Ava's Tea Party

Ever since stumbling upon Sheye Rosemeyer's blog and learning about her sweet daughter Ava, I haven't been able to get her out of my mind. I think about her, her family, and all who have gone through similar experiences. And my heart aches. For moments that never were, for experiences not had...like this tea party.

The talented Mandy of Belle & Boo created this amazing illustration in honor of Ava (click on the image to make it larger). Knowing how much my little pumpkin loves tea parties, I thought this would be the perfect artwork to add to her room, all the while reminding me to live life to the fullest, to not take today for granted, for we never know what tomorrow may bring. If you haven't stopped by Sheye's blog, I encourage you to drop by - tissues in hand - but I promise you won't leave empty handed. You'll definitely hug your little ones tighter and find even more beauty in the everyday...all thanks to the SuperPrincess.

Cherishing my daughter...Remembering the SuperPrincess

It was early last June that I stumbled upon Sheye Rosemeyer's blog and first learned of her beautiful daughter Ava and the tragedy that changed her family's life. I remember sobbing while reading Sheye's words and imagining her pain as only a mother could. I remember hugging Grace a little tighter that day, praying extra prayers over her for her safety, and praying comfort for the Rosemeyer's.

In the days and months that have passed since then, I often find myself thinking about Ava, the SuperPrincess and lover of all things pink and sparkly. I am inspired by Sheye's eloquent words and beautiful photography, but most of all by her honesty and transparency in allowing others to get to know Ava through her eyes, memories, and feelings, and her candor in sharing her heart's aches and longings for a daughter that left much too soon. What a beautiful 3 1/2 year old little girl she was, so full of joy and love. I think the words that have stuck with me the most are the ones where Sheye reminisced over how Ava must have known her journey here on earth would be short for she packed as much joy and experiencing as she could in her 3 short years.

Honoring Ava's memory, Grace and I spent the whole day today in her "princess skirt" and new favorite pink wellies, living in the moment and relishing the simple joys of childhood. This is just our small tribute to you Ava, the original SuperPrincess! Yesterday marked the second anniversary of the day Ava went to Heaven. Ava, you will NEVER be forgotten. You have touched so many people in so many ways. A mother's love for her children, is there anything more pure? Sheye, our prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort in knowing how many people's lives have been changed for the better all because of Ava! God bless you and your family. ~Jessica

Ava's Rule...In memory of the SuperPrincess

I came across this story this past weekend while browsing the net. My heart aches for this beautiful family and their gut-wrenching tragedy. I've read more times than I care to think about parents "forgetting" their children in the car, but this was not the case here at all. These parents had taken every precaution imaginable. This sweet, curious 3 1/2 year old went in the parked car looking for some candy and sadly never returned. It only took 30 minutes for this tragedy to occur. Please take a moment to visit the Rosemeyer's websites to learn more about the danger posed by the temperatures inside a parked car and some tips to prevent this tragedy from affecting your loved ones.

Ava's Rule

Ava's Memorial Site

You can click on the picture to make it larger.
Here's to you, Ava - the SuperPrincess!