Blair Evelyn Kennedy

As many of you know, our daughter, Blair Evelyn Kennedy, died and was born on March 15, 2021. Her death and birth transformed our lives in every way possible and we have struggled to find our bearings. We continue to find ways to honor Blair and with her upcoming birthday, we have decided to raise money for the preschool where Blair would have attended to share our love for her with a community that has so beautifully held space for her. Please consider donating in honor of Blair, a preschooler you know, or a loved one who has passed away. Our goal is to purchase a new outdoor sensory playset and a new kitchen set. Thank you for considering. With love, the Kennedys

Below is a letter from Ashlie and John to Blair for her 3 rd birthday.

Dear Blair,

Happy birthday, our love. Where have the last 3 years gone? It feels like yesterday when we held you in our arms; the shortest 4 hours of our entire lives. At the same time, it feels like we have lived an entire lifetime without you. Our lives have drastically changed since your death and birth; your impact felt in every aspect of our lives. We feel our feelings much deeper, we see you and our family in other families who experience loss, and we more frequently acknowledge the lack of certainty that surrounds us. One certainty that does surrounds us, however, is you are loved and remembered by us every single day. We are proud to share your story, our story, with anyone who will listen. “4 girls,” we say, “Yes; 4.” From conversations with new friends to conversations with senators and representatives, our love for you is integrated into everything we do.

As you turn 3, it is evident that the ambiguous loss will infinitely grow. The questions of what your first words may have been and what songs you would have liked are added together with new questions about how your first day of preschool would have gone and whether you would have allowed your sister to show you around the preschool room despite you having been there many times. We know your sisters feel your absence, too.

We continue to look for signs of you and when we do, we feel your warmth. You are a gift, our love. We are forever grateful you are ours.

Love,

Mama and Dada