In the childhood cancer community there is a big emphasis on the importance of mothers. We are the caretakers. The ones who can make a child's tears go away with a simple look or touch. God gave mothers an amazing gift to reach their children when oftentimes no one else can. But he also gave children … Continue reading Daddy’s Heart Is Broken Too
Author: Katie Caldwell-Burchett
A Shining Star, A Sign From Above
I always really loved to read Olivia books. Even as a tiny baby she would look at me so intently and seemingly take in every word that I ready to her. Our all time favorite was Nancy Tillman's book, "Wherever You Are, My Love Will Find You." There's a line in the book that reads, … Continue reading A Shining Star, A Sign From Above
“Mommy, I Miss Sissy”
Wyatt and Olivia have loved each other probably since the moment of conception. They grew together for 32 weeks and 5 days in my womb and lived side-by-side for 20 months and 3 days on this earth before cancer stole her from us. They had a special bond that only twins have, and it's something … Continue reading “Mommy, I Miss Sissy”
Happy 3rd Birthday in Heaven
At 3:04 and 3:05 p.m. respectively on February 19, 2012 Wyatt and Olivia entered this world. They decided to make their entrance eight weeks early and had to spend a month each in the NICU. But we were overjoyed to have them! We went from no kids to two in one day and it was … Continue reading Happy 3rd Birthday in Heaven
How Are You?
"How are you?" This is a question that we all ask other people many times throughout the day. Everyone expects a simple answer of "Great! How are you?" I know that I am just as guilty of not really wanting to hear what the other person has to say. And even more, I am guilty … Continue reading How Are You?
Who Would She Be?
The day my daughter died I not only began the process of grieving the loss of her physical being and presence in my life, but also the loss of finding out who she would have grown up to be. I'm forever left with a list of what if's and should have beens. Olivia was such … Continue reading Who Would She Be?
A Little Bit of Her
When we decided to have another child after Olivia passed away, it was a great hope for us to be able to have another baby that looked somewhat like her. Not to replace her. But simply to be able to look at her sibling and think, "Wow! I can see your sister in you." We … Continue reading A Little Bit of Her
5 Years Ago
Five years ago I knew nothing of childhood cancer. I didn't even have children yet. I was newly married to my high school sweetheart and we knew we wanted children but hadn't had the privilege of holding our own child in our arms. Five years ago when I dreamed of my children I just knew … Continue reading 5 Years Ago
Did My Daughter Ever Exist?
Olivia was my whole world. I loved my husband. My son, Wyatt. My family. But she was my everything. That happens when your child is sick. You know what a real possibility it is to lose them and it changes the relationship. You treasure every moment. You look at them with such complete love knowing … Continue reading Did My Daughter Ever Exist?
A Year of Firsts and Seconds
2014 was the first year since Olivia's birth in 2012 that we have been completely without her. I never imagined having to experience so many new firsts that didn't include one of our children. When you find out that you are expecting a baby you are so overwhelmed with joy and anticipation. You imagine their … Continue reading A Year of Firsts and Seconds
Beauty From The Ashes 