This has been a crazy week....

[MaryL]

Emily's funeral was beautiful....and sad. There were over 140 people who signed her "book", and it was a wonderful tribute to a tiny little girl who touched so many people in only 18 days. Thanks again for thinking of our entire familly. We're leaving tomorrow for Las Vegas to visit "grandma"..dh's mom. Can't wait. The boys have been there a number of times...but not in the past 2.5 years. It's a fun place to visit...and we are not gamblers!! (well...I've been known to put a few bucks in slots...but not really successfully!) Hope everyone here has a fabulous weekend...and week...I'll check back in when we return. I think this vacation is coming just at the time when we need it.

[darlene]

Hope you enjoy your holiday Mary!
How are Emily's parents holding up? My heart breaks for them.

Have a safe trip...driving or flying?

:)

[AnnW]

How sweet about Emily's book.

Have a great time!

[MaryL]

Darlene, we are flying. (It's about a 3.5 hour flight from WI).

Emily's parents are holding up as well as expected. Her sisters (ages 6 and 10) seem to be doing okay. It was kind of hard...because Emily was never home...so it was hard to create a tangible bond for the kids. The NICU had some wonderful keepsakes for Em's Mom and Dad...handprint/footprints in plaster of paris....a little golden ring that Emily had on when she was given to my sister to hold her for the first time (sadly, to let her go), a little white dress (baptismal type...she wore it to be buried), and the nurses took lots of pictures. Sigh...it was really a gift to have had her in our lives...

My dh and I are trying to think of a neat memorial type gift for Emily's parents. Any ideas???? We've thought of a donation to the NICU...maybe for the nurses to provide other items for future babies, etc. A number of people have sent my sister money to plant trees, etc. in Emily's memory. I'd love your suggestions.

[RCT]

Mary, I am saddened to hear of Emilys passing....but my heart was full when I read about the book....I like the idea a donations to the NICU

[KarlaB]

Glad you all got thru the service ~ that must have been a difficult one. What neat nurses she had caring for her. I also like your idea of a donation to NICU. Hope you are all hanging in there.

Have fun in Vegas!! :)

[TXmom]

How sad yet sweet about Emily's funeral. I like the NICU donation idea also.

I guess I didn't realize you're in Wisconsin. Where do you live? Have I asked you about this before? I was born in Milwaukee and lived in Fond du Lac until I was about 12.

[MaryL]

TxMom: I live in a suburb of Milwaukee. Grew up in Green Bay!