A Memorial Service for a Sweet Little Boy

We had a most wonderful celebration of Natnael's short life on Saturday, March 17. Courtney and Paul's pastor had the best message for all of us. He spoke so personally to Courtney, Paul, and Tizita. I know we all walked away feeling so good about the fact that Natnael is in heaven and we will all see him again.

Courtney and Paul had set up a display with some of the things that had been given to Natnael in anticipation of his homecoming. His pictures were displayed, too. It gave them a chance to share him with their many friends.

There were flowers in memory of a grandson, great grandson, and nephew that we never had the chance to meet.

After the service we all met at Beckett's to continue the celebration. Here are Tizita and three of her friends. There were lots of children running around and having fun at the party.

Alissa and Nathan enjoyed the 70 degree temps and ate their dinner outside on the patio.

I had purchased balloons and all the children got to release a balloon up into the heavens for Natnael.

Here's the crazy balloon lady trying to untangle them for the kids to launch.

Ready, set, let them go.

The balloons were visible for a long time up in the beautiful blue sky.

It was such a great day and the best part was when Courtney and Paul announced that they have a new referral for a little girl named Soliana which means sunshine. She is 8 months old and will definitely be the sunshine after our storm. Courtney, Paul, and Tiz travel in a month to go meet her for the first time.

Here is the obituary in the memorial bulletin:

Natnael Mebrat

March 20, 2010 - January 14, 2012

Natnael was, by all accounts a sweet boy. He was greatly loved by his birth family, as well at the family, friends, and nannies who helped care for him in Ethiopia. He even had a best friend in the care center during his time there. We waited three years to find out who our next child would be and were so excited to learn about Natnael, whom we loved as our son and brother as soon as we laid eyes on him. We and his new grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, greatly anticipated meeing him. Sadly, we were only able to spend a few hours with Natnael, but we will never forget him. Rest in peace, sweet boy.