HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Today is Chloe's 11th birthday. She's not here to celebrate it but she's knows that I'm thinking about her. She earned her wings in December 2000 and I miss her terribly.

Chloe was my first grandchild. She was born with multiple problems, wasn't suppose to live but surprised everyone by living with us for 2 years, 4 months and 8 days. Her little brother was born 3 months after she died. None of her siblings ever met her. But, she shares a birthday with her uncle Nathan.

I called Chloe "Babydoll" and promised her I would not call any other granddaughter I may have by that name. I have kept that promise by calling my other granddaughter "Sweetie". I shared many special times with Chloe and today gives me cause to stop and reflect on some of those times.

Things I remember about Chloe - the wonderful ah-ah sound she made, the day she cried out when I removed a bandaid from her arm, the way she tugged on her eyebrow, the way she looked at her aunt Joy's wedding, the Christmas photos I had taken every year as a surprise for Jenny and John, the way she felt sitting on my lap as she got older, the way she liked to cuddle, the day we watched the Vikings game when she was in the ICC at Childrens while the game was going on just down the street and mom and dad were at the game, she "wore" her Vikings onesy. These are just a few of the memories I have of my first grandchild.

On Saturday we will hold the first ever Chloe's Carnival as part of the fundraising efforts for The Chloe T. Foundation, her namesake. Jenny and John have wanted this event to become reality but weren't sure how to go about it. I connected with the right people and Saturday is the day! The foundation gives stuffed animals to children who are hospitalized in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas.

Chloe, thank you for the privilege of serving as the Executive Director of your namesake foundation. We are trying to continue to bring joy and light to the other kids in the hospital. You aleady know how many animals have been hugged by these kids. All I want to say to you today is - HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABYDOLL ! I love you!