Happy First Birthday Luke

Sweet Luke, your dad and I hope that you enjoyed your first birthday in heaven. Today we imagined who shared the celebration with you, and we had to smile when we thought of all of our loved ones in heaven with you. Your Great Grandpa Hines and Great Grandpa Timmerman along with your Great Grandma Timmerman would have been passing you back and forth on their laps. Your Great Uncle Thomas, Great Uncle Paul and cousin John who went to heaven when they were young too sat by your side. Gabriel, Kayla, Rielle, Audrey and Isaac were your playmates at the party and Haley's mom Susan made sure everything was perfect for you today. Julie's dad got you your first fishing rod and is going to take you camping, and your Great Uncle Mike made sure that you had plenty of smiles and laughs by doing his Yogi the Bear impression. Your Great Great Uncle Bill made sure you had plenty of cuddles today and Jesus was the guest of honor. Luke, we couldn't imagine a better party for you. We wish more than anything we could have been there too.

Here on earth, we honored your birthday the best way we could while missing you. Your dad and I slept in a little bit, and then stayed cuddled on our bed talking about you and remembering what it was like the day you were born. The weather was much the same as it was today - cold and windy. At 11:14 a.m., we cried while we remembered your debut into the world and how proud we felt when we saw your beautiful face for the first time and felt the weight and warmth of you in our arms. We had waited so long to hold you Luke and once you were in our arms we never wanted to let you go. Your dad kept saying how beautiful you were and called you his Little Buddy. Your grandparents and aunts and uncles were so happy to meet you too, and to hold you. I will never forget Grandma Hines cuddling your cute little bare feet in her hands and your uncles carefully holding you.

Your dad and I could not have gotten through this day without our friends and family. We could feel their love lifting us up and carrying us through. Each of our loved ones had their own way of letting us know they cared and we treasure each one. Katherine who would have been your playmate on earth told me today "Happy Birthday Luke" in her sweet 2-year-old voice. I will never forget it. Not to mention all of the emails, cards and phone calls we received letting us know you are not forgotten. We are going to end your special day by eating a bowl of frozen pears - one of your favorite desserts while I was pregnant with you. I had forgotten about this until your honorary Aunt Theresa reminded me.

Happy Birthday sweet son of ours.

Love,
Mom, Dad & Lucy