Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Tripp's Memorial

Today was a very sad day. 
Suddenly everything seemed so real.  
But I couldn't be more pleased with the way it turned out.
It was well worth the wait. 
I think it honors Tripp and his life perfectly.  
The Elmo is hugging Tripp's "drum," shown by the drum stitching etched along the sides... The quote below his name is the same one I used for his services that Fr. Mark Beard has always told me reminded him of Tripp.  It reads, "Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words."  Tripp never spoke a word, but showed so many people the true meaning of LOVE.  I think the quote speaks of his life perfectly.  
Below is my "Pinky-Swear" poem that I wrote back in July of 2011.  And then of course, my favorite picture of my baby in the right bottom corner. 
Such a special tribute for a truly special boy. 

A HUGE THANK YOU again to Mr. Bobby Landry, Ian, Nelson and everyone from Amite Marble and Granite for their hard work, time, dedication and patience to make this beautiful memorial possible.  

And of course, I want to thank all of you again for the unending love and support you have shown to my family and me through these past years.  
It is truly appreciated. 









































Love, 
Photobucket

97 comments:

  1. Love love love it! Zach still talks about Tripp...how Tripp has touched our lives enough that my 6 yo son even yet cannot forget him!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's beautiful! Absolutely perfect! I think of you and Tripp often. Praying for you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. absolutely beautiful!! It brought tears to my eyes!! such a beautiful memorial for a beautiful life!! Thoughts and prayers continued for you and your family! ((hugs))

    ReplyDelete
  4. That is just so perfect in every way. I love how for years and years to come, everyone who sees it will read that beautiful poem, and know how much a little boy was loved by his mommy.

    ReplyDelete
  5. So, so beautiful...what a wonderful tribute to a beautiful boy....

    ReplyDelete
  6. this is truley beautiful, and so fitting for heavens little drummer boy he is truley missed god bless you always

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is so so beautiful, and truley fittting for "HEAVEN'S LITTLE DRUMMER BOY " he truley is missed , god bless you always ...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Courtney that is beautiful! What an amazing way to honor Tripp. Love you friend!
    Vanessa

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wow! It's gorgeous! I think of you often girl. :) xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  10. It is more beautiful that I ever imagined it would be. I know your heart is braking and so happy at the same time.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Beautiful. Couldn't be more perfect for that sweet angel. Have been thinking of you and praying for you - I know the holidays will be extra hard, but the Lord will give you peace and strength. Love you!!

    Love from TX,
    Laura

    ReplyDelete
  12. It is perfect. Congratulations on finding the perfect memorial for such a life changing little angel. The lessons you and he taught me will be with me forever. I'll never be the same because of Tripp and that's a wonderful thing!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Think of you often. Merry Christmas and best wishes.

    ReplyDelete
  14. It is absolutely perfect. Your little drummer boy has a beautiful memorial. I hope one day I can visit there and see it in person. Always thinking of you and praying for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's very beautiful Courtney.
    It's almost a year and we miss him so much.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That is so beautiful! It's the perfect tribute to one incredibly special little boy. I still think of Tripp whenever I see Elmo; he will forever be in my heart!

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a perfect way to honor such an honorable angel. Thought you'd like to know that St. George's Episcopal 2012 yearbook has a little write up about your special boy and pictures of the balloon release we held in his honor. People receiving the books this year are reminded of his inspiring story and those seeing for the first time are learning about EB and inspired by your unconditional love. Still thinking about and praying for you and yours often. I hope you all have a Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  18. So beautiful. My daughter is now into Elmo and every time I hear her little voice say "Elmo", Tripp comes to mind. It's so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Just BEAUTIFUL, I am in awe!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. This is absolutely beautiful and will be a perfect way to remember him. I am truly touched by your story still and continue to pray for you. Wishing you a Merry Christmas even though you will be without your precious son. I know it will be a tough day and I pray God will hug you closer and shine brighter for you.

    ReplyDelete
  21. It is so beautiful, and so true. Tripp has touched lives all the way across the atlantic. Sending you all my love. I think of you and Tripp every day, and try to be half as good a mommy as you were.
    Christiana, cyprus

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful! Perfect for your little drummer boy <3

    ReplyDelete
  23. It's beautiful. I think Tripp would love it.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Beautiful and amazing. Praying for you and thinking of you everyday.

    ReplyDelete
  25. It is just perfect! I think always on Tripp when I see Elmo:)

    ReplyDelete
  26. That is a beautiful and perfect tribute!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Oh Courtney, What a beautiful tribute to to a wonderful little boy. It is perfect! I love the sweet picture of him and of course the Pinky Swear poem - I have tears streaming down my face every time I read that. I still think of you and Tripp every day. You both have made a difference in a lot of peoples lives. God Bless you!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I hate saying that its amazing because no mother should ever have to help design a headstone for their child, however it really is amazing. It reflects everything about Tripp. Courtney, I pray for you pretty much every day and for your comfort. Thank you so much for continuing to share bits and pieces of your life with us. It eases my mind a little everytime you post...even on the sad days.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Absolutely perfect!
    I still think of Tripp often and send him a big "Hello!" up to Heaven. :)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Absolutely beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing. I often think about you, Tripp and the entire family (especially while watching Elmo).

    Joanna, Joseph and Jude
    Madison, WI

    ReplyDelete
  31. what a beautiful and fitting memorial. just lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Amazing! Beautiful! What a tribute to a special little guy!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Beautiful...simply beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. That is the most amazing memorial I have ever seen! I think it shows exactly who Tripp was!

    ReplyDelete
  35. It is absolutely one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. It is absolutely perfect, and the most beautiful tribute. I think of you, Tripp and your family often. I hope this Christmas s god to you and that you can find some peace throughout the season.

    Hugs and prayers,
    Chrissy

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi Courtney,
    I have been visit at your blog every day to see if you've written.
    I am living in Finland, so thanks for sharing Tripp's story with me, with us.

    This is amazing headstone. I love it, and I know Tripp loves it.

    I have almost 1,5 year old son. I can't imagine what you have been through, and what kind of road you still have ahead of you. Still, I am thinking of you and Tripp every-single-day.
    When my boy grows up a little bit, I am going to tell him everything I know about Tripp :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. OH WOW, that is so cool. That Elmo is perfect. I realize you would much rather have Tripp with you. As far as this kind of thing goes, they *nailed* it.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Beautiful-((tears))...I think of sweet Tripp often and you are always in my prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  39. beautiful! as special as little Tripp will always be to all of us!

    ReplyDelete
  40. This is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing, Courtney. As always, you and your family are in my prayers, especially this Christmas season.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Beautiful Courtney!! Amazing tribute to the beautiful little drummer boy.
    I do have a question for you---are you going to be able to put up Tripp's tree this year with all of his ornaments or will it be too hard this year? Just curious. In my thoughts and prayers!
    Susan in NC

    ReplyDelete
  42. A perfect tribute to such a wonderful little man!

    ReplyDelete
  43. That is just gorgeous. Praying for you and your family often. I know it will be a rough holiday season for you guys... just remember that Tripp will be with you, smiling down on you, through it all!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Such a beautiful tribute to Tripp.

    ReplyDelete
  45. This is incredibly beautiful! What a wonderful way to commemorate your beautiful child. I've never seen anything like that before. Rest in peace little one.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Wow. That is spectacula, Courtney! What a loving, personal way you captured so many memorable aspects of precious Tripp. I can fully understand how seeing the memorial was so painful. Seeing his name etched with both dates is a blunt reality that he is in his new home. Yet seeing the beautiful memorial is also a lovely comforting gift. Grief has so many opposing elements. God bless you all.

    ReplyDelete
  47. So beautiful, what a nice tribute to such a special angel. Thank you Tripp and Courtney for changing my life. May you be blessed as you continue on your journey.

    ReplyDelete
  48. so beautiful! such a tribute to Tripp's life...the Elmo couldnt' be more perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Dear Courtney,

    Hi, I am sure you have gotten a lot of these comments and I am sure I will be repeating a lot of the things other people have said. However, I still felt the need to write this. I was never a big follower of blogs or of the many facebook pages dealing with loss or prayers for someone, but Tripp stuck with me. I found myself checking your facebook page at least once a week.

    Tripp just stuck with me and I don't know why. My heart broke for you and your family the day he passed. I felt so upset, so sick, I just couldn't believe that it had happened. I have a one year old and can't imagine going through this or anything similar, to watch your poor baby grow sicker and sicker and feeling so helpless no matter because no matter what you do it just isn't enough.

    I'm going to be honest, Tripp hasn't crossed my mind for a few months until today. And my heart broke all over again for you and your family. You are a very strong person, you have gone through so much and yet you continue to live and remember your son.

    I hope that it has gotten at least a bit easier to enjoy life for you.

    Taylor
    http://thebrokenpieceshealing.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. What a perfect memorial, made only more perfect if it weren't needed.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hola Courtney,
    It is absolutely beautiful. Tripp´s little friend, the drum, the poem,...just amazing!
    Lots of love from Spain

    ReplyDelete
  53. Simply beautiful!! Tripp has been forever etched in my heart as well as thousands across the world. You, Courtney have taught me more than you can ever imagine. You are a true example of Christ love!!!! I can't wait until the day when we all get to meet your beautiful little drummer boy as he plays for Jesus!!!
    God bless you!!
    Stacey

    ReplyDelete
  54. What a beautiful memorial for a beautiful boy...I thought...even the physical mark of Tripp's grave site will inspire all who pass...it will draw them to stop and take notice...it will draw them to Christ and eternity and His eternal love...just like Tripp :-)

    ReplyDelete
  55. Courtney, I just wanted you to know that we are still with you. I have followed your blog from the begin and will continue to do so. I check your blog at least once a week. I think of you often. So happy for the blessing that have come your way recently (your engagement and your new home) You deserve the best. The headstone tells Tripp's story so beautifully. The design is amazing. The attention to the little details immortalizes his life. I'm sure this Christmas is extremely difficult but just wanted you to know that you are on my heart and that I'm praying for the continued healing of your broken heart. Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  56. This is a fantastic memorial to Tripp! I'm amazed at what engravers are doing with memorials these days. You and Tripp are in my prayers. I hope this brings you some peace during the Christmas season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Wow, that is the most amazing perfect fitting memorial headstone I have ever seen. Whoever created it thought of everything. I love that you put the "Pinky Swear" poem on there, I've always loved that poem, you have a special talent. I think of both of you often and wish you peace through the Christmas season. Good luck with your house.

    ReplyDelete
  58. It's just beautiful. Bless you all, you've all been through so much, too much. I'm so sorry for your loss but grateful for your spirit.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Dear Courtney
    Such a beautiful way to remember Tripp. I think of him and you often. It was a year ago about now I first read his and your story. It broke by heart into pieces but also taught me about EB and set me up to help raise money for EB charities and help those suffering where I can. I planted a tree for Tripp in my garden last year in December and it is blossoming. I think of Tripp each time I see it.
    Hoping that this Christmas brings you peace - though I am sure it will be very hard.
    I look forward to hearing more of your news.
    Hugs from the UK

    ReplyDelete
  60. Courtney, it's beautiful and a perfect memorial for your beautiful son.

    ReplyDelete
  61. That was so truly beautiful, so perfectly and beautifully made, just like Tripp!! What an honor to his memory, I am so thankful it has all of his favorite things!!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Beautiful. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  63. This is beautiful...I still pray for you..and celebrate you son's joyful, painless union with our God..and I still check on you..I feel protective, albeit I am just a stranger to you and our only connection your willingness to share..thank you for sharing your journey...still...we STILL care

    ReplyDelete
  64. I was in my car the other day and a Jason Mraz song came on the radio. I thought of your little Tripp dancing to 'Outdoors'. I've never met either of you, but I will never forget him.
    What a beautiful way to honor Tripp. It's amazing.
    Much love to you and your family. Merry Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Wow, what a beautiful way to honor such a beautiful boy. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  66. A beautiful memorial. Grieving and remembering with you.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Praying for you tonight, Courtney. And your Mom and the rest of your family. I know it must be hard for you.

    ReplyDelete
  68. Tripp's memorial is beautiful! I was thinking of you and praying for you a lot yesterday. I hope you were able to enjoy Christmas at least a little bit.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Courtney! I love this. Oh, I'd love to see it in person but I live out in Georgia. It is perfect for your little boy <3

    ReplyDelete
  70. Oh my gosh! Beautiful, Stunning, Perfect!
    ~tracey

    ReplyDelete
  71. Well, Courtney...I'm not really sure what I want to say. I'm a mom, a nurse, been divorced...consider myself loyal and loving and sacrificing, but NEVER ever ever have I shown my love and my strength as you have done (nor have I had to). I am amazed. I am in aw. I am proud. I don't know you...don't expect to ever have any contact with you, but I want you to know that you and your sweet baby have touched my heart forever.

    ReplyDelete
  72. So beautiful and so unique!♥

    ReplyDelete
  73. beautiful, perfect memorial for tripp.

    ReplyDelete
  74. "Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words." - I love that. Absolutely beautiful marker, thank you for sharing all those photos. I spent the several hours just hanging out with my 13 month old son at the local park today, reading your blog the last several months has taught me the precious value of such moments. Thank you so much Courtney.

    ReplyDelete
  75. How did u get an elmo on his grave marker?

    ReplyDelete
  76. That is a great way to honor Tripp. It's beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  77. there is no words. this is just perfect for your perfect little boy. <3 so lovely!

    with love from Finland.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Wow. It is amazing. I am glad it is everything you wanted it to be. Very special.

    ReplyDelete
  79. What a unique, beautiful memorial. RIP, sweet Tripp.

    ReplyDelete
  80. I find it hard to say this because no mother should have to prepare her son's headstone, but Tripp's memorial is the most beautyful memorial I have ever seen and it is just perfect. It describes perfectly and beautifully Tripp's life and his mission. Every detail is just so amazing: Elmo, his favorite character, the drums and his talent for music, the words of Saint Francis of Assisi, his beautiful picture with the most hearmelting eyes and smile in the world and the Pink Swear poem which will tell the posterity about his journey with EB, your unconditional love for him and the extraordinary bonding between you and will remind each of us to go home and kiss our children and be thankful every day for the gift of them.Thank you Courtney for this beautiful and perfect tribute to your Angel, the Heaven's little drummer boy. <3

    ReplyDelete
  81. Courtney, The only word that come to mind is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Perfect tribute to the most perfect baby angel<3 i honestly believe that ur son is an angel that was sent down to earth to remind us what is truly important in this world, and to live each day with love and never ever take anything for granted. I love baby Tripp so much, Thank u so much Courtney for bringing him into this world and sharing ur angel with us <3 he has a piece of my heart, and im so happy he does

    ReplyDelete
  83. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete