This coming Tuesday marks the one year anniversary of Jalene's passing. Today, we celebrated her life with a graveside balloon release with her family and loved ones. It was nothing short of beautiful. A gorgeous clear sky; a sea of yellow Team Jalene shirts; pink, yellow, frozen and princess balloons; the sweet music of "Eve"; her family, friends and loved ones. You couldn't ask for anything more. Here are some of the photos I took.
Rowan was really quiet at first. He told me he really missed Jalene. Then her Grandpa, PoPo, gave Rowan this beautiful egg, one of the ones he had laid all around her grave for Easter. Rowan cupped it in his hands and started to cry. Later he went and told her PoPo thank you and let him know that it made him feel like he had a piece of her with him.
Jen spoke beautifully, from her heart, remembering her angel Jalene, and then asked if anyone else wanted to speak. I was so proud of her. She is the strongest mother I have ever met. Even Rowan went up to her afterwards and told her he loved her and that she was so strong. Several people told their own stories about how how Jalene touched their life, or even saved it. It was such a touching tribute. Amazing how such a young child could change so many hearts in such a short time.
I was so proud of Zoe and BJ too...Jalene's siblings. They dedicated and sang a beautiful song to her. Simply gorgeous.
We love this family so much!
and were so blessed to share today with them, and some of Jalene's special friends too...
Especially Jalene's Great Grandma. God bless this woman. Please keep her in your prayers this week, as she undergoes surgery Monday for recently discovered breast Cancer. Rowan just adores her, and I love the sweet embraces they share whenever they see each other. He feels like she is his own great grandma.
One of my very favorite moments from the day was this one...
..and of course Rowan, Ian and I later noticed this ray of light shining down in one of the photos...
Rowan had said he felt like she was looking down at him...and she certainly was.
God bless you always Jen. You amaze us all.
Rest in peace sweet Jalene. You touched so many, so deeply.
We will always remember your legacy..."Love everyone the same".
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