“A dream is a wish your heart makes
When you’re fast asleep
In dreams you lose your heartaches
Whatever you wish for, you keep.”

~Ilene Woods (Cinderella)

I never met her Ava.  I never got to see the energy and the spunk with which I know she lived.  I, like so very many others in this world, feel like I know her, though.  Sweet Ava the Superprincess, given to heaven three years ago today.  My thoughts are filled with her today.  I photograph my daughter and think of her.  Think of the many times that Ava’s mother photographed her and her beautiful smile.   What an amazing blessing to have those magical images.  I think of her as I watch my son running and jumping.  He is three, the same age that Ava shall forever remain.   I feel the need to do something to honor her life, to honor the unspeakable pain her family must feel.

Especially today.

I will hug my children tighter and laugh more today.  I will say prayers for a strong mother who is living a different sort of life without her beloved Ava.

If you don’t know Ava’s story, grab a box of tissues and prepare to be changed.  Moved.  Broken.  Sheye Rosemeyer writes with such eloquence and unadulterated emotion about a life changing experience no parent should ever have to live through.  She wants to share Ava with the world, and she does so with not only her beautiful words but with her truly breathtaking photographs.  Sweet Ava.  On my mind…

I think of you as I hear the giggles of my own children.  Your laughter lives on.