Remembering Avery May

On Thanksgiving, we decorate our Christmas tree with lights then hang sailboats and lighthouses, mini cross-stitch projects and special trinkets that we collected over the years. We have one handmade ornament that has hung on our tree each year since 2019. It was made from salt dough cut into a butterfly shape then stamped in pink and purple pastel. On the back it reads: Avery May 2019

I made several of these delicate ornaments after our beautiful great-niece, Avery May Silva, passed away at two years and four months of age. She was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare and deadly genetic skin disease with no cure. Children born with this disease are referred to as Butterfly Babies because their skin is as fragile as the wings of a butterfly. Avery’s short life was difficult, but she was surrounded by love and she is missed tremendously.

The holidays can be heart-wrenching for anyone who has lost a loved one. We try to find ways to include those we’ve loved and lost into our celebrations. Sometimes their memory brings us warm fuzzies, and other times they make us cry. Our tears are the price of having loved and been loved by someone special. 

We think of Avery often throughout the year. She was a special little girl who lived her life as large as she could. We will never forget her gorgeous big blue eyes, her courage and the sound of her squeals of laughter. Somehow, in spite of her condition, Avery found and shared joy!

Happy Holidays in Heaven sweet baby girl!