Ava’s Tea Party 2011
Farewell, August. It’s been very umm, just very. I’m standing on my step and you’re pushing luggage into the trunk and we’re waving cheery goodbyes while your tyres crunch up the driveway. I’m a huge mix of content and tired and grateful and relieved.
The lead up to Ava’s Tea Party is really big for me. All sorts of big. I want it to be amazing, I want everyone in the World to stop what they’re doing and participate, I want it to matter. And to so many of you, it does. Words can’t express how it feels to see the stream of beautiful tea parties images, or to hear tales of family gatherings and cuddles. To know that Ava’s Rule is being shared and that our girl is being remembered. It is incredible and it is comforting. And yes, it is big. And then, behind all that, lies the strange, quiet hum that persists throughout the planning and the emailing and the baking. (Well, other people’s baking). Sometimes it gets really very loud and then I’m lost in what should be. Not tea parties and everyone else hugging their eight year olds. That should be me. I can’t see past just missing my daughter and wondering how we got here. Then, someone will send a beautiful photo of a pink sky. Someone will tell me how Ava’s Rule helped their child. Someone, some thing, will remind me that Ava’s Tea Party is worth it and it’s making a difference and it means so much to so many families – not just ours. It’s an endless see-saw of emotion and honestly, getting to the other side is just a little bit of a relief.
This year, the weather meant our simple plans for a family gathering were relocated indoors last minute. I didn’t really have an ideas for pretty decor – I’m no party planner so it really was just an gathering of little bits I already had along with home made and store bought treats. We marked her day and we shared happy conversation and we took time to show love for those we love.
Thank you to every one of you who sent support this year, one way or another, and especially to those of you who joined in with Ava’s Tea Party. Lets do it again next year, shall we? :)
Love and gratitude, always.
Sheye x
17 shared sentiments
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Hello Anon :)
I’m hoping you can read the comments here! I’m sorry you’ve had problems..It’s an IE9 issue. You just have to click compatibility view – its either located in the address bar or under the tools tab. Let me know if that works for you.
Sheye xx
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There is so much love for you, your family and Miss Ava through August and always. There are times in this month where I’ve looked extra close at the boy and held him close, let him stay up later (far later) than what he should because I don’t know what the future holds and I have him now. That’s a gift that you’ve given to our family, Sheye, and I cannot thank you enough for the little moments. And, uh, I know where you’re coming from on the baking front. More baking disasters this month than ever before… but it’s the thought, right?
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I tell as many people as I can about your Ava. I love that you love her so very much and that your love keeps on growing as the years pass.
Sending love and many good wishes for a wonderful September.
Love, Becky
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What lovely photos Sheye, Ava would of been so proud. Your tea party looks so pretty! (Love your white feature wall…and you’ve been spending too much time in the states … trunk!!!!) xx
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Oh beautiful, precious lady. I think of you and your sweet family so often, your darling girl especially. How I wish that she could be here to tea party with you.
I spent yesterday baking cupcakes to raise money for the SPCA, although it wasn’t an ‘Avas tea party’ as such, I thought of her and thought that she seemed like the kind of little girl that would like puppies and kittens and all things small and furry and cute.
Huge hugs to you today sweet friend. I miss you! xoxo
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I was so looking forward to celebrating Ava’s Tea Party this year and I am so sad that I never had the chance to celebrate Ava’s Tea Party this year! I have given my children the biggest hugs ever, over the last couple of weeks! The loss of a close friend has made this month a hard one for us also, so we will have double the celebrations next year!
It was such a gorgeous day yesterday in Brisbane! I hope spring is just around the corner for all of us! Here is to sunshine and blue skies!
Hugs xx
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So so beautiful, Sheye. :) God Bless!
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Your party represents all it should be
…family and time together….and awesome images.
We have not ignored this momentuos day.
We will celebrate in September when things are a little less hectic and we can dedicate the time needed to this VERY special day.
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Your girl is remembered Sheye. Always. xo
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Love you in your beauty-full frock. What a gorgeous montage of images. You’ve created something much bigger than you know, her light shines brighter than ever xox
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You’re honesty is amazing and all the mummas who read it feel for you and we all wish we could take your sadness away
I hope you take comfort in the kindness you and Ava inspire
K xx
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Heya Sheye, beautiful & bittersweet. Thank you for sharing x
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Very beautiful! Haven’t had my teaparty, yet. Maybe on Sunday.
Keep your fingers crossed.
I’ll let you know.
Sheye, you are so pretty!
Will you insert a picture of your tattoos one day? What are they?
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Oh, Sheye. You are so beautiful. Your eloquence. So beautiful. My big brother passed when I was 9. He was 12. That rocked my world. And while I do NOT for one second pretend to know how it feels for a loving Mama to lose her sweet baby, I can relate to your expressions in this post. That heart ache never completely leaves. I hope you feel the love and unity of all of us who have such deep compassion and empathy for you in that heart ache. But mostly that Christ heals our hearts. Sending hugs to you today. xoxo
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Across the world in Victoria, BC, Canada we had a Ava Tea Party. She has touch our hearts. xoxo
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Thank you so much for the sweet words, everyone.
Christy, I’m so sorry for your loss and for the missing that you carry each day. Ava is such a big part of our childrens lives, I wish I could carry their sadness for them, as I’m sure your Mama would wish for you. Sending a hug back to you.
Love Sheye x
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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
Ever since you set up your new web site, the photos show up, but not the text. Sad. :(