Karen made the decision to do things a little differently for Esther’s memorial, to make it a time to remember Esther and honor her short life, but also to be thankful. Karen said a few words, especially thanking the CCU nannies for their hard work and love for Esther. Then we all gathered around the tables in the playroom and…made pumpkins.

Esther passed away on what was the evening of Thanksgiving here in China. In fact, the staff and volunteers were celebrating together in the dining hall as Esther and her nanny went rushing out to the car to take her into hospital.

We all took strips of paper and wrote on them the things that we were thankful for, and stapled them together to make these pretty decorations. The CCU nannies made special ones with their pictures inside, and they worked together to make an extra-special one on behalf of Esther. Then we strung all the pumpkins and hung them in the hallway of the Foster Home. Every time we walk in, we will look up and remember both Esther and all the blessings that we are thankful for.