May 12, 2023 would have been my daughter Abby's 20th birthday here on earth. It is wild to imagine her as a 20 year old young woman. As difficult as it has been with her not physically with me as she used to be, I wanted to find a way to celebrate her. How do you honor someone so dear to you when they aren't present? I have spent 18 years struggling with that question. I always bake strawberry cupcakes, Abby's favorite, on her birthday and share them with those closest to me. I always adorn her vase with beautiful spring flowers. I always spend the day with her, although that looks different each year. This year for such a major milestone, I wanted to do something extra special.
Abby was only 15 months old when she crossed over, but she had already developed a love of singing and dancing. She was even learning her forward roll. I am quite confident she would have been a part of the Highsteppers (or a program with similar qualities). I grew up as a highstepper from 5th-12th grades. I went on to choreograph for varsity and junior varsity more times than I can count. I have been their technique teacher, their dance teacher, and coach. My children Maddox and Macie grew up watching the girls dance and becoming a part of the highstepper family. They are still supported by the girls and parents to this day. I am positive my precious Abby would have also been highly involved. Just take a look at the performance smile she had mastered by 12 months old!!
For Abby's 20th birthday, I am asking anyone who feels called to donate a birthday gift, in her honor, to the Union Highstepper Booster Club to do so here. This program brings so much love and support to young ladies and their families to help build strong, compassionate, intelligent, focused, hardworking individuals. It brings me great joy to support programs I believe Abby would have also loved. All donations in Abby's honor will benefit the Union Varsity Highsteppers for their 2023-2024 season. And, it just so happens, my very talented "niece" will be leading the team as a senior and Captain this year. Just an extra special layer of icing on this strawberry cake. (Bonus, this donation is a tax write off, as the booster club is a 501c3.)
I can't begin to express my gratitude for all the support and love through the years while navigating this inexplicable loss of my baby girl. I am thankful to still be here and I hope I can continue spreading love in Abby's name as we all keep her memory alive. Happy 20th Birthday, my sweet and precious girl. You are so very loved!
