I wish you love and laughter, / happiness and cheer, / I hope that you'll have fun / today… / And / throughout the coming / year.” 5. “Every One of Your Birthdays’ by Joanna Fuchs Oh and the signs I send!!!! Yeah, we are limitless when it comes to sending you signs from Heaven. So, any time that you see something that catches your eye and reminds you of me, please know it is my way of letting you know I am there at your side from Heaven. Let go of your self doubt when you see my signs because it is really easy for your self doubt to tell you it wasn’t from me, but I promise it was. I know, sometimes your grief is so so so so deep that you don’t see my signs that I am sending you and that is okay. Grief clouds your ability to see the beauty in this world and that is really normal, so, don’t you worry, because I will just keep sending signs from Heaven until you can see them. If there is a break between my signs, it doesn’t mean that I am not there, it just means that I am giving you a little space to spread your wings as you grow through your grief, but I promise I haven’t left you.

The anniversary of our deaths? We don’t mention it with sadness because God calls it our Homecoming. Protect her from negative influences and self-doubt. Help her see herself through your eyes, as a beautiful creation, fearfully and wonderfully made. It’s almost dark so we’re getting cozy for the evening and settling in to our favorite spots; looking down on our beautiful daughters. I am sorry for being angry with you for the very last night we could be together. But see, with you, my anger has also died in me. Now your grandchild has a fear of losing someone while angry so she now has a practice of saying “sorry”. Because of you, I learned that love is a precious gift. I now try to love everyone and everything, just like you did.Help her grow in faith, love, and self-confidence, and empower her to fulfill the purpose you have for her life. My newborn was reluctantly napping and my oldest had safely occupied herself. But my mind would not settle. I did not know the words needed to be said, but once in existence, a calmness surrounded me. In that moment, I knew these words were not for me alone. And if You Can’t is for every parent, sibling, and caregiver who has ever learned to love and let go. Perfectly imperfect, it was illustrated by me and a dear friend and stillbirth survivor, Bella Bartlett.

Take care of your body, it is the only one you have. Learn from your mothers mistakes, give your body the proper fitness and nutrition that will fuel you for success. And remember no matter the shape or size, you are perfect the way you are. You’ll never give them advice like you used to give me, in the way that made me roll my eyes and mutter under my breath but later reflect upon and silently take to heart.Help me to know how best to help her with my words and with my presence. Surround her with caring and understanding individuals who will be a source of encouragement and support. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." You still have life to live and I want you to know that within every day that you live, I will be there. You are growing through every day that you walk in your path and I am so proud of your growth. I know that sometimes you feel like the world is passing you by, but even on those days, you really are doing your very best and I think you are pretty amazing. I want nothing in this world from you, but for you to find your smile and do all that makes you happy. Chase your dreams and know that as you do, I am right here at your side. Live your life in honor of me because I live my life through your eyes every day that you live.

William Palmer’s poems are accessible, but not obviously courting attention. Clarity and conciseness inform their rhythm, imagery and structure. Not quite a formalist, Palmer seems the kind of poet who carries a traditional sense of cadence in his head, while being able to make the lines sing in modern, unpretentious and not too rigidly metrical English. In moments when she feels like she's walking a difficult path, help her to find the courage to continue without growing faint. Surround her with your presence, Lord, and empower her with your divine strength. In the quiet moments of these same nights when you hear the wind blow, listen to the whispers carried on those gentle breezes and you will hear . . . Your name means “beautiful” and that is exactly what you are, beautiful inside and out. Your smile brings me overwhelming joy. Your sweetness melts my heart. And your beauty lights my world. The well-loved picture frame sits on the shelf in your grandkids’ room; just high enough to be out of reach from curious toddler hands, but low enough for me to pull it down each time they ask about you. That photo of you— it has always been my favorite. You look so happy, so healthy, so whole . . . just the way that I want these sweet grandbabies of yours—the ones you never got to meet—to know you. Because although you may be in Heaven, they will know you.I entrust my daughter into your loving care, Lord, knowing that your love for her exceeds my own. May your presence be with her every moment of her day.

Let day improve on day, and year on year, / Without a Pain, a Trouble, or a Fear; / Till Death / unfelt that tender frame destroy, / In some soft Dream, or Extasy of joy, / Peaceful sleep out the / Sabbath of the Tomb, / And wake to Raptures in a Life to come.” 4. “A Birthday Wish” by Faye Diane Kilday

Dear daughter, you are far from home and from this place. Although I was warned that our parting was permanent, I kept hoping for the day we would be reunited. BUT GOD had another way for us. On the day I gave birth to a baby girl, I saw an angel's face, it was your sister. God will bless you and we will be at peace. Lord, I pray Your emotional, physical, and spiritual protection over my daughter. Keep evil far from her, and help her to trust You as her refuge and strength. I pray You will guard her mind from harmful instruction, and grant her discernment to recognize truth. I pray You will make her strong and courageous in the presence of danger, recognizing that You have overcome and will set right all injustice and wrong one day. Help her to find rest in Your shadow, as she lives in the spiritual shelter You provide for her. Let her know that the only safe place is in Jesus, and that her home on earth is only temporary. In Jesus name, amen. ( Rebecca Barlow Jordan) For Daughter’s Spiritual Strength None of us do too well on your birthdays because we listen to you talk of us not being there and it takes away from your joy.