Greg + Heather + Maelee + Eli.

We are grateful that we know our daughter is with Jesus now. We yearn for the day when we will see her again. But we have peace. Knowing she is experiencing beauty beyond what we can imagine helps.

We don't believe Maelee - her being, her essence - exists on earth where her remains are buried. We do believe she's in heaven and her remains are well, just her remains. This means that we aren't going to visit her when we visit her grave in Buffalo. But there is something special about her grave. Seeing her headstone claiming to the world "I was a being that lived" does something to our hearts.

And when we left Buffalo last June, we had no idea the next time we would see her grave we would be bringing her sibling. That is pure, pure grace. We don't deserve this miracle that we have been given.

We hope Eli will know early on how we love and grieve his sister. Often we will mention Maelee to him so I know he will realize that he is not our firstborn. I hope he understands how unique and special he is to be our second-born and first to raise. I hope that he learns to love the Lord, perhaps knowing about his sister will spur him on to questions and yearning.

I hope for a true family reunion one day.

Here's a few photos of these memories, these moments of bringing Eli to Maelee's grave for the first time on a windy, July summer day.

Our row, with Great Uncle Don's sweet cross.

Uncle John and Maelee are buried here now; someday Grandma and Grandpa and Greg and I will join.

Of course we interpreted his tears as sadness that his sister is not on earth with us. And honestly, he looks about how we often feel. Thank God He can handle our grief.

Three shadows...and the flowers planted with love for us.

In the background is the area where Maelee's Day was held.

What a beautiful cemetery.

My family.

Oh daughter how we miss and yearn for you, to feel that our family is whole.
Sweet Maelee, you are loved.

-Mama