Thursday, August 27, 2009

Ethan's Day








Although surreal, it was a wonderful day. We felt honored that so many loved ones came to share in this sacred occasion with us. I will write and post more soon.

Love-
Heidi

20 comments:

Chunky Monkey said...

IT was the most beautiful beautiful tribute to Ethan EVER.I don't think it could have been any better.You and Greg did such an awesome job and Alexa has the prettiest little voice.I am so proud to call you my cousin.I really love you!!

Lindsay said...

It really was beautiful! Luckily there were a lot of tissue boxes being passed around! (Your building may be out of tissues for Sunday!)

Kudos to you, Greg & Alexa for having such strength and composure. Your tributes were so touching and Alexa did a great job!

Andie's Mommy said...

You guys did a wonderful job. It was soooooo beautiful. Please always know I'm here for you.
Love,
Brooke

Kim said...

Shannan said it was a wonderful funeral. I'm glad things went well, and I hope it could help you feel some comfort. I really wish I could have been there! We love you!

Lacey said...

I really wished I could have been there. Look at thosed beautiful balloons for a beautiful boy. I bet it was a nice tribute.

Nicole said...

It was a wonderful service. You all showed such strength and composure. Heidi and Liz had to help me hold it together because I was crying so much...how bad is that?Everything you and Greg said was perfect. Alexa couldn't have sang Ethan's song better. Thank you for sharing Ethan with us. I am already missing him terribly. Sending you all hugs.

Hot Diggity Daws said...

Ethan's funeral was sacred and celebrated his beautiful, resilient spirit. Thank you for allowing us to know Ethan even better.

What an honor to revisit his precious life through the words and stories of his mother, father and grandmother.

How special to listen as his sweet sister sang his favorite lullaby and his siblings and cousins sang of families being together forever. There was an outpouring of spirit confirming that Ethan is a cherished spirit of the Lord.

The memory tables created were beautiful. I loved the picture displayed of Jesus holding hands with a small boy walking through a beautiful garden, it was signed by the artist, Greg Olsen, and inscribed with the words, "Take my hand Ethan." The poem shared by daddy beautifully expressed this. It would be hard for anyone to resist such an offer from the Savior. Just as the Savior loved to gather the children round his knee, I know that Ethan is in our Father's keeping.

I hope that the many special keepsakes will enhance your fond memories of our little hero. Our prayers continue to be for you, and our hearts send our love.

With Love from Ethan's Fan Club, Wendy,Brian and the Daw Boys

Heidi Ann said...

It was a beautiful day and it was a priviledge and pleasure to be a part of it! You and Greg both did amazing and I could feel your great love towards Ethan. We love him and miss him!

The Simmons Family said...

I am SO sorry I missed the beautiful tribute to Ethan. Monica said it was perfect in every way. I thought of you all day. If Owen didn't have Influenza A.. it's always something.. we wouldn't have missed it for anything.

I hope to meet you and your sweet family soon. We'll continue to pray for you all!!!

Angie said...

Thank you for letting us be a part of the wonderful tribute to Ethan. Heavenly Father chose well when he sent Ethan to you and Greg. He needed strong parents to love and help him through his journey. Everyone will be forever blessed to have known this sweet baby. The memories, the thoughts you shared and the spirit felt will forever be in our hearts. Please know that we will continue to pray for your family that you might be comforted in the days to come. With Love, Angie

Life Unscripted said...

Heidi, it was a beautiful service. You did an amazing job as you spoke of his life. You are such a strong women, even though I know you don't think so right now. You are such a beacon of strength. Ethan's spirit was with all of us yesterday as we paid tribute to his life here on earth.

I loved the poem Greg shared with us, it said it all from Ethan's POV.Alexa was beautiful as she sang her brothers favorite Lullaby. The table full of his things and pictures was gorgeous. I especially loved the big one with our favorite quote on the border of it. " Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, It's about learning to dance in the rain." How true that quote rings for all of us heart parents.

Our Heavenly father is with you now as you need him most, and the rest of us stand around you, rallying in prayer.

Love, Hugs and Blessings
Jenna, Lilyana, and the rest of our McLaughlin Clan.

Frankie and Krista said...

Thank you for letting us be a part of your beautiful tribute to Ethan. Frankie and I were so touched by all the amazing words.

Lindsey Wood-Felstead said...

Heidi and Greg,
I wish so badly I could have been there to support you and let you know I was thinking of you. I didn't have a sitter for my boys that day, but Sara filled me in on the details of the service. She said it was beautiful and really showed how much Ethan was loved. I hope you will find comfort in one another over the next weeks as you begin to heal. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kerri said...

Heidi, it was such a beautiful service in every way. You and Greg were so strong to share your thoughts on such an emotional day. It was so touching to hear you both speak on the love and gratitude you have for your hero Ethan. I think we all got a really good cry in that morning! I know the upcoming weeks will be hard. You will all remain in our prayers! Sending you much love!

Dennis Dalton said...

what a great honor it is to know Heidi and Greg. You are such great people and great parents. Thankyou so much for letting my family and I be part of Ethans day. You guys are great examples and I hope my children were able to feel the spirt that you both brought to the service. any time any where you guys need anything, please call

Leigh said...

It was a bittersweet day. Lots of emotions. You, Greg and the kids did a beautiful job.

Melodie said...

I know I already told you this, but thank you again for allowing us to be part of Ethans tribute. It was the most touching and tender memorial services I have ever attended. You and Greg did him honor in memoriam. Whoever wrote the poem Greg read should be commended. Beautiful... Beautiful. I'm still weeping over his loss. The Lord Bless You And Keep You Ethan The Brave.
All my love and prayers,
Melodie

Ryan and Shannan Hoffman said...

I was so glad I was able to be there. The service was beautiful, I was so touched, and I'm amazed at how well you both did with your talks. I'm thinking of you and praying for you daily.

Unknown said...

This was a beautiful day. Lot of tears were shed, and hug given. Thank you for letting me be a part of it. We love you guys!

Dennison Family said...

Sorry, that Summerfield post was me. I was signed in for something else! Sorry!