Haileyfly

<3

Baby girl,

We saw this butterfly on our first day. We had just arrived. My mom was waiting for us at the airport. I didn't even tell her what time our flight was- just the date. I told her I'd meet her at Dumbo's (the last restaurant we went to on your last night, before the hospital) at 11 am, giving us enough time to get to our hotel & get changed.

But she couldn't wait. She waited a couple hours at the airport & was about to leave, maybe thinking I was fooling her. She was sitting in a bus, still looking at the entrance hoping by chance I would appear. When we did. Immediately her face lit up & I saw her smile from across the street.

My heart instantly smiled back. It was a great reunion baby girl. I'm sure you were there. She was happy to see me, but also Bella & Papi. They were a surprise, because I hadn't told her they were coming.

A little later, we went to El Prado, the main plaza in Cochabamba where all the restaurants are. We ate delicious saletenas- at the request of your sister. It was a nice warm sunny day. We went for a walk afterwards, taking pictures, walking & talking. El Prado is always busy with people & cars. Not a place you would imagine seeing a lot of butterflies.

But there she was.

Bella saw it first. Bright orange, to make sure we could see her...

She flew down directly in front of us, landing in front of our path.

She stayed there for a while & didn't budge. We thought she was hurt, but when Bella reached down to check, she woke & fluttered back to the skies where she came from.

Saying hello, I see you. I love you. I'm ok. Until I see you again....

Our Haileyfly <3

My heart was so full of emotion my angel.

At that moment I could feel God's touch. I could feel everyone's prayers. I could feel you.

I was so thankful.
...

Even though the pain tears me up, breaks me open, nearly kills me....

Underneath all the ashes & rubble, something grows there. Something delicate & beautiful. I can't describe it in words.

All I say is that it gives me hope & strength. Enough to continue my time on this Earth. Until I see you again.

And it gave me hope & strength for the time I was in Bolivia.

God knows I needed it.

<3

I love you Hailey.

Now & forever,
Your mommy
...