Olivia Augustus Spiros - Happy Birthday Olivia

16 September 2006

Dear Family and Friends:

On this day, six years ago, we received the best gift of our lives, we were blessed with dear Olivia. Though Olivia has moved onto a different dimension than us, she continues to be an integral part of our lives; she makes her presence known in subtle ways.

Last year, on this date, we were in the canyon of a mountain in Telluride, and a dear friend of Olivia's Mommy, Lorraine Gallaher, moved onto a different level of existence than us, as well. Lorraine lost her battle with a brain tumor. However, we take solace in knowing, Lorraine was always ready for a good party, and, with Olivia celebrating her fifth birthday last year ... Lorraine was ready to join in the fun at Olivia's celebration.

On Sunday, March 26th, we visit Olivia's beautiful "garden spot" in the city and change Saint Patrick's decorations to Easter decorations. Her Daddy finds a bright shiny penny, again; just like he did the morning she receives her Angel wings. Later that evening, the house on which we placed a bid is accepted. A house Olivia will enjoy lots, too! We sign the final contract. Olivia, is that you?

On Monday, March 27th, the banker tells us we will close on our new house on Monday, April 24th ... Olivia's anniversary date! On this same day, her Mommy receives an email from a man who's company will help us in the process of closing on the new house ... he tells her in the email he has an Angel son, who received his wings in 1991 at the age of 25. Olivia, is that you?

On Sunday, September 10th, Mommy is at a meeting in Washington, DC. Decisions are made to move forward with initiatives to raise money specifically and solely for pediatric brain tumor research and clinical research trials. Olivia, is that you?

On Friday, September 15th, pieces fall into place that could only have our little Angel working behind the scenes. Olivia is not only taking care of her Mommy, but of her Grandpa Spiros too!

Today, Olivia's birthday, we will be decorating her "garden spot" in the city. Balloons will be flying and the impatiens will be swaying. Later in the afternoon, we will be at her favorite restaurant, Nuevo Acapulco, in North Olmsted, Ohio. We will have "bitch 'n sauce" along with dinner.

Raise your glass this evening and say, "Cheers!" We will be toasting Olivia and she will be toasting right along with us. Olivia always enjoyed a celebration!

We are truly blessed!

Blessed Parents,

Gary and Linda (and, Moose, of course)

"We were able to give Olivia the moon and the stars; and, in return, Olivia gave us the sunshine and rainbows."

God's Loan

"I'll lend to you for a little time,
A child of mine," He said,
"For you to love the while she lives
And mourn for when she's dead."

"It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three,
But will you till I call her back,
Take care of her for me?"

"She'll bring her charms to gladden you
And should her stay be brief,
You'll have these precious memories
As solace for your grief."

"I cannot promise she will stay
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn."

"I've looked this world over,
In my search for teachers true.
In the crowds that throng life's land,
I have selected you."

"Now will you give her all your love
Not think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take her back again?"

It seems to me I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done."
For all the joys a child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.

"We'll shelter her with tenderness,
We'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay."

"And should the angels call for her
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."

"Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them; for such is the Kingdom of God." Mark 10:14

- Author Unknown -

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