Easter encapsulates so much beauty…spring, babies, nature, new life, Resurrection. It is a day of hope…a day to rejoice in the power of Jesus to overcome death with life. For me, Easter is a day that holds opposites within my heart. Easter is a sacred space that will always be a part of my heart and my life. Amazing joy at all that His resurrection represents, of sweet memories of my own childhood Easters, and of the Easters celebrated with my own children, Ashley & Zachary. I cherish each of those moments. However, there is also an undeniable deep grief and pain, for it was Easter Sunday, 2019 when my daughter died…when she was resurrected to heaven. My heart holds so many deep emotions on this day.

After Ashley’s death, I wondered how I could possibly begin to bring back some of the joy of this sacred day?! In 2021, I decided to make Easter baskets again (Ashley and I had made hospital Easter baskets together on two previous occasions)…to honor the times Ashley and I made them…to do something special on this day…to remind me of all the beauty of Easter and all that it represents, to ensure Ashley still has a legacy. Making the Easter baskets with Ashley was and still remains a sweet memory, and so became a perfect way to honor her beautiful life.

Ultimately, there are four reasons why you are receiving an Ashley’s Legacy Easter Bag. 1) As a NICU nurse, I love the babies and parents who are in my care and want to bless them in a tangible way. 2) As a Christian, this day is an integral part of my faith and my love for Christ. 3) As a Mom whose daughter passed away on Easter Sunday 2019, I have chosen to honor her life in a meaningful way…Ashley’s Legacy. 4) My son, Zach, was in the NICU. I still remember how it felt, and the specialness of the gifts received during that time! (Side note: Zach’s NICU stay is the reason I became a nurse!)

Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, I know where Ashley is, and I know that I will see her again. In spite of the daily presence of her absence, I have peace in knowing that we will be reunited. Easter will likely always be a day of opposite emotions…both joy and pain. And yes, dwelling in the space of these two extremes is ok. As a NICU parent, you likely have days of both emotions, also. For a NICU journey is often two steps forward and one step back. Hang on, sweet parent. Know that your baby is in an amazing place, and has so many compassionate people caring for him or her. And most importantly, they have you, their loving Mommy and/or Daddy caring for them and cheering them on with every milestone they reach!!

God’s promises are many, and I choose to remind myself of His precious promises of heaven. This is my favorite: “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:2-3 NKJV). As sure as I’m sitting here writing on this computer, I’m sure Ashley and I will be reunited in heaven. And, yes, His promises bring me comfort and joy.

If you are (or have been) one of my NICU families, thank you for allowing me to be part of your baby’s first Easter. You and your sweet little one are not forgotten. I pray Easter is a beautiful day of blessing and that this Easter basket or bag will hold a small part of making memories with your precious baby. Each bag was created with much love and prayer. I pray that you will know and find joy in the One, jesus, who makes all things new and who is the risen Savior and meaning of Easter. I pray you have a Blessed Easter, and that your precious baby is home with you soon! 💕

There are two special things in the basket that are specifically Ashley-approved: 1) Pink was her favorite color, so there are pink pens; 2) Reeses was her favorite candy, and is also included.

2024 is my fourth year of making Easter Basket Blessings: There are 35 big baskets for my NICU and 200 smaller bags for two hospitals in San Antonio, one in OKC, and one in Tulsa. It would be amazing to be able to do them all across America. If you want to help me with that, there’s an Amazon link below.

(If you work in a NICU, and would like to receive the Easter baskets, please let me know. My only requirement is that the bags be given as created, including the tag with the QR code.)

If you would like to donate, here is an Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1TN06DTFZ1E7D?ref_=wl_share (Some items are not yet listed as I don’t want them to expire within a year, so if you don’t see something, check back in about six months when I’ll be adding these items.)

Here are a couple of other links, should you like to read further.

Post from Easter 2020:

https://gaylaslife.com/easterhome-april-12-2020/

The story of Ashley’s last day:

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