Old. New. Newer. {Reasons to love Februrary}.
If it were the me of three years ago writing this, I’d be complaining today. I’d be annoyed that our new flooring install didn’t begin on schedule. Or that the doors aren’t ready. I’d feel stressed that Mason missed swimming and I’d probably be pretty miffed that Crayton’s hire car got itself scratched and dented this morning.
Writing from the New Universe though, my only real reason to complain today would rightfully be about today marking the start of February. The month of missing and wishing and life-a-changing. It’s the month that plunged us from carefree happiness to the darkest of voids. Where nothing was ever the same.
It seems though, my new is changing too. As I approach a third February without Ava, the new includes so many lessons and so much beauty I just don’t feel I have a right to complain. Of course I miss. I wish. I yearn. Every single day. I forget a life that didn’t include those things. But I can also look back on thirty six months and see how far I’ve traveled. Or, at times, been carried. I prefer the new me, I like the life I’ve created out of ruin. I know less fear, I filter out the unimportant and I know what it is to truly, deeply love. So many beautiful things to be glad of.
I don’t write these words lightly. It has taken a lot to get to here. I had three choices after February two thousand and seven. I could cease to exist. (Shocking? Not really. Ask anyone deep in grief how viable that option might seem at times.) I could continue on breathing whilst moving nowhere. Barely enduring grief filled days that would undoubtedly project onto my other children. Or, I could do something even harder. I could make a promise that Ava would not leave un-noticed. That I would do better. As a mother, a wife, as my self. That our new family would survive and be strong and embrace what remained. That I would live life. For Ava.
I consciously chose the latter. There were many, many days where the grief smothered my hopes. There will be more to come. But three years on, I see our family as happy again. We’re mending. We cherish one another, and our memories of Ava. Our Superprincess shines as brightly as she ever did. I look forward to including her in so many beautiful ways going forward and know that we will never let her light go out. While I know there will always be moments where The Missing sneaks up and steals the air from my lungs, today the bigger picture fills my heart.
Happy February.
Love, Sheye xxx
Wow – what a beautifully written insight. You are so brave.
Thanks for sharing – everytime I read your blog it inspires me to stand stronger and cherish the joys of my life and for that I am so grateful.
Thanks so much,
Jane
Ohh Sheye, thank you for this. For everything. I really needed this, its been a struggly day. It is still not even one year since my baby girl has left this world, you always give me hope. A brighter future. A happier time. A stronger me. A world that is really okay even without my girl. It is hard to even imagine ever healing, sometimes I feel like this pain will never go. And then I read your words, and I feel this blanket of comfort- I trust that it will be okay. You’ve walked this road. You are a beautiful mommy, you have raised lovely children, and you are so, so brave. I am so, so glad I found you.
Loads of love, you and Ava will be in my thoughts this month,
-Tay
Your Ava could never go unnoticed. You and your family have an imprint on my heart for the rest of my days. Hugs from afar. ~Kati
I cannot even imagine! Reminded me that all the tiny hassles of the day are exactly that…tiny in comparison to having our wonderful families with us. I will be thinking of and praying for you this month.
sheye,
your words are most inspiring. i too lost my darling baby girl. her name was harper and she has a twin brother. she was beautiful and perfect and she carried so many of my hopes for the future. like you, i have always wanted a daughter. she died the day she was born and it’s been 3 years now and it’s still impossible to grasp. my son’s birthday is a most wonderful day and our most sad day. the pull of the gift of his life and the loss of hers is impossible to reconcile. i miss her all the time. we had another baby girl last year, and looking at her face makes me wonder… would they look alike? would they both love cheese? it brings joy and pain and everything in between. i just want you to know that your posts make me feel less adrift with my grief. i hope this year brings you and your family immeasurable joy. you have a truly beautiful soul.
thank you for your stories. little ava is a part of our household and i think of her sweet face often.
-michelle
Sheye, Crayton, Luca, Mason & Ivy,
I cannot imagine what you have gone through. The grief from the many pictures or those little questions that Ivy asked about he big sis she never knew. I mean being only 12 months old a little girl won’t remember her beauty full seeester. As for Luca and Mason, I’m sure it’s hard for them to comprehend the fact back then. Three years later you have all grown physically, mentally & emotionally. And three years later, one little angel dressed in a pink dress, knee high socks and spotty’s is flying over you, protecting you from harm. ILOVEYOUSOMUCH Ava Rosemeyer and I’m sure your mummy, daddy, brothers and sister do too :) Happy 3 years baby girll
I discovered your blog two years ago and my heart still hurts for you when I see her sweet little face. She is one of the most beautiful children I’ve ever seen. There is no doubt in my mind that she loves you and smiles at how you are living.
Sheye…you are truly an amazing person. Everytime I read a new post (or even an old one I’ve undoubtedly read numerous times before) I always remember to cherish what I have, and not to forget what I’ve lost. Eveytime I leave your site, I am more inspired than when I entered. Thank you for sharing so much with me- so much with everyone who reads your blogs. You have a beautiful soul, Sheye… God bless you and your wonderful family!
Thank you for your words and hope .
As moving as ever. So inspirational. So insightful. So many memories and lessons and pains and triumphs. I just can’t imagine it….impossible. You are in my thoughts.
You are truly inspiring. Thank you for teaching me to be a better mother. My heart aches for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sheye, I am so happy to read this. It is such a hard road, but you are walking it with love, intention and grace. It honors Ava’s life that you are doing this.
Just this week I watched a DVD again from http://www.griefhaven.org (Portraits of Hope), which I have had since the early days after Katie’s passing. I haven’t watched it for a long time, and the words and message from parents whose children have died came through clear and strong again, but differently, because I am in a different place myself. It was just as comforting, but in a different way. Your posting reminds me of it.
Out of the darkness of the early days of pure physical, visceral yearning and pain, into some kind of building of hope and a new life. Never forgetting – as if we could! – but integrating our sweet child’s life into the life that we must lead now, here, without her physical presence. It is still a good life, and it deserves our best. Yes, there will be those dark days, still. But I am glad that you are finding, and choosing, joy in what remains.
God bless you and your family.
-Karen
So beautifully written, Sheye. Thanks as always for sharing so much of your life (and your heart!) with us, so that we can all be reminded a little bit of what is important in life!
Sheye,
I just want to tell you I am praying for you and your beautiful family. I found your blog a few months ago. And it inspires me more than you will ever know. Thank you for being transparent with your life. Continue to bless us with your words and the talent that God blessed you with. I wish we lived close to each other so I could have you take picutres of my family!!
You are such a lovely and strong woman. I feel so blessed to have found your site. Thank you so much for sharing your Ava and her story with me and so many others. I have forwarded Ava’s story to everyone I know and I know that they will forward it on. Ava will never be forgotten. May God bless you all and protect you. ♥
Today has been a struggly day, But reading your blog always always makes me think about everything i have to live for, it helps me see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you for this. Thank you for being my inspiration, to be a better person.
Ava’s light will never fade, and she will never be forgotten.
Thank you for sharing Ava with us.
much love hugs and kisses.
Emma
xx
Sending love…Ava’s beauty takes my breath away! The journey that began for you and your family three years ago has touched so many lives and how could you not move forward with so many people caring and carrying you forward. I adore you with all my heart and soul.
Peace and Love, Denise <3…
Wow, your words are very powerful and remind me how precious this life is. I admire your strength very much, you are courageous! Hope this February is a beautiful month for you.
Forgot to say that I changed my blog layout to pink for Ava, in remembrance of Ava.
Sheye,
This was beautiful. I couldn’t have said it better myself. I loved this post.
love you,
stephanie
Sheye, I think of you this February and I wish you peace and love this month. I’ve followed your blog for quite some time and as a parent and photographer you are a huge inspiration to me.
That was absolutely beautiful! you are an amazing person.
So eloquently written. You are an inspiration to us all.
Thank you for sharing yourself Sheye. I’m so happy to hear that you are feeling good about life.
xxxxxx
Because of your words and photos, Ava’s light still shines for a lot of us. Thank you.
I admire your strength and courage. Thank you for your honesty. You make me want to be a “less stressed” mother and really focus on the important things in life. I know my family are all that matters.
Thank you for your beautiful words. While I adore your wonderful photos and aspire to capture light like you do, I think that the way you write is even more captivating. Thank you for sharing like you do. While I have never suffered a loss like your family has, you always manage to touch my heart when you write about the lessons that Ava has taught you and make me strive to be a better mother, wife, friend, daughter and boss. And for that reason, your precious Ava is every day making this world a better place. May you continue to find peace this February.
For you, sweet lady x
http://vanessatuau.blogspot.com/2010/02/three.html
Vx
Ava is the brightest star in the sky that shines limitesly upon us all. Children are precious si kive for your other children too just as you would live for Ava. I am glad your getting things back together. Just to see your family happy is my wish. God bless hyou all x
Sheye your strength never ceases to amaze me, you are an inspiration to so many, including me. You are never far from my thoughts, this week even more so.. xx K
I was thinking of Ava tonight while washing my hair in the shower. Funny that as she pops into my mind so often out of the blue.It’s almost like one of my own children that I know all the important dates and months. Avas light could never be dim now that you have given her to all of us and made us better mums.
Thanks XX
PS how very blessed are you to have taken so many beautiful pics of her and what meaning each one hold now !!
I take 100s of my kids now.
Sheye, those pictures are beauty full. I’m sending my love to your family this week and every week.
I wrote a post on my blog for you tonight, as i captured something that really caught my eye…
http://thoseblissmoments.blogspot.com/2010/02/pink.html
thank you for choosing the third option and handling everything life has thrown at you with unthinkable courage and ceaseless grace. you are a constant inspiration to us all.
Sheye,
I read it with a heavy heart thinking of how long it has been. I love how you just embrace everything.
Sending all my love
Shayne
Thank you for reminding us of what is important in life. I am amazed by your eloquence and wisdom. Thank you for sharing and making me want to be a better person. I can’t even imagine what it must be like…you are SO STRONG. Ava is beautiful.
Thank you Sheye for these beautiful words…we have a friend who just recently lost their 7 year old little boy and I will be sending them to your blog…as a light of hope in what I know must be very dark days! God bless you for sharing!
♥
Thank you Sheye.
The hope you share is such a beautiful gift to all of us.
I have been thinking of you and your beautiful family these past few days Sheye, and of your everlasting sweetheart Ava. I cannot begin to convey how much your words have lifted me out of “hiding” with my grief. I cannot begin to explain how emotional I become when I read about Ava-please know that her light has touched so many the world over,and Superprincess Ava will never fade for people like me either….I have read your blog and cried, I have smiled, but more then anything else, I have seen just how much a mother can LOVE. You are an inspiration Sheye-and your very brave family:)Please know that you are in my thoughts-February is a difficult month for us too, and your words have shown me that I should never be afraid to include my daughter Chloe(born sleeping), and that feeling the way I have is all a part of the cycle of loss. Thankyou with all of my heart-and I know Ava will be so proud of her gorgeous, loved Mummy .xo
I am so glad to hear you’re able to soar that little bit higher…..much love to you x
“If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden.” ~Claudia Ghandi
oh sheye, how my heart aches to read about the missing… your words are so moving… so beautifully written. i think about you and ava always. hugs, rowe xxx
You express yourself so beautifully.
those pictures are just beautiful Sheye.
I am so proud of you have endured and grown
and thank you for sharing your super princess
with us!
tara
Once again, because of you I strive to be a better mommy! Thanks for always sharing your beauty full thoughts! Your Ava has made you such an inspiration, she is so special.
Thanks, Sheye. much love.
Beautiful pictures and words. You provide so much hope and inspiration to those who have lost children or other loved ones. You also remind everyone who reads your blog how important it is to cherish every moment with those we love and to make the most of every situation. Thank you.
Beautiful heartfelt words from a wise woman.
Sheye,
I’ve tried to email you, and I dont know how many times I tried. But it never works anymore. They never send no matter how many times I try. But I want you to know that out of all the people in this world who left too soon, Ava made one of the biggest impacts possible. It seems like so many people know about her, are aware of her rule, and are inspired by you and her story. Theres thousands. Can you imagine that? One tiny little girl, and her amazing family has touched THOUSANDS of people. She lived on this Earth for three years, and like you said, her light shines just as bright as it used too. She never fades. Love never fades. I thank the Lord that you chose to keep living for Ava. I dont know where I’d be without “knowing” you.
xoxo, Rhianne
It’s amazing that someone so small, whose life was not so long… could live a life so big and so beauty full that she grows in hearts around the world.
xx
Oh Sheye, your words are as inspiring as your images. Thank you for sharing your sweet Ava with us, I think of you often.
xx
Ava, your beautiful clever SuperPrincess, she will Never be forgotten or replaced. She will live Forever in our hearts.
This post is just so touching. Photos are as beautiful as always.
God bless your beautiful family, Sheye. xx
Sheye, just wanted to remind you that you are AMAZING. I’m constantly astonished by how wise and strong you are and wanted to thank you for sharing so much of youself. Inspiring beyond words.
Sheye,
I love your choice. It’s a hard one to make and as time passes it’s even more important for me to make that same choice. I’m in a love/hate relationship with grief. I love who I’m becoming. I hate what it took to get here.
Much love,
Bridget
Sheye,
I’ve followed your blog for at least a year now, and I would cry for your loss and hold my children just a bit tighter after reading posts like this – never really knowing the hurt you feel. But I lost my third child at 18 weeks gestation this past November. I grieve daily for my little boy, and that grief makes your posts all the more real to me. I will pray for you and also try to take the lessons you’ve learned to heart.
Thank you,
Amanda
sheye~ you’re my hero.
YAY !!!!!!!
Yes, that’s it exactly. I did the exact same thing–I chose to live a life to honor Hannah, a life that would show she is not forgotten. A life more Beauty Full. :o)
The photos of Ava are gorgeous.
You’re a truly inspiration, you’re such an amazing person..god bless . x
Ava..the beautifulest ever child..will NEVER be forgotten../
Your words are just so inspiring Sheye and the photos of Ava beyond beautiful. You have been on such a difficult and heartbreaking journey these past 3 years and I am so glad that you are finding happiness and beauty in your life now. Ava will always be remembered. xxx
Sheye, your writing is beautiful and so honest. Thank you for sharing. Remembering your Ava and keeping your family in my prayers a bit more this week…
Sheye,
I always struggle for words to comment on your posts, there are not words to describe you and your amazing family.
Thankyou for being so open over the last 3 years, your words are beautiful. You are an inpsirational woman. You have revived my passion for photography but also helped me to become a better person.
We will never forget Ava and I will pray for you and her this February.
God Bless x
Sheye: You will never know how much you have affected my parenting in the most wonderful way. I think of you and Ava so often in a lot of the choices I make; to give an extra hug, to let her wear what she wants and taking time to enjoy each second I have with her. You couldn’t have given me a nicer gift EVER than to be so brave as to share your journey. These pictures are beautiful, as was she and I have never noticed how deep warm brown those eyes are in any of your previous pictures. Such a beauty! I always think what a lucky little girl Ava was to have you for her Mommy and to be a member of such a wonderful family.
Wow Miss Sheye – you are amazing & your heart & strength takes my breath away! I’ve been having a rough month but I read your words & it fills me with hope & reminds me that life is good…I love, I laugh, I’ll be ok! Thankyou sharing your world & for inspiring me to be more positive! xx I’m thinking of you guys this month! xx
You have reminded me to keep all the doors and windows open during a hurricane, for as terrifying as that may seem, it is the most pure way to survive. You teach us so much more than survival though – you teach us to embrace the storms that make our lives richer on the other side, and that there is indeed life on the other side. And for those of us who have not known suffering like you, you teach us to live as if we have so that we will love deeper, and live fuller lives now. Thank you as always for your painful and potent words – they cut to the quick in the kindest way. Have a listen to this talk sometime when you have a moment – I love what she says – obviously nothing compared to your grief, but the lessons on the other side are awake and wise… http://www.ted.com/talks/jk_rowling_the_fringe_benefits_of_failure.html
as always, thank you xx
Thinking and praying for you all.
Beautiful and inspirational words. You are truly amazing.
xoxo
I feel like hugging you, virtually of course, but still.
I remember when I’ve learned about what happened to Ava, I’ve been lurking around for a while, and I’m still pretty much lurking. I felt pain for you and your family. I’m moved by your strength and your family strengths.
Hugs you.
She is breath taking.
There must be purpose in the struggles. You are a beautiful person who inspires so very much.
I’m thankful for you and your friendship (even just online).
xo
Sheye I stumbled across your site last year and I will never forget it, my heart was so heavy for you, Ava and your whole family. You have all truly touched me, there is not a day that passes when I don’t think of you all and Ava. You are so inspiring with your photography and writing. There are alot of people thinking of you at the moment. Sending warmth, love and hugs your way. Lisa
i adore your work. are your eye candy actions compatible with corel paint shop pro?
beautiful girl. sending just so much love your way. you are amazing, every single moment. I can’t wait to share a tiny piece of February with you. xxxxxxxx
Your writing is just incredible Sheye. Brings me to tears every single time…whether they be tears of joy or sadness. You are such a strong, brave woman and an inspiration to us all. Thank You
my thougts are with you and your family on this beautiful February!
Dear, sweet, beautiful Sheye. I lost my little Gavin 3 weeks ago. . . I lost his namesake (my 21 year old baby brother) around the same time you lost your Ava, and today, someone sent me a link to this post.
THIS is perfection:
“I could make a promise that Ava would not leave un-noticed. That I would do better. As a mother, a wife, as my self. That our new family would survive and be strong and embrace what remained. That I would live life. For Ava.”
You’ve written the words to the song of my heart. :)
There’s a little Valentines poem on my blog that just might make your heart smile: “Hello February” http://tinyurl.com/yklhwyl
Thank you tenderly for being so dear.
xx
Natalie
Dear Sheye, again I am teary but through these tears I have hope. Hope for you and your loved ones. Hope for the now, the future and the past.
Much love
Kate xxx
Truelly amazing, really sad, but so pure, I am with you, always
XX
Mies
Sheye… I wish you could bottle up whatever it is that makes you the person you are and send some to me. To have even just a slither of your strength and outlook at the moment ….
I am staring at Ava’s photo at the moment and trying to think of something else to say but I can’t.
Always, each and every day, I am thinking of you and your daughter.
Much Love xxx
I’ll be thinking of you all this February and every February. It’s never going to make it easier for you, but remember how many lives your beautiful daughter has touched. Much Love x
Hi beautiful girl. Just read this today after two days away… and at 11:24pm, I’m touched. And I really miss you. Wish we could be together so I could give you a big huge hug. You share and share and I love you for it. Thinking of you and missing you. xoxo
I’m so glad you chose the latter! Not only would your family have more of The Missing if you weren’t there, but no one can stand up and keep a child’s light aglow like their mother. On top of that, the world would miss out on some beautiful photographs and a beautiful photographer! I know I don’t even know you, but (((HUGS))) to you for your strength – even when you’re being carried.
I’ve been so down lately and part of me has lost sight of the bigger picture for a time. I know it is part of the waves of grief those of us who have lost loved ones ride, but it hurts and takes away a lot of joy. You words ring so loud and clearly with me. Even when I’m on a “down day”. I am so happy for you and all your family and especially for Ava, that you chose to live. And to live for more. That is the gift of grief that is so hard to grab hold of, but makes all the difference in the world. Ava will never be forgotten. You are blessed to have her memories etched so deeply on your heart. One day you will dance with her again. And all these years of wishing things different will be a distant memory. Love to you and all of your family especially this month of February. And for all your years to come.
Beautiful Person, Beautiful soul…If only there were more people like u in this world. Sheye we don’t know each other but u have deeply touched me may u and your family always see the sun before the rain…
What beautiful words, Sheye! And they are so true. Ava will be a part of your lives forever-… an active part. And the lives you guys have built and treasured since she left is a true celebration to her spirit. God bless you & yours!
This is the first time I’ve come across your blog, thank you, thank you, thank you. I think I was guided here not just to look at your photography, but to read your thoughts for today. I have two daughters 5 and 2 and they’re MY super models. I so needed this wake up call, to not sweat the small stuff, I need to go to bed every night with NO regrets
And the new February year after year, that even without your blog posts, there are women out there that have you in their hearts. I think of you often lovely lady, but it is the approach of February that brings you to the forefront of my mind.
From the outsider, we too have seen you grown, and as a friend, I celebrate that you have moved onwards, both individually and as a family, from that February day in 2007. A day that not only you, but many others will never forget
Sending you love hun x x
you write so beautiful ! i get goose bumps everytime i read your blog. thank you for sharing!
Oh, Sheye, you are such an amazing, amazing woman. You have such courage and strength for your children and the world, and your sweet Ava will never be forgotten. You are in my thoughts and prayers now and always. xxxx
Here’s to living life for yourself, and for Ava. You have beautiful and courageous perspective on what you’ve been though. My heart and thoughts are with you. xoxox Leigh
Sheye, the decision you made is so much more far reaching than I’m sure you could ever have imagined. You and Ava touch so many of us and we are so thankful. You are so wise and so brave. Sherri XO
i can’t imagine that freight train that comes running and takes your breath away. you honor all of us by your generous spirit of motherhood to your darling daughter. you are amazing as is your entire family. with so much love i am sending you the biggest of hugs. my life has been so enriched by knowing you on this crazy ride call the internet and i thank god your decision to live on stronger and wiser and more cherished helps me as it does all of us. thinking of you my friend sheye. xo
When I went to bed last night, your post was still up on my computer. My 4 year old was standing with me when I wiggled the mouse this morning. “Mom (with complete awe), is that a princess?!” “Yes it is” I told him. “Yes it is.”
Much love to you Sheye, Crayton, Kids & family.
You have a beautiful soul Sheye, you never cease to amaze me!
Rainbows & Sunshine always x♥x
Lisa
Sheye,Crayton,Luca,Mason and darling Ivy, if strength if born from Heartbreak then mountains you could all move……………i feel so much love for you all today, may you angel give you strength always xxxx
Robyn xx
Reading your blog for the past few years has touched me in so many ways. I hold my kids tighter and try to remember on the harder days that they are the biggest gift I have ever received. I know that families are forever. I love you because you inspire me and make me a better person. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Sheye!
Thinking of you today Sheye…much love xoxo
You and your precious family are always in my thoughts and prayers. I think of Ava often soaring high bringing so much joy to the world. She has changed my world beyond words. With much love from our family especially today.
I am so happy for you Sheye. Life takes a lot of courage to live it fully and I see you write from a perspective you have so rightfully earned. Keep being positive and know there are many of us who will help you and your family keep Ava’s light always always shining. See, she lives on in our hearts and minds, in people who walk this earth and say her name and share her story. Love to you and your honey- he doesn’t get spoken of much in your writings but I’m sure he must be a very strong and loving man. You are lucky Sheye. I’m happy for that <3 Happy February.
Proud of you (((hugs)))
Thinking of you and your family on this day…
All hail the Superprincess! Three years on earth, now three years in heaven, but forever written on her mother’s heart. May God bless you this February and continue to give you grace, strength and wisdom. So glad you “chose the latter.” We all adore you :)
Thinking of you.
Thank you.
and God Bless
You are truly wonderful!
the words and photos you choose to share, shows what a great person and mother you are to ALL of your kids!
You are such a beautiful soul!! Thinking of you, and wishing you all things lovely for February and every. single. day. of the year.
Sheye, I so very much appreciate your words and the ability you have to inspire me to learn how to love more deeply. Sending my love and hugs for a peaceful February.
Sheye, thank you so much for sharing your soul with all of us.
I too, dread February….
Tomorrow, my NieceDaughter (that’s how I refer to two of my nieces that I raised since I was 17 years old) Michele would have been celebrating her 26th birthday….Instead, our family still mourns.
My life has been flipped upside down, and I feel like an alien has overtaken my body. On March 28, 2008 – a 16 year old girl was home getting high, she snuck out of the house, stole her mother’s car, picked up two 17 year old guy friends, continued to get high, went to the store to purchase eggs and silly string to vandalize homes with – continued to get high while driving around – went through a stop sign, and killed my baby while she was crossing the street.
She was just under the front of the bumper of the Volkswagen Jetta. The wheels never even touched her. She was screaming and crying and they wouldn’t even get out of the car to check on her – even though the 911 operator pleaded with them to check on Michele.
The girl just kept repeating over and over to the operator – “No, I’m not doing that.” “I want to go home.” “I’m getting out of here.”
Anyway – because she refused to check on my Michele – she couldn’t expand her chest to breathe, and in around 7 minutes (according to the medical examiner and coroner)Michele died.
None of her injuries were life threatening. She died because someone was high and scared and wanted to get out of there….and that was more important at the time, than my little girl’s life.
I guess what I wanted to do was to just say thank you. My life is so different now, since the loss of my beautiful NieceDaughter. It is you, your blog, your precious children, that have helped me get along – God too, of course.
It feels safe to know that someone who doesn’t even know me – sounds like she understands me.
Sheye, you have touched people’s hearts and souls – Across the universe – in ways that you probably never imagined you could. Please know that I am grateful for you and I appreciate you.
From one Mom to another – on the other side of the world….Much love and thanks. xo
By the way – it’s Wednesday, Feb. 3rd here in the USA. Michele’s birthday is tomorrow…Feb. 4.
My heart goes out to you for tomorrow Sheye-I am going to buy a Gardenia in honur of Ava….thankyou so much for sharing your story with us all-you have given me the strength to blog of a difficult day, this coming February 13. I have dedicated a post to Ava, in memory of her, you would like to read it. Thinking of you all. xo
There will be candles burning and pictures hangnig for Precious Ava!
Thinking of you & your family often, but these today especially. Sending big hugs and admiring you from afar, love Heleen from Amsterdam, Europe (toddlertoes on Flickr)
As always, Ava’s beauty is breathtaking! Thank you for sharing her and yourself – you truly are an inspiration, as so many others have said. Thinking of you and your family and praying that you continue to mend and have more and more beauty full days.
Sheye, I looked on the calendar this morning and realized it’s been almost another year for you without your beautiful SuperPrincess. I’m so happy to see you healing, though I know the ache will always linger. Just wanted to let you know that you and your family are much in my thoughts and prayers. ((hugs))
Loved by so many x Always and forever
http://vanessa-paris.com/?p=600
(My last link was for my old blog)
xoxo, sheye. beautiful post… thinking of you this week.
What an inspiration you are……
Your brave and raw, your words break my heart but truly are so so beautiful. Your Ava is remembered by so many, making us all better people, mothers, artists. I feel lucky to have come across your site over a year ago…keep sharing. Much love to you Sheye, you lil Ava is in the hearts of many xoxo
love, tears and prayers your way Sheye. we are all thinking of you…
dear sheye and family…you are in my thoughts and prayers. You have touched the hearts and souls of so many people and have made me a better person through sharing your experiences – both sorrow and joy. I am sure the Superprincess is having an amazingly super princessy party – full of pink, frills and all things pretty.
Oh Sheye, you are such an incredible woman, a true inspiration.
You have touched the hearts and souls of so many, and I want to thank you for that.
When Ava left us I started to look at life very differently. I treasure my children more than I could have ever imagined and believe that I am a much better mother now than I was 3 years ago.
Sylvia xxx
Amazing! Tears, joys, love and memories. You will be together forever one day again.
Ava will never be forgotten. You have done so much to ensure that Ava is noticed and our family certainly has a little piece of your Super princess in our little girls room. We have five prints from Mandy at Belle and Boo (four from the Super Princess Series and the tea party print). Not a day goes by when I do not look at these beautiful prints and am reminded to live in the moment and cherish the day that is – the good, the bad and the ugly.
Thinking of you and praying for you and your family on this day – the day Ava flew to Heaven three years ago. Ava has touched so many hearts all around the world, she could never ever be forgotten.
Ava is proud of you on this February..I am certain. I have no children yet, but I know you will have an impact on the way I parent, cherish the little things let the less important pass on by. For that I am thankful for you Sheye thankful for Ava. Someone made a comment above that Ivy never knew Ava but I beg to differ, she may have been so small but she will always know her sister! This blog will be such a gift for her when she is older too. Thank you so much for sharing your deepest thoughts and feelings, you have moved and inspired us all. You should write a book Sheye :)
Sending much love. hugs. kisses. wishes. hope. happiness. and beauty-full thoughts to you, Crayton, Luca, Mason, Ivy, and miss Ava today especially Sheye.
Thank you again for your beauty-filled words.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for Ava.
I have been thinking of Ava all day today. She crosses my mind at least once a day but today she won’t seem to leave.
Sending love, hope, and happiness to you, Crayton, Luca, Mason, and Ivy.
Your words are very touching. I haven’t been visiting your blog as much as I used to, but everytime I do visit, your words remind me to cherish every moment of life and to appreciate all people and things around me. Thank you so much for sharing and being strong.
your raw truth refreshes my heart as to what life is REALLY about and at the same time pierces it for you and your family. thank you for sharing Ava’s light with us and for reminding us of where beauty lies. my tears for you are split in half with sadness and joy that you are “mending” and enjoying every moment.
I am a frequent visitor, but haven’t left many comments. today, of all days i want you to know that You and Ava are loved.
xoxo
My eyes are tearing and I am inspired by your strength. You must know how much sharing your heart and your SuperPrincess means to the world. Ava’s story will help other children and in that way she is not only a princess but a guardian angel for other little ones. Your choice to LIVE for Ava is beyond strength…I can’t even describe how touched I am.
May God Bless you and your family. Thank you so much for having the courage to open your heart and share yourself.
oh Sheye
my heart swells with emotion as I read your heartfelt words~
YOu share your heart so wide open~
touches so many, so profoundly.
As a mama, as a nurse………I thank you for enlightening all of us to cherish
e v e r y
s i n g l e
m o m e n t
xo
I am so sorry for your loss. Your words bring such truth. I feel humbled as a mother. Thank you for sharing your Ava, your self, your journey with us. I cried through Kate’s slide show.
you have the amazing ability of putting into words what is also in my heart…
I have had a tough few weeks and reading this today has bought a lot of tears to my eyes but given me some strength to get back on track again…
thanks you so much…I needed to read something like this…
maybe your ava and my mark are playing together somewhere…he was a real rough and tumble boy but also loved to pick flowers for me and his sister and he thought all little girls where princesses…he would have loved to pick a flower for your princess :)
I got on hoping I’d hear your heart come through and I was not disappointed. In all the “doing” and “running” etc. to take my project off to a new level “without fear” I am reminded to cherish, love, care for and hold the treasures I posses now, not hope to but do! Thank you.
Jim
Thankyou for sharing your sole and heart with us. May the next three years be filled with many more memories of a little girl taken fom ou and a family who love each other. I cn only imagine what ou have gone through and continue to go through. May your travels and life be filled with those around you who love and care for all of you.
We have only just moved to Brisbane and I have just found your blog. Thankyou for sharing.
Kylie
with tears streaming down my face you make me smile. I have such admiration for you. Your strength and love flows through your words. I will hug my boys one more time today. For Ava. And every day I will try to remember to filter out the unimportant. xxx
I just came across your site through the mention on The Savvy Photographer today, and I am so happy I did. This post really touched my heart. Thank you for sharing. Your words are inspiring and beautiful. May you continue to heal and grow as the months and years go on. And may you continue to share your lovely thoughts and images for all of us.
I read your story when I found the link on Kimberly Drury’s site.
I am sobbing. Not only for you, your family…your loss that I cannot pretend to understand or imagine. I cry for my 3 and a half year old. She is sleeping.
I yelled at her so many times today for getting into this or destroying that. I am so sorry. So very regretful.
Thank you for sharing your emotions and feelings. You have helped me to WANT to be a better mom. I’ve known for awhile that I need to learn to control my temper, but hadn’t really wanted that, for real, until now. Until you showed me and reminded me how quickly it can all be taken away.
God bless you in every moment of every day.
Sincerely.
she take my breath away everytime…beautiful in every way the inside like the outside.thank you for sharing those precious moments with us to let us know Ava how amazing she was.God Bless you and your beautiful family.
~XxxxxX~ Much Love.
Sheye, I am so glad I read this tonight before I go to sleep. I love what you have written as well as what you wrote underneath Ava’s photo. February March are hard months for myself and I am greatful for your inspiring, spiritual uplifting words tonight.
Much love and gratitude;
Denine McMahon
[...] if I hadn’t shed enough tears for that piece of poetry, I was led here and here and more tears ensued. On this random night, I’m reminded to cherish, live and be [...]
I find peace in my life when I read your blog. You and your family are so far from me in distance but not far in my heart. Thank you for sharing your life, :) AJ
So incredibly beautiful…beautiful.