God has been amazing with his timing over the past year. We have met some amazing people, and have seen His hand in some of our encounters. One story that I’ve been meaning to share is about a sweet angel who keeps coming across our path.
In May, I was talking to a lady at church and she shared the story about a little girl named Sofie.
I will share the story as I now know it.
In January, a sweet baby girl was born to an amazing mommy and daddy. The joy they had as she arrived was crushed as they found out she had some problems with her umbilical cord, causing this sweet girl to have significant damage.
While in the NICU at Akron Children’s, Sofie was given a snow globe with butterflies surrounding it. While her daddy was talking to her one day, he asked if while she was in heaven she would send butterflies to them to let them know that she was ok.
Sofie joined the angels a short while after in the comfort of her home. Sofie’s mom, Lori Dente, started Team Sofie, a group that gets together to tie small blankets for the babies in the NICU to give the love and comfort Sofie gives.
Fast forward 6 months. Jordan was in the NICU and in the midst of everything going on we had a chance to escort my mom and dad out to the entrance after their visit. When we went outside, Randy’s dad was sitting on the bench near the carport and a butterfly flew down and rested on his shoulder.
I immediately thought about Sofie. As we talked the butterfly continued to rest on his shoulder. As he walked around the front drive, the butterfly kept her perch. The time came when we wanted to head back in to see our little man, Jordan, so Gramps gently guided the butterfly off his shoulder as we watched her flutter up to rest on the ceiling to wait to comfort the next family.
Later in the week as we were passing through Akron Children’s Reinberger Center, the receptionist asked if we wanted a blanket for our baby. I knew the story behind them but kindly refused because we had some already. The woman insisted that we take one.
Jordan’s Team Sofie comforting blanket has little cars on it. It fit so perfectly in his car seat and was the first blanket that he snuggled so closely with.
While shopping in December, I found a small lantern with butterflies on each side. I thought it could be a symbol of the warmth and light Sofie has brought to the countless children around the world. We were honored to meet Sofie’s mom to give her the gift, after an appointment with Dr. Hudgins.
We talked about our stories and the connections we felt – a connection between Sofie and Jordan. We have been comforted through Sofie’s story. Her butterfly will continue to send warmth, comfort, and love as we celebrate what she means to our family.
We started the tradition of hanging a butterfly ornament on our tree and will share the story of this sweet angel with our family for years to come.
Read more about Megs and Randy’s journey of raising a child with spina bifida through her blog, Labor of Love.
