Funeral letter to Ella

This is a letter to Ella, written by Ted. This letter was read by Civil funeral celebrant Wendy Marney:

Dearest Ella,

You were created from the love that your mum and I share. When we first found out that you were coming to see us in 40 weeks we were immediately excited and we both feel in love with you instantly. We both enjoyed every kick that you gave mum in her tummy because we understood that that was your best way to communicate with us. I loved that because I knew that you would eventually do what I do at work. 

Your mum and I loved seeing you grow inside her tummy. We looked at your scanned pictures and were in awe of how quickly you were growing and how beautiful you were. Your mum and I made plans of how we were going to raise you. What I was going to do at work to make sure that I could spend as much time as I could with you. And how we were going to keep those “boys” away from you when you became a teenager. 

A few weeks before you were born we bought you a pram. Our friends had given us some clothes, toys and a change table. Your mum had made your room a place of love and beauty. 

One day mum and I noticed that you weren’t kicking like you usually do. We went to the hospital to find out the tragic news that your heart had stopped. After four days in the hospital mum gave birth to you and our hearts were filled with joy and love when you finally met us. Your heart was not beating but we couldn’t see anything but a beautiful child who beat our hearts. We spent six and half magical hours with you and it was really hard to say goodbye. Mum and I cry because we miss you so much but we know that every time we think about you you are speaking to us. We have never heard you cry and we have never heard you speak but that doesn’t mean we can’t hear you. You are the love of our lives and we are forever your parents.