Happy Birthday For An Angel...

If you've not been reading 0ddness for long, then you won't know the significance of today.

Today, January 15th, is the day my late daughter Bethany was born, back in 2001.

Today, she would have been eight years old, and I can only imagine what a feisty little lady she would have been.  She would have an older brother to boss around, and would be using Tamsyn as a decoy or accomplice to get into trouble.

I have no doubt that somewhere up in the clouds, she is running around, playing with the other children up there, giving her wonderful cuddles to those that need them.  Wrapping her arms around them and squeeeeezing ever so tightly for someone so tiny, her warm breath on the side of their neck, whispering that she loves them.

And when she is done with the cuddle, she will skip off back to whatever she was doing, dancing and spinning, singing at the top of her lungs, letting everyone that can see her or hear her, know that she is the happiest little angel of them all.

I miss those cuddles.  I know that one day I will get them again and that I will hold her so tightly and tell her in person once more how much I love her, and how much I've missed her.

My darling little Bethy,
I can't believe you would be eight today.  My mind of late has been thinking about how big you must be getting, and how beautiful you are.  I can only hope and wish that today you are having even more fun, playing lots of games, singing and dancing or even causing mischief in the way that only you could.

It feels like only yesterday that you were born on that clear crisp January morning in London.  How there was so much worry and panic surrounding you when you arrived, only to quieten down when things didn't seem as bad as first thought.

I remember holding onto you as tightly as I dare - after all, you were only a dinky little thing - and wishing with every fibre of my soul that I could protect you and keep you safe and see you live to be a hundred.  Even now I still apologise to you, when I am feeling low.  But you know that.  I know you come here to see me every now and then, how you give me one of your great big cuddles while I sleep and dream of you, sitting on my lap on the stairs, talking about how happy you are, and how much fun you can have up there.

I know one day we'll be back together.  One day that cuddle will last longer than it does in my dreams.  I just wish I could have those cuddles from you in person.

One day, but not yet.  I've still got so much to do here.  Jaysen still misses you, and Tamsyn... Well, I'm sure you visit your little sister and give her ideas.  She knows all about you and tells people how much she loves her big sister.  But for now, I have to look after them, keep them safe.

Happy birthday Bethany.  I just wish you could be here to celebrate it.

I see you baby...
x

 
Less than an hour old...

 
Bouncing on the sofa

First steps

Laughing on my lap!

Posing at Xmas

Dressed for a wedding

 
More Xmas posing!

 
Feeding her dolly

 
Dr Bethy

 
Bedtime with Pink Bear

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17 Responses to “Happy Birthday For An Angel...”

DriedPapercutsAndChickens said...

pictures I dont recall seeing before.
Damn it dan....I got something in my eye.
It seems like such a short time ago little moo was born

Love you

GreenCastle said...

IN my thoughts and prayers as always my friend...

Stay safe and well

Nancy Jensen said...

One or two pictures that I may not have seen before. It still seems as though she should be here and you should be telling us more mischief that she has caused and posting more pictures for us to see. I'm sure that you are right about her visiting you and teaching Tamsyn new ways to get into mischief. I'm also sure that my nephew, Marcus, is playing with her and laughing with her. He will look after her. He is a good soul.

Much love to you and I hope you feel the loving arms of your daughter around you today.

Sage said...

Happy Birthday Bethany, what a nice way to remember her birthday and to make sure her memory lives on as this keeps her presence felt by everyone who knew her.

{{hugs}}

Terri@SteelMagnolia said...

She is a beautiful Angel... sweet baby girl..
every time I hear that song by Three Doors Down, I think of her... I think it's called "I'm Here Without You"... I get teary every time I hear it..

Hugs Dan...
Love you buddy....

Anonymous said...

She's looks utterly delightful. She was (is) very loved. This must have been such a difficult post to write - I know I found it hard to read; but glad you did as it's a beautiful tribute to a lovely girl.

The Special Zipper said...

Dan
Everytime you write about Bethy you write something very special. I can only imagine that you can do that because of how amazing she was. Whilst I may not come past 0ddness as often as I used to nor blog like I used to, I often think of your little angel. You continue to do a fabulous job in celebrating Bethy's life and what a beautiful message for her.

Thinking of you.

Anonymous said...

Brought tears to my eyes, a truely special little girl.
Lynzi xx

Laney said...

Happy Birthday Bethy. She is just beautiful Dan, I really enjoyed seeing some new pictures.

xxx

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bethany x

Em's way said...

Darling Bethy, you will always be a shining star, up there in the angels playground, just as you were here. I hope you have had a good birthday, and visit your loved ones often. Love always Angel Bethy xxxx

Hugs and Love to Daddy, Mummy, Jaysen and Tamsyn, and all who knew and loved you xxxx

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bethy, you touched so many lives.
xo

Posh Totty said...

Happy Birthday Bethy Xxx

Thinking of you today and Always Xxx

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Bethy, you are in a beautiful place with all the angels,have fun on this special day, God-Bless you. xxx

Anonymous said...

Dan, I'm a friend of The Special Zipper and would just like to let you know what a lucky girl Bethy was to have such a loving and caring daddy. And going by her photos, she certainly is an angel. X

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you guys, and removing grit from my eyes...

Queen of the Mayhem said...

What a sweet and loving tribute to your daughter!

I pray God will continue to give you the strength to carry on for the two precious kids you still have with you!

Sending hugs your way!