HAPPY 1ST HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY!

April 28, 2023
Tomorrow is Brighton’s birthday party. 106 people have RSVP’d YES and I am so thankful for these amazing family and friends who love us. I am praying people recognize the goodness of God in Brighton’s story.

Lassen decorating Brighton's cake

Couldn't do this without him:) 

Mom and Dad came today and I was so glad they were here. Tiffany also stopped by (she drove 5 hours to spend 1 hour with me!) and I love getting time with her.

Tiff! My best friend since 1st grade

Tonight was really fun because Dad and I shot hoops with Tarik and Nelson. There was a half moon right above us and I just knew Brighton was watching us. Lassen and Kyle were playing t-ball. It was just great.

Psalm 30:11-12

“You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever.” 

April 29, 2023
Today just felt big. Like something big was going to happen and all of us were a part of it. God answered so many prayers. Today was so full of joy. We had conversations about Jesus. We were surrounded by the most amazing people.

Lassen always chooses this butterfly shirt. I thought it was so fitting for today. Butterflies and dinosaurs:)

Some of the big adventures Brighton went on with me!

We had a box for donations to Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep along with a guestbook of his photos that people could sign. That is very special to have now!

My sweet friend Britt made this beautiful angel out of wood and Suzy got me this incredible candle to use each year on his birthday. 

Brighton's middle name is Wilder so we had wildflower seed for everyone to take. You could decorate your own bag and take it home.

It only rained for about 20 minutes and everyone got to be out on the deck, inside, or out front the entire time otherwise. It was amazing getting to share our home in this way. It didn’t feel crowded. There was so much conversation and friend groups meeting one another and laughter and kids playing. I barely saw Lassen all day because he was so busy playing with all of his friends. All of the little kids immediately said, “ Where’s Lassen?” when they got here.

Playtime!

Lass living his best life

People loved the pictures of Brighton and talked about how much he has impacted their lives. It was beautiful to hear. There were close to 100 people that came and so many people stayed for a long time which was awesome. It was really special too because Susan (my nurse with Brighton) came, which meant so much. We spent a lot of time together and mom loved getting to know her too. Prevo (my college basketball coach) even came and brought me my old jersey! Don, our realtor turned friend who we met when we moved to Indy, brought us donuts. My Aunt Brenda and Don surprised us and drove over from Ohio. Uncle Mike, Uncle Steve, and Grandma also came – we hadn’t all been together in such a long time.

My beautiful friend Jen from my small group

My sister Jenna, her husband Zack, and my nephew Bennett

Kyle's sweet sister Kacie

My mom and dad

Kari -Conner's Mama:)

So glad my mom was here this weekend!

Hacienda- my friend from our old neighborhood in Indy. We met when we were both very pregnant. Me with Brighton, her with Malik. 

Kelsey - spent a lot of time on a houseboat and jetski together:)

My dad's brothers and sister and my GG

Trevor and Julie. I met Julie in a running group in 2009 in Illinois and have been close friends ever since! Basically she's my big sister. 

It was just overwhelming in the best way. Just so many people from all of our different friend groups, places we’ve lived, all coming together. We are so blessed. Today felt like we were having the biggest celebration we could have for Brighton here on Earth. Thank you Lord for loving us well.

April 30, 2023
8:39am. One year ago. Our sweet Bright made his entrance into this world. The most monumental moment of my life knowing he was alive! I sit here reading Psalm 139, listening to the birds, waiting for the moment that makes a year. All of a sudden, at that exact moment, the clouds parted and the sun got so BRIGHT! I had this picture of Brighton and Jesus embracing and it was so joyful – it made me happy to imagine! The amazing thing was, the next minute (which is when I’ve always thought Brighton went to be with Jesus), it got even BRIGHTER out. God, thank you for giving me these glimpses of Brighton.

Happy birthday sweet boy. What an amazing impact you’ve made on this world and especially in your family. We love you forever. One year closer to seeing you.

We opened so many amazing, thoughtful gifts from our family and friends which was special.

The most beautiful handmade butterfly art from Kelsey

Jen is so creative!! 

My friend Tristan got me a necklace with my boys names. I added it onto my initials necklace. 

My sister is such a talented artist and painted us this canvas. She also made us a "Brighton Someone's Day" book full of stories of our friends already changing people's lives by Brighton-ing someone's day!

Tonight, we got Chicago’s Pizza as that was the meal we had on Brighton’s birthday last year. We released a balloon to Heaven and it was very emotional. Lassen let it go and we watched it until we couldn’t see it anymore. Afterwards, Lassen was so upset and sad because he wanted the balloon back. I told him he was such a good big brother to send a balloon to Heaven for Bright.

Lassen helped me decorate a cake for Brighton yesterday and tonight we had a candle and sang to our sweet boy. Lassen loves blowing out the candle so he did the honors.

So many people reached out today remembering Brighton’s birthday. Even people who weren’t at the party. We are blessed beyond measure. Thank you God for this weekend.