Baylee's Service was so beautiful!

The sun was shining and it was 60° degrees outside. A gorgeous day! God made the day just perfect for us. We arrived around noon to help with any setup and greet family & friends as they arrived. The service started at 2:05pm. About 1000 people attended. It was absolutely beautiful!

• Pastor Joel of First Baptist Church of Elk Grove welcomed everyone and opened with a prayer.
• Pastor Steve (our pastor) said a few words, introduced Dennis (Grand-dad) and Duane.
• Dennis talked about Baylee's history (birthday, going to school, therapy sessions,time spent with her Aunts and the numerous visits during her illness) and read a story from Grandma Helen Sparks titled GodSpeak.
• Duane thanked everyone for their prayers, love & support. He shared stories about Baylee's gift of Mercy with Mrs. Bartucco, how Baylee liked to play peek-a-boo, and her love of riding horses at Project Ride. Then he introduced the slideshow of Baylee's life in pictures.
• Pastor Steve spoke about Hope & Faith, read 2Corinthians 4:16-5:8 and closed with prayer. The service was wrapped up with dismissing Duane and I and the family to the foyer.

We had lots of time to see and hug everyone (and cry) and listen to stories about how they had been touched by Baylee. It was truly moving and so good to see everyone!

 
 
We brought a lot of Baylee's favorite toys and other special items to place on the table with the urn and photos. (click images to see larger view) 

After everything was cleaned up we went over to Kim's house for a private family reception. Dinner was salad, pasta and bread.

January 30, 2010 @2pm @FBCEG

Comments

[Lisa L.]

Sounds so beautiful. Hugs Lisa L.

[Dana]

I'm sure it was a beautiful tribute to a very special little girl. I wish I could have been there. I'm thinking of you both as you enter this new phase of your lives. Stay strong!

HUGS!

[Ashley Nguyen Newell]

It was beautiful! Thanks for posting the info on your blog so I could come and hear the wonderful stories. You and Duane are such an inspiration to me with your faith.