saying goodbye

Amy and I took a few quiet moments on our last morning to watch the video taped burial service for our sweet Olivia Kate.

I was bummed that I wasn't able to be there to say goodbye to my little namesake and support my sister, but I was so thankful to be able to watch it.

Earlier in the weekend, Amy had shared the precious keepsakes from Olivia's birth. The hospital staff did a phenomenal job creating tangible memories of Olivia.

In addition to making a mold of Olivia Kate's feet, the nurses made perfect hand and foot prints and photographs that were so peaceful and perfect, positioning her just as if she were cuddling her little teddy bear, sound asleep.

I shared the story of the amazing funeral director who proved to us all that there are kind and generous people in the world.

He performed the graveside service and did such a nice job sharing his heart as well as the hope we have despite tragic losses such as Olivia's premature death.

Early in Amy's pregnancy we all referred to Olivia as "Baby B" and my niece Amelia coined the name "Butterfly," which quickly took over how we referred to her.

At the end of the burial service, Amelia noticed that a caterpillar had crawled across the grass of the cemetery and nuzzled itself right against the detailed edge of Olivia's little casket.

"I don't believe in coincidences." the funeral director announced.

Neither do I.

It was if the Lord reached down and spoke to all of us who are hurting so in her absence.

"You have only seen Olivia Kate in her earthly form, a little caterpillar that had yet to finish her journey. I have healed her completely and made her whole. She will not struggle and she will not suffer pain. Her butterfly transformation is complete, as I have removed her earthly cloak for all of eternity."

John 16:33 "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."