My heart skips..
an extra beat today. Because it’s February. Because I don’t want it to be. Because it seems so recently..Not too many days before today, I was oblivious. I was happy. I thought I was pretty lucky (and quite clever) really – 2 boys, 2 girls. All 2 years apart. But of course life gets in the way of gratitude on a daily basis and like all people, I whinged about the usual..sleep deprivation, school issues, wanting my house to look all perfectly perfect..
66 shared sentiments
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Sheye
Ava knew what she meant to you
In every photo you can see it in her
In every smile
In every facial expression
In every poseThinking of you today and always
Tara
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Hi honey, oh that last photo.
Seems like yesterday, a Princess with a Spot.
She makes me catch my breath whenever I see her darling face.
Thinking of you all so much this week & hoping to get up there soon.
Biggest loves
Lea xxx
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My heart cries for you. I know this week will be very painful for you and I’ll be praying for you and your family.
In every single picture of her, your gorgeous darling princess looks so happy and you can tell she knew she was loved and she was…IS something special.
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Hi Sheye,
this week i will be praying for you and your family, knowing how very difficult these days will be.
I will be thinking sweet thoughts of Ava from the beautiful memories you have shared, wearing pink, and eating the most princess’y cupcake i can find.
~j~
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Oh Sheye I am so so so sorry. I know that 1263 days with her could never ever possibly be enough, but I am sure that through each of those 1263 days she knew that she was loved. You can see it in the photos of her, in her eyes. Thinking of you.
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She knew Sheye. The bond between you was extraordinary ~ like no other I had ever witnessed.
Love to all of you (as always but especially) this week.
xxxxx
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Sheye – tears are rolling down my face. I ache for you.
You, Ava and all of your family are in my thoughts….every day.
k8
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Omg Sheye, I can’t believe that a year has almost gone by!
I still go out every day and look at Ava’s little plant to remember her by. She really was a true angel….sent to enlighten us all with her sweetness, beauty and innocence!
I will be thinking of you on Tuesday! Sending you ((big hugs)) and lots of love from my family to yours!
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Sheye – as another poster said on one of your entries – so many of us cry with you. Little comfort I know – but it is so true.
EVERY time I see a photo of Ava I see the happiest little girl – even in her reflective shots. She was loved so much – and she knew it. Take care Janelle xx
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Sheye,
Oh Darling. I wish I could take away some of your pain.
I have been thinking of you so many times each day and as Feb approached my heart ached more & more for you.
I could never ever imagine.Because of Ava …
I hold my children closer each day
I hug them harder
I breathe them in
I let small issues go by
I watch them sleep
I allow them things I would never have done before.
Before you lost Ava & let us share her life, your pain, your loss, her message.So so many hugs & loves to you & Crayte at this time.
Kym xx
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Oh Sheye…my heart is breaking and crying for you…even tho I can imagine how terribly painful this week must be for you…I really can´t *hugs*
I know it doesn´t ease the pain a bit, but I´m sure a million and one percent and more, that darling Ava knew how much she was loved…every single one of the 1263 days she was allowed to be your little sunshine…your every dream come true…your superprincess…she knew *hugs*Please know that you are ALWAYS in my heart and prayers…this week even more *hugs tight*
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“Photography is truth.”
Jean-Luc GodardYou only ever need to look into the eyes of your darling Ava in any of the beautiful images you captured of her during those precious 1263 days she graced the earth to see your absolute truth.
Seven simple words … she already knew she was your everything.
Thinking of you.
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Oh Sweetie, Ava knew how much she was loved, you can see it in every single photo, you can see the happiness the contentment & the love! I can’t imagine how hard this week will be, I wish I could ease your pain, lots of love to you all, thinking of you & praying for you today & always,
Tanya xxxx
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It is so apparent the pain and heart-ache of your “if only”. I hope one day your heart will have comfort in “what was”.
Bless your heart
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I can only imagine how hard this week will be for you….you will be in my thoughts and heart…take care x
Lea UK
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Sheye, your photos show us that Ava knew she was one special super princess. We will be releasing pink ballons on August 5 in memory of Ava to celebrate everything that Ava was to you and continues to be to so many of us around the world. Through you, Ava has changed the world for so many children. Mums are more patient, laugh more, disregard what’s not important, practise the “seven skirts rule” and generally live in the moment with their kids. It’s not fair, right, or just that Ava had to leave this world for this lesson to be taught. Our prayers and thoughts are always with you, but we send extra love to you for the coming week.
Lots of love to
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I think of & pray for you often.
I look at my own little girl & in my mind’s eye, I can see you looking at yours.
I think of so many ‘firsts’ that she has coming up…
And your words gently remind me to be very, very in every way on every day GRATEFUL.
You don’t think about your child’s ‘lasts’ until there shall be no more ‘firsts.’
I look at things so much differently since I’ve found you. I’m thankful for the small things… for the ‘inconveniences’… for each and every day I have here on this earth.
I know your sweet little Ava-Angel is watching down on us all.You inspire me in so many ways. My love and prayers with you always and this week especially. With all my love – Take care & may God Bless You.
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I just want to reach out and hug you Sheye
Thinking of you so much
Luv
Kaz
xox
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Sheye,
My heart goes out to all your family and Ava’s anniversary nears. I will be lighting a pink candle and releasing a pink balloon for her.Also wanted to say that as a paramedic, I come into contact with people who have left their children in cars and onlookers call for emergency services to help. I always refer them to Ava’s rule, in uniform or not. It needs to be a bumper sticker. I want everyone to have one.
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If only all of the tears shed on this blog could bring her back…..
Through the countless pics of Ava over the forum days, she radiated happiness & contentment (as do all your babies :o)).
She was truly, wholey & absolutely loved…never doubt that Sheye.
Sending you strength & much love for the days ahead.
The Feral Fairies xxx
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My heart aches for you, every post you write, every picture i see that you have taken, there is no doubt just how much you loved her and how much she knew that.
As this dark week aproaches i will be thinking of you and your family. I cant begin to imagine your week, you are never far from my thoughts.
We too will be releasing pink ballons for beautiful Ava on Tuesday.
Alinta
xox
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Ava was blessed to have you as a mother. It is clear that she was cherished and loved every day of her life. I wish I could comfort you as the 1 year anniversary approaches, but I know there is nothing anyone can do to make it better. Please know I pray for your family every day. I believe, with all of my hear, that your Ava’s soul will be with you on that day and every other day you need her most.
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oh sheye!
she knew she was and is loved by you and your sweet family! what beautiful pictures. having lost my daughter, i can clearly tell you, i know how you feel. my prayers are with you!
she is your light, your strength…she has given you such wonderful memories and how blessed that you were able to document them with your amazing photos!
i will be thinking of you this week, much love…
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It’s never enough the time we had, never will be, never could be. We want a billion more hugs, hours and kisses. She was your sweet baby girl and none of this is right.
Ava chose you Sheye and the love she had radiates from her. It is the twinkle in her eye.
Wishing all the wishes could make it all better, but I’ll simply send my loves.
Dxxxx
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my heart aches for you. i so wish i could take away your pain….if only i could take away half of it.
i can see the love you have for her and it breaks my hear so very much.
you can see in all these photos her beauty, her laughter, just how much you loved her, she knew how loved she was/is…always.
tara
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hugs sheye. my first thought this february morning was of ava. you don’t know me. i am a million miles away but i think of you and ava often. I wish there was something anyone could do to ease the pain a little today and in the days ahead. I am sure she knew without a shadow of doubt that you loved her truly, completely and always.
xoxo.
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Oh yes, she knew! I think of you all everyday, and will be saying extra special prayers in the coming days. My heart is heavy. Hugs to you and hugs to Ava.
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I’m so sorry for the agony of reliving the moments 1 year later. I think we all often think about what could have been. What if I had done such and such… But we didn’t. Ava is a special little girl, and I have no doubt in my mind that she knew she was loved and adored. I also believe she’s still with you knowing it and sending you little messages through the tender mercies of God and life. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Many, many, many thoughts are with you today, this week, this month…and on and on.
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Look how happy she is in every photo. She knew she was loved.
I know there are a million if only’s but there are also some things to be thankful for even in the midst of such sadness. Thank goodness you were able to come home from the hospital and spend your last few days with her, thank goodness she was happy and healthy in her last week having fun with friends at kindy and her family and thank goodness she was so adored during her oh so short life.
I am thinking of you and your family during these next couple of days.
Zoe
x
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Thinking of you today and sending love.
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You inspire so many others.
Ava absolutely knew she was cherished
My thoughts will be with you on Tuesday {{HUGS}}
Nicole P
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I have never left a comment before, but I feel inclined to tell you that I have been so moved by not only your story and your amazing photography, but also how you have chosen to grieve. February is a hard month this year for me…I lost my best friend a year ago on the 6th. I appreciate so much your vulnerablity, your strength and that you have so freely shared Ava with so many people. My babies (3 and 2) have big brown eyes just like yours do, and I can’t help but hold on to them a little tighter because of your amazing example through all this. Thanks so much! I found your blog through Belle and Boo. My prayers are with you this month. I hope you feel the strength from all these people around you!
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I’ve been thinkng of you today when I realised we were in February. I can feel your pain from here, as all mothers who read your blog can. I know some of us are strangers but we are all your friends. Just know we are here for you in this coming week and we are thinking of you and your family.
L xx
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Sheye –
My heart just breaks reading this. Knowing how much your heart hurts today and every day. The good and bad of life is that we have no idea what the future holds. We never know what the next day, hour, minute, second is going to bring. The one thing I DO know with all my heart and soul is that Ava knew how much she was loved by you, Crayton, her brothers, Ivy. Never knowing her, I know this because every picture you post of her, you can see the joy, happiness, love, contentment, and peace in her eyes and her smile. Her whole being radiates this. And you know what? She STILL feels it. No separation can take that away. She still feels that love. You are her Mummy and NOTHING will ever diminish that. You are in extra thoughts and prayers this week Sheye. Many hugs and love.
Krysta
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My heart is aching for you and your family! Everyone that reads your blog and sees the photos of Ava and the rest of the kiddos…We know how much you love her and how much she means to you. No one will ever be able to change or take away what happened, but know that she is in a heavenly place with an AMAZING GOD!!!
My prayers will continue for ya’ll!!
Kim in San Angelo, Texas
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oh, Sheye..
my heart aches for you…
I hope and pray that these next days go oh so slowly for you…
you and your family are in my prayers,
AnneMarie
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My heart breaks for you Sheye!! Tears stream down my face as I read your post. It is impossible to know your pain. I do know that Ava knew how much she was loved, you can tell by her smile and her beautiful expressions in your pictures. I also know that because of Ava I am a much better Mommy to my three children. She has made me realize that it is important to take life slowly and to relish each moment. I will be praying for you and your family as the anniversary of Ava’s accident approaches.
Much love from the States,
Chesnye
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Sheye,
Ava is up in heaven sending you strength. She knows you love her, as all little children do.
I wish there is something I could do or say to ease your pain, but I believe in the angel wings that will carry you.Much love and light,
Samantha
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Every minute of everyday of her life she knew it…. And she still knows it.
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Sheye,
I know this week will be one of the hardest ever for you and I will be praying for you and your family. Know that Ava is still with you always, loving and watching over all of you…super princess style! =) thank you for sharing her with the world.
Thinking of all of you every day,
Take care,
Michelle
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Sheye,
You have been in my thoughts so much over the past few days. This beautiful girl, you can see in her eyes how loved she was, and she knew that.
I wish… so many things I wish for you.
With love & peace.
Julesxo
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My 3yr old son is sitting beside me, and he saw the Superprincess prints on your blog… he pointed at them and said: “Mommy, I want those princess books for Nora (his little sister).”. I said, “That little girl does look like a princess, doesn’t she?”. He said: “No Mommy, she IS a princess.”. He sees it too…
jbxo
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Sheye, as others have said, there is no doubt that Ava knew she was loved and completely cherished.
In fact, I’m sure she knew nothing but love in her short life.
Sending you lots of hugs, I know it’s useless but I will be thinking of you, and your family, lots over the coming days, and of course remembering Ava.
Love, Kate and girls in Tassie xxx
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You know, from a distant perspective it is easy to say that, yes, she knew she was loved, you can see it in the pictures. But how much comfort could that provide given I never met her?
However, I do believe that sometimes it is easier for strangers to observe. And to me, the glorious idea to appear wearing seven skirts (and looking delicious in them) and the sheer confidence in announcing yourself a superprincess, her love of others, her exploration of the world (be it through learning or pink lipgloss) and her sparkly, spunky personality… those are the things that tell me she knew she was loved.I have seen kids that have not been loved enough. Their eyes turn dull.
But even from just photos, a stranger like me can tell that your little princess had everything a child could wish for. You gave her everything you had, and even if you didn’t tell her every day how precious she was… it was the most natural thing for her to grow up in perfect innocence, being loved by so many. And is there a more wonderful way to live?For reasons like this, I don’t believe in fate. I cannot. It wrenches my gut to think of someone/something higher than us, tolerating terrible mistakes like this. Tolerating leaving so many people in pain that is so deep there sometimes aren’t words. Chemistry, physics, I understand. Someone not preventing devastation of lives, I cannot.
You say you hope she know how much you loved her.
I hope you knew what an amazing mother you were to Ava. You loved her, treasured her, inspired her. She had both innocence and enough room to grow. An amazing family, people who cared for her AND brought her pink nailpolish. How could she not have known how precious she was?My thoughts are with Ava, you and your family.
Love,
Stef
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These next few days will be some of the hardest you’ve had to face. Just remember to take it one step at a time and know that all of us in “blog land” are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
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“my heart skips…” but keeps beating. You and your family are in my thoughts.
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Your words here are the very ones my own heart has spoken and cried out- too many times to count. I have been thinking of you today. I know what a tough month this is for you. And all the days in this past year have been too. There are no answers. There are no reasons why. I just hope that you find comfort in Ava’s beauty and those memories that are etched on your heart of her forever. She was a gift. I have a feeling she knew the depth of your love- in more ways than you dreamed she could. Super Princesses have that special magic- they just know what true love is. I hope that you will hold onto the love you both shared~ forever.
Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. Especially this month as you miss and remember Ava…
xoxo.
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Bless you Sheye. This is the hardest milestone to cross. You are bearing the deepest grief in these days. Ahh, my heart aches for you as I feel the pain you are in. Sheye, how I wish us moms didn’t have to endure this pain. It far exceeds labor to any degree without meds. At least labor ends and there is a beautiful present that awaits you. This, this pain doesn’t go away. It is here for us to learn from and grow from. I pray so hard for you that you will endure this and endure well. God bless you and your family. Sweet Ava lives on-you have made sure of that in your writing. Thank you for so eloquently sharing your thoughts and describing mine.
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I love seeing in frames, I love the beauty in the ordinary, I love my camera, I love that when I see images I hear too. I love the latelight, I love finding moments I didn’t imagine and I love creating moments I did. I love learning more every day, I love sharing what I’ve come to know, and I love making pictures pretty.
I’m so glad you stopped by. xx
My heart and thoughts are with you.
If only I could ease your pain…
Tania