Festival of Trees

For 40 years, the Festival of Trees has ushered in the Holiday Season in Utah.  More importantly, every penny raised helps children at Primary Children’s Medical Center, the hospital our Makenzie spent her last month.  The Festival is organized and orchestrated by volunteers throughout the state and relies on the generous support of those who decorate and purchase trees, wreaths, gingerbread creations, playhouses, centerpieces, and quilts.

I remember going to the festival when I was young with my Mom. 

I was always amazed by the lights, the outrageous decor and the amazing spirit that filled the room.

Its been years since I have been but last year, we were lucky enough to have our own mini Festival of Trees at the hospital with us.  There were many trees brought to the hospital after the festival was over that helped brighten what, at that time, was not a very cheery-happy-celebrating time of year.  I remember this blue and white tree the best since it was so close to Makenzie's Room.  Ill never forget looking at that tree as I walked out of there the night of December 13th- I couldn't shake the little tiny bit of light that crept into my heart thinking my baby was surrounded by the most beautiful Christmas tree I could ever imagine.  

Ill never forget that feeling.

I wanted to do a tree for Makenzie this year but for lack of funds and time I just couldn't pull it off. 

That's when a group of angels stepped in.

A group of girls who never knew me, our family or Makenzie. 

They wanted to make a tree in honor of our baby. 

and a tree they made. 

The most beautiful. 

The most loving.

The most inspiring.

The most MAKENZIE tree that I could imagine for her.

I cant thank these amazing girls enough.

You can read a special article the newspaper wrote about them and our tree HERE.

Ryan and I went to the festival on auction night. 

We walked in the door found row M for of course MAKENZIE and sprinted over to our tree.

My breathe was taken away.

The first thing I thought of was that blue and white tree that was by her room last year.

My baby is so proud. She is so honored at this most special gift these young women gave her.

They captured every detail. 

The leggings, the toys, the MRW, the balloons, the angels!

Simply... Perfect...

Although we spent pretty much our whole night watching in amazement at our angels tree, we did walk around to witness all the other breathtaking trees and decor that was there.  

Its simply amazing. to see some of these stories. to see ways families are honoring their loved ones. to see how some are celebrating the gift of life. or to see the incredible generosity and support everyone has for this hospital. a place that saved my baby for a month longer than i could have. a place that provided her love, comfort, help. a place that never made me leave. a place that always kept me in the loop. a place that helped me in more ways than i could ever express. this night was wonderful. to remember the amazing team that gave me more time with her. seeing the incredible love others have for our baby and of course remembering our makenzie rye.