Connor's 1st Birthday

It has finally come and gone...Connor's 1st birthday. It's hard to believe that it has been a year since our beautiful little man was born and passed away. 2009 was a very long year; especially December. I was very anxious throughout the entire month, especially the last few days leading up to Connor's birthday. But his birthday was a really good day. Jim and I, along with family and close friends, gathered at his graveside. We built Connor's first snowman, made his first snow angels and had his first snowball fight. There was a time of remembrance where poems and letters were read and songs were song. It was lovely and so wonderful that we could have members of Connor's family with us to celebrate his life and honor him. Later in the day we had a small birthday party for Connor and even made a birthday cake! All the love and support from family and friends made it a wonderful day.


One of the best moments was during our time of remembrance at Connor's graveside. My mom and dad, Connor's grandma and grandpa wrote a letter to Connor. It was so beautiful so I thought I should share it.

Dearest Connor James,

We miss you. We will always miss you. We had so many dreams and hopes for you and were looking forward to watching you grow and mature into a young man. There will forever be a hole in our hearts that only you can fill.

But Connor, while that void will never be filled as we hoped and prayed, you gave us many precious moments that we will remember. We will always remember your beautiful angelic face. Your mother would say, "isn't he just the cutest little boy in the world?" And of course we would have to answer, "he certainly is!"

And we will always cherish the times we got to read to you in the hospital. We recall the times you squeezed our fingers as we sat with you there. And above all, we will never forget the valiant battle you waged as you struggled to remain with us. We love you so much!

Our one consolation is the hope, no, the certainty that some day that hole in our hearts will be filled when we get to hold you in our arms in heaven.

We know that Jesus had a special place in His heart for little children. And we know that at this very moment you are sitting on his lap and smiling up at Him. And we know that your great grandparents and your great Aunts Arlene and Ruth Elaine and your great Uncle LaMar were there to greet you when you arrived.

I remember your great grandfather telling your great grandmother when she went to be with Jesus that he would see her tomorrow.

So Connor, we will see you tomorrow.

With lots of love,
Grandma and Grandpa Sauder