One Year Ago Today

At 9:15pm on 2/19/09, Sara and I were introduced to our daughter Olivia Anne. We were well aware that our lives would change forever, yet totally unprepared for the direction of change. Today should be a day of celebration and laughter, yet instead it will be a day of sadness and tears.

The last 12 months have been a roller coaster of emotion and stress. Even though we were exhausted the first 36 hours of our life with Olivia were perfect. We did not yet know that she had a heart defect, we did not know her liver couldn't clear itself of bile, we didn't know only one kidney would function. How sweet those precious hours of peace were. I can remember waking up to her 'hungry' cry during that first night, the pride I felt in being a father, the overwhelming urge to protect and defend, the reality of being a family of three now.

Not a moment goes by where Olivia is not front and center in our minds. The loss of those bright shining eyes and dimpled smile changed who we are forever. The torn fabric of our family might slowly be reworked and mended, yet always will the scar remain. We have made many new friends along our journey, while some old ones have faded away. The support we've received from friends, acquaintances, bloggers has been critical to our survival and will continue to be so in the future. I ask you now to keep us in your thoughts, not just today, but next week, next year, five years from now. Light a candle, Say a prayer, send a card, an e-mail, a phone call, acknowledgement that Olivia touched your lives keeps us going.

Peace,

Ben, Sara, & Angel Olivia

Goodnight My Sweet Angel.... Happy 1st Birthday