OLIVIA GRACE

We had the crib, the baby monitor, the car seat, all the diapers, sweet little outfits, and a stroller. We thought, that's all you need to be ready for your first baby. But we weren't ready because what happened on August 14, 2007 was a miracle birth. Olivia's {aka "Livi's"} heart had given up before it could even beat once outside the womb. Through the grace of God, she was given a second chance, WE were given a second chance at enjoying this beauty and watching her grow. We were gifted five years on Earth with her. This precious time we had was challenging. As a speech therapist, I knew the world of kids with special needs from the treatment side. Now, I got to know it from the day-to-day, worrying, back-breaking, adoring, advocating, and 'adjusting to new normal' side. Now, I was the parent of a child with Cerebral Palsy. And as such, together with her dad, we worked to be her voice, to see that she enjoy her days, that she learn what she could, and that the world could see her love shining through her eyes and smile. Six weeks into her fifth year of life, our sweet angel was called back to Heaven, where we know she watches over us every day. Now, as the parents who have lost a child, we work to carry on her laughter through other children. We work to do good with what we have, and we hope you will join us in this endeavor.