Monday, November 23, 2009

A little reflection...

Just six months, and about an hour ago, Olivia went home to Heaven. She went straight from my arms into the loving arms of her Father.
It's been an interesting 6 months, to say the least. There have been good days and bad days, although the good are starting to outweigh the bad. People said that the good memories of Olivia would start to take over the "bad" memories, although I really don't like to refer to them as that. We don't have any "bad" memories of Olivia, just "bad" in the sense that she was so sick at times. It's hard to think of her in that capacity...the days that she struggled so much, so it's nice to have all the wonderful times we had permanently etched into our minds.
I am completely in awe by the number of times we have still been able to use words such as "amazing" and "perfect." Whether it be through an act of kindness, a person touched by Olivia, a simple card, or a great memory, we have been completely blessed. I am amazed every day by the peace that literally passes all understanding that God has granted me. Olivia is still and always will be a huge part of our family and our everyday lives. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't talk about something Olivia did, or something we wish we could have seen.
Thanksgiving will probably be hard this year. Olivia never missed a Thanksgiving. She is a true Chatterton in that way...loves her Thanksgiving Dinner! This year, we will still be thankful for the little things, but also for some bigger things. We thank God everyday for the time we got to have Olivia in our lives, for the amazing doctors, nurses, support staff, and complete strangers that she brought into our lives, for the health of the rest of our family, and especially for the comfort and peace we have in knowing that Olivia is now free of pain and, in the end, has won the ultimate battle.

Just a little reflection on the past 6 months (and a little devotion for the day :o)

9 comments:

Heather said...

I was just thinking of Olivia yesterday. I remember the Trent family gathering at your mom's house...and how Olivia was obsessed with Cadence's new toys. It was so adorable. :)

Peoria Peepers said...

That's funny yesterday, I was just talking about the same visit to the Trent house last year with Ron.
Olivia has been very much in my thoughts!

Anonymous said...

Beautifully said Julie. I still get choked up when I read you talk about your little angel...she truly was a blessing! We still pray for all of you!
Kara

Anonymous said...

You amaze me with your beautiful words. I keep Olivia's picture (the one you passed out at her funeral) in my purse so that when I am hurrying through my day and run across it, it reminds me to slow down and remember how precious life and children are. Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and thanks for reminding us we have so much to be tahnkful for.

Lisa

Anonymous said...

I'm thankful that I got to know Olivia! :) Will be thinking of you!
Laura S.

Bethany said...

Sweet Livs,
You are so loved and have touched so many.

Anonymous said...

I have been missing Olivia as we prepare for Thanksgiving. I reminded the angels that Livvy loves sweet potatoes so be sure to serve them at the Heavenly Feast.
Grandma C.

Anonymous said...

Dear Zac, Julie and Family: I love checking in on you and think of you every day as I see your blog on my favorites. You reflection is beautiful. Take care and have a great Thanksgiving. Ardell

Anonymous said...

So well said and so many truths. The other day as I was passing a classroom I was asked what I was most "thankful" for. I responded with "relationships."
When I think of Olivia, knowing she was a child of God, I can't help think of all the powerful relationships, her too short of life; created, changed, and deepened.
I am filled with joy for the relationships that Olivia's life helped to create and pray that we as humans will continue to understand how God works in mysterious ways. Zac, Julie, Jack, and Brooklyn have a blessed Thanksgiving.

I will offer my prayers today for Olivia and other lost loved ones that we look forward to seeing.