Monday, August 20, 2012

Ruffles and Remembrance



From the moment I walked into their home, I loved this family.

Karen treated me like an old friend and I felt welcome immediately.  The house was a whirl of happy activity.  Her children and family were around getting ready for a birthday party for two of her daughters.  Kiara was turning five and Valentina was turning one.

I was so impressed with the creativity and thought that Karen had put into all the decorating and details.  So many DIY projects and much thought and love had gone into everything.  The ruffle cakes I brought looked perfectly at home next to an amazing candy display.  The outside patio beckoned me with bright colors and joyful decorations.








Valentina, turning one, was in her tutu looking sweet and lovely for the party.





And Kiara, celebrating her fifth birthday, melted my heart instantly.  She was sitting by a window and saw me come in with the cake.  Her eyes lit up.   Kiara's siblings were so helpful.  I noticed the family pictures hanging in the main room and I could feel the love that was there.






Later, I watched as Kiara got her hair done, not her favorite part, but the patient working of a loved ones hands arranged her sweet curls into lovely pony tails.




I left with a smile on my face and joy in my heart.

I didn't know... that it would be Kiara's last birthday.  I recently heard the heart breaking news that Kiara passed away just a week later.

I didn't know that my cake would be part of the last celebration her family would have together with her.

What an honor and privilege to have been a part, even a small one, for her day.  What a beautiful party to celebrate this beautiful child.

...What a beautiful memory.

Even though her departure was unexpected, I know that Karen and her family would want you to know that they are so thankful for each day that Kiara was in their lives.

Frosted offers our sincerest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow for their loss.

I will never see buttercream ruffles again without thinking about Kiara. 

So, with the Gilchrist family's permission, our buttercream ruffle cake will be called the Kiara cake  in their daughter's honor.




*Pictures courtesy of the Gilchrist family.

I want to say to the Gilchrist family and to all of our customers,
It is a blessing and a privilege to know you.  Thank you for allowing Frosted to be a part of your lives.

With love,

- Julie






6 comments:

  1. Julie thank you, Im so happy to have chosen you to do Kiara's last cake. I feel the same way about you, you were just a warm person who Im so happy to have as a part of my life. We will forever be Loyal customers

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  2. Thank you for the tears this morning! That is one of the sweetest things I have ever read! I can't wait to have a party of my own so that I can order a Kiara Cake <3

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  3. great story of love..thanks for sharing..

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  4. What a beautiful story. You are as sweet as your cakes

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  5. Jill, I was Kiara's nurse that you were talking with when you got there. I have to say, you did a remarkable job. And now, knowing that Kiara has touched so many lives, makes it more special. A beautiful tribute for a beautiful little girl. The Kiara Cake will make so many happy, just as she was!
    Thanks again for meeting you, and for remembering "Kiara"! Mary Claire

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  6. This is so beautiful,How wonderful of you to honor Kiara in this way:}YOu also have new customers with the Capalongo Family,we look forward to your Kakes in the future.God Bless

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