Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Jersey's Viewing

We got our viewing pictures back this weekend and they also turned out amazing. Because I'm feeling protective of her I was quite conservative in selecting which photos to broadcast. Here's a few of our moments:

Her darling pink, fluffy casket; this picture doesn't show the sparkles.

She's quite the princess and one bracelet simply would not do. The bracelet on the left matches mine and Tatum's. The one on the right was given to her by her Grandma. A girl can never have to many pretties!


















We match.
A Daddy and his daughters.

Our family of 5.

Tatum adoring.

These are the cute labels her messages were written on and then sent to her in Heaven on the white balloons.

Tatum enjoying monkey hair.

The final good bye.

One last kiss.

26 comments:

Shabwan said...

A picture says a thousand words...but I just don't think anything could have captured how adoring and loving and tender and gentle Tatum was during that hour of loving on Jersey. She's molded in my heart what the role of any of us have with every one we love and care for. Tatum loved so deeply and so openly for that hour. Jersey taught us all so much...I love her, and you Heidi and Chris and of course the short people!!!

Mandi said...

Those pictures were absolutely beautiful. Tonight I have been feeling tender for so many reasons and I am so grateful to have seen these special pictures and to be alone while doing so. I was able to cry openly and get out all of these emotions that I am having tonight. Thank you. I loved having our playdate today. I am so happy to be your friend. Matthew asked all night if we could go back to Tuckers house. I kept telling him that we would go back tomorrow, but that wouldn't do. I finally was able to find something to keep his mind off of it so that I he would leave me alone. We would love to do that again when you have free time.

Brittanie said...

Oh Heidi...the lump in my throat won't go away. What beautiful pictures - I'm so glad you shared them with us. Love you!

Tessa said...

Heidi..I just wanted to let you know that I think you are amazing. I look at your blog all the time and really you are such a great example to everyone who reads it. Thank you so much for teaching me a lot of things that have taken me so long to learn. You and your family are just...there isnt really one word to define you.

The Simmons Family said...

Beautiful Pictures! My heart aches for what you have gone through. I know that could be our precious baby at anytime. I watched Owen in PAIN tonight and I wonder sometimes... is it all worth it? How much do our sick babies have to go through? I know we want him here and we pray for him to be healed and for a new heart... but at the same time... he is going through so much.

We're praying for you family and sweet angel Jersey.

Andrea

Shanen said...

You EARNED every right to be protective of Jersey and to choose those pictures accordingly. After seeing those pictures it should be completely obvious to anyone how darling she looked that morning. Tatum was so proud of her and not one bit shy to show off her bracelets and soft hands, and monkey hair. You have pictures that captured moments you might not have known happened, and pictures to remind you of exactly what happened. Your sweet family was amazing that day.

Cory♥Jessica said...

Those pictures are amazing. Everything is just so beautiful. Heidi, you really are an amazing woman. We love having Tatum in our class, she is so sweet.

Evie's Story said...

Heidi,
Such beautiful memories. The pictures are breathtaking. Im just aching for you tonight. My heart hurts for your loss and I miss this little girl Ive never even met!

I have another daughter Tatum's age, so your loss seems even more vivid as I see the pictures of big sister adoring her baby-doll! Oh so precious and loved she is!

You are ever in prayer...longing for the day He binds the broken hearted...and wipes away every tear...and renews JOY!

Katie said...

You're still on my mind and in my heart. What beautiful pictures, thank you for sharing. What a sweet, adoring big sister... precious memories for you, even under the circumstances I bet. Sending heart hugs your way-
Love,
Katie (Maddie's mom, HRHS)

Kim said...

Anyone who was there will always remember Tater loving on her sister, it was one of the sweetest things I've witnessed.

Seeing these picture brought back all my emotions of that day. I imagine they've done the same for you and some.

lundgrenville said...

Heidi-
Such beautiful & tender pictures...
You have every right as to the sacredness of pictures of your sweet little angel...and I think you chose them accordingly...
My heart is full to think of the moments you shared with baby Jersey and the sweet spirit of which she has!
My prayers remain with you...I look up with a smile on my face and know that Angel Jersey is ever so watchful over you and your sweet family...
Hugs-

Alvin & Jessica Pease said...

Hey Heidi,
can you email me your phone #. i would love to talk to you & have about a million questions on what to expect with everything. I feel like im sooo unprepared for everything especially since this is my first & i have no idea what to expect. Im just feeling so overwhelmed & need someone to talk to thats been there... anyway let me know when a good time is to call you! my email is jessica10e@hotmail.com

foreveryoung said...

I had a hard time keeping it together just looking at the pictures from her funeral, but I didn't even try when it came to the viewing pictures....wow. They are so beautiful and touching, but at the same time it is so hard to see them and know that you had to give your baby one last kiss. No mom should have to do that. Thanks for allowing us to see a glimpse of your perfect little angel.

Jen H. said...

What beautiful pictures!! Thanks for sharing those special moments with all of us. Thinking of you always....Hugs!

Trish said...

Okay, I have to admit, I didn't keep it together while reading this post. I'm a soggy mess right now. But I love you for putting it up, for sharing how beautiful this hard moment was. And I am glad that you are protective, and I know why. Because she is so very sacred.

Heidi, there will be hard days, but the sanctity of this time will keep on blessing your life, and as it seems, the lives of others, as well. Love to you, Heidi. Love to your amazing family who was worthy of an eternal daughter and sister. Love to you for your courage. Love to you for your missing. Love to you for your readiness when the time was right to let go. Love, love, love, much love to the Anderson's.

Em said...

Closing the casket and saying goodbye on this earth are the hardest days a parent ever faces. It is so horrible to have to say goodbye to someone so small and so sweet. Jersey is so sweet. I love the bracelets. I agree, she needed two. I have baby rings that both my kids wore and they hang around a little silver locket necklace that I wear 24/7 pretty much. The flowers are beautiful, and your family just were so sweet in all of the pictures. We are praying for you, every day. Thank-you for voting for me. I appreciate it. This makeover is silly but it means a lot to me. So thank-you.
Heart hugs,
Emily

sara said...

What beautiful memories to have for this lifetime. Jersey will always be loved and missed. The pictures are amazing, thank you for sharing your very private moment with us. She is beautiful.

Kippy said...

The pictures are beautiful.

mom/sandy said...

Heidi your pics are so sweet and I know you will treasure them forever.

Thank you for the darling thank you note-that quote gives me such hope and alot of peace.

Love you guys, Sandy Willaims

Larsen said...

I am so sorry for your loss. (I'm from the Angle Blog) It is the hardest thing a parent can do. I hope that you feel love surround you and carry you. These are very tender pictures, so precious. And she is such a beautiful girl.

Michelle
Gavin's Mom

kemra said...

Hi Heidi,

I don't know you, but I ran across your blog while I was looking @ a friends (Ashley Huston), and I recognize you from some Bead Diva parties that I've been to.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you that my heart aches for you and your sweet family. What sweet & beautiful pictures - I can't help but cry as I sit here & think of all you have been through. I pray that the Lord will be with you, strengthen and comfort you through this difficult time.

I saw you the other day @ the San Tan Mall play area. I wanted so bad to come and give you a hug and tell you that I was praying for you, and that I'm so impressed with your faith and strength...but I don't know you, and I chickened out. I'm kind of a coward - but I've regretted not coming to talk to you since I came home. Please know that I am praying for you and your beautiful family. I hope that you can find peace and comfort during this time in your life.

Nichols Family said...

Wow Heidi. I thought I was pretty strong until I saw this post. That was a tough one for me. Thanks for sharing your most precious moments on your blog for us to see. I truly feel blessed to have you as a friend. This experience has touched my family and we have grown from it. I am much more patient with my children and I spend much more quality time with them. Also I am reminded what is most important in my life.

Chelsea said...

Oh, the pictures are beautiful, and heartbreaking, and so sweet.

The Ridgway Family said...

Heidi,
I LOVE the pictures. You are so lucky to have such fabulous shots. We do not have that many and of course now I wish we had more.
I am so sorry that I have not called you this week. I was just overwhelmed with my sick little ones and my emotions are feeling so very tender right now as Eden's birthday is just one month away. It just brings back so many memories Please let's get together this week and maybe eat some ice cream.

Love you, Keisa

Alisa Larson said...

BTW - Ava was playing with her baby doll today and I asked her what the babies name was. She said "Jersey". "I love her". I thought that was so sweet and want to share. I hope you are doing okay today. It was fun doing our visiting teaching the other night.

The McKnights said...

These pictures are very special, Heidi. Your photographer did such a great job! She looks so beautiful and peaceful lying there in her princess basket. You can't help but break down and shed tears when looking at these pictures. I can't imagine how you feel looking at them being the mother. I hope you are doing ok Heidi. We would love to see you guys. I would love to just sit there and talk with you.