from Key Lime Cottage in Searcy and my parents will take them. They are going to release balloons and will celebrate her sweet little life. It is going to be difficult being 13 hours away, but we are comforted by our family and friends being there. We are humbled by the constant love and support that they show us. I know that there are many more people who might read this who have prayed for us and supported us in ways we never knew. Thank you doesn't seem adequate.
After a year, I finally feel ready to share Olivia's video. These pictures were taken by Amy Bell (http://studiobellaphoto.com/) and she made them into a slide show. It is one of my most cherished possessions. I will be forever grateful for Amy.
Happy Birthday Livvy Lou. You are forever in our hearts.
Blessed Be Your Name
Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name
Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out,I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name
You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, Blessed be your name
35 comments:
Shannon you don't know me but my daughter Holly is a friend. I have been reading your blog and just yesterday got such a kick out of your post about your son's first day at school. Today I have tears in my eyes after watching the video of little Olivia's short stay on earth. She was beautiful and perfect. I will never know how you overcome the loss of a child. My mother had to, my sister died at 11 months. You sound like a wonderful person with true faith and I guess that helps. Please know that I am one of those people you don't know that prays for you and your beautiful family.
Denise Hardison
Shannon,
Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. You've touched more people than you could ever imagine. I'm so sorry that you've experienced so much pain, but I'm so thankful we have a place to go one day where there will be no pain and sorrow, a place where your sweet Olivia already is. Sharing Olivia with us makes us better mothers, daughters, sisters and friends and for that I want to thank you.
We will be praying for all of you. Happy Birthday Olivia.
Janel Steed
Shannon,
Thank you for sharing the video. I'm sorry you are so far away on Olivia's birthday. I understand somewhat of the feelings you have been through and continue to have. I know grief never totally goes away but just seems to change over time, and it is impossible to ever forget. I have no doubt Olivia has made you a better person and mother. :)
I love you with all my heart!
So, I'm sitting here at 3am looking at blogs because I cant sleep. I think it is because my kitchen is a nightmarish disaster! Is that nesting?? I am also in tears and at a loss for words. I have been really apprehensive about our delivery in two weeks...I can't even imagine how you guys were feeling at this point last year. I guess I needed to be up, looking at your blog and bawling my eyes out to get some perspective on our situation!! Thanks so much for being such an open person and letting us in to see your sweet day with Olivia! What I kept noticing in the pictures were you and Greg's wedding rings. I know your wonderful husband and the great relationship you guys have, so full of fun, has been such a source of strength! I needed to see that too!! We are praying for you guys always and will try to make it out to see Olivia today! Love you all...
Shannon you are a strong woman! you are in my thoughts and prayers today!
Shannon,
Thinking of you, your family and your sweet baby girl on this special day.
What a beautiful expression of love to have family and friends gather to celebrate Olivia's first birthday.
Thank you for sharing your baby girl with all of us. Praying for comfort for the hard times and blessing for the times ahead.
What an awesome idea to collect and send sand and seashells from where you are now-just precious.
Well, I just watched the video, so you're getting another comment.
Olivia is just beautiful. I know that these pictures/video is priceless for you and your family.
Tears were shed, prayers were said and encouragement in faith were gained by me because of your Olivia Faith. What a blessing.
Shannon, I am thinking of you guys today. I can only imagine the party your sweet Olivia is having today!!! I can see why that video is so special to you; I was reminded of just how beautiful Olivia is. Her birth made such a big impact on so many people, and you and Greg have been so gracious to share your journey with us.
We'll be sending up prayers for you today...
Hi Shannon - Just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you today and praying that you, Greg and the kids will have a good day of remembering Olivia.
Shannon,
The gathering this morning was awesome. So many people came and it was so sweet to see everyone gathered together. I don't know of any other baby that is loved more than Olivia.
Love you sister,
Vera
You are in our thoughts and prayers today and always.
Thank you for sharing so much of your heart with us, Shannon. I'm so overcome with emotion I don't even know what to say to you. Olivia is such a beautiful soul and continues to make a tremendous impact on us all. Love you,
Sarah
shannon,
i just wanted your sweet family to know we are thinking and praying for you. thank you for sharing olivia's story with such honesty and compassion. it makes me feel like i knew her just by the photos and words you write. your post was so compelling and i just had to comment after watching your video and seeing your tiny angel. thank you for letting us see your most special pictures...you have a beautiful family!
in HIM,
leslie daniel echols and family :)
That was absolutely beautiful! Thank you for sharing that with us. Olivia was absolutely perfect and your family's love and support was such a special thing to see.
Happy Birthday sweet baby girl!
Shannon,
Thank you for sharing the video. You are ALL very loved.
Loren
You've been on my mind all week. I know this has been the hardest year of your life and you have come through it. You made it! I know little Livie is so proud of you.
Always in my prayers,
Elizabeth
Happy Birthday Olivia!
Shannon,
I love you and I am sorry for the circumstances God brought us together, but I am so glad he did. I hope this year brings many great things your way.
the video brought back a lot of memories of my little Olivia. I hope you guys spent her birthday celebrating her life and not on her death. It amamzes me how much these little babies make such an impact on our lives...HaPpY BiRtHdAy Livvy!
as for the comment left on my blog, it's something I do on the side. I also volunteer at the hospital to take photos for families who's babies have passed or aren't going to survive. Photography has always been a hobby of mine and I am glad I can use it to help other families.
What a beautiful tribute to Olivia. You are truly an inspiration to many. Your faith is endless. Thanks for sharing your video with all of us. I know it must have been hard to be so far away, but you know in your heart there was a huge celebration and party for your sweet girl. Thinking of you and your family. Traci
Shannon,
You are one amazing person. I know you must miss your sweet baby girl more than any of us can imagine! Thank you so much for sharing her with us.
We love you!
From Wendy E.
I am so impressed at how you and your family honored Olivia for her first birthday. You are such a good Godly woman and it shows. I watched the video shedding tears and praying aloud for your family and thanking God for giving you strength. I have no idea how it would feel to lose a child. But I marvel at your faith. God is good. I love you!
Shannon, I am praying for you this week as you face this "from a distance" that will never be too far. Your testimony is powerful and the pictures made me feel like I was there. Thank you for opening up such a private place of your heart, to show God's perfect peace. You are amazing and such an encouragement. I love the birthday celebration- play that video for us too! I am sure that gathering was such a precious site.
My prayers continue for you and Greg. Happy Birthday Olivia!
Love, Wendy Shackelford Leonard
Shannon,
Last year, my Mom sent me info about Olivia, and my heart broke for your family. I found your blog through facebook. That video brought tears to my eyes. Olivia was just beautiful, and I know she must be having a ball right now in Heaven! Thank you for sharing your journey as hard as it may be to do so! Happy Birthday, Olivia!
Love,
Jennifer (Miller) Joyner
Sigh. I had trouble seeing the video as tears were pouring down my face. What a precious baby girl. I cannot imagine with pain and heart ache you and your family have been through over the past year and a half. Know that I whispered up a prayer today, and know that I was touched by the video of that precious little girl.
Shannon I was blessed again to be with such sweet, tender hearted friends last Saturday at Olivia's resting place. It touched me to see how friends rally around other hurting friends. In our deepest hurts God always know how to send comfort. Love always,
Dad
I am just now catching up on blogs. Thanks for sharing your precious Olivia with us. Your strength is an inspiration to me. I am thinking and praying for you all:)
Missing your sweet baby girl with you today and always! I have thought a lot about you all this past week...(((hugs))
Shannon,
Thanks for sharing these special memories. I'm praying for you and your family and God continues to heal you and hold you close.
Ashley
We have been thinking about you guys a lot and have kept you in my prayers. miss you guys!
p.s. ran into Greg's brother at a b-day party last weekend. I recognized him but don't know him so I introduced myself
Shannon and Greg,
I am so glad that God brought you guys to Argyle Church in Jax. I have enjoyed getting to know you and Greg better at church and Dixie's shower. I look forward to getting to spend some time together while our kids are at pre-school. Your video of Olivia is precious. I pray that you you are comforted with a peace only God can give. Blessings and love in the name of Jesus, Amanda Lee
Shannon-
Thank you for sharing that beautiful video of sweet Olivia. It was so touching and I'm just so glad you shared those special moments with us.
Take Care and get in touch with me soon so we can meet :)
Melody
I don't know if you will get this, but, if so, I "tagged" you on my blog-check it out!
I commented on your "meet quatro" post but I guess it should've gone here, and this one should go there...
We lost Ruby Anne on 9-6-06, our 4th child. We have an 8, 6 and almost 4 yr old, and welcomed "cinco" (4th here on earth) on 6-6-08. Just want you to know I've been down your road. Don't know the details of losing Olivia, but I know what it feels like to carry another life after losing one. God was good to us and blessed me with much peace and joy, but not without some anxiety and tension, too. I'm praying your journey is smooth and that HE is your rock. Congratulations!
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