From Dedad and Nan

From the moment James and Emily walked into our kitchen and threw pink candy on the counter (indicating that they were pregnant with a girl) we were delighted. After raising five sons, we were finally going to have a girl born into the Haughery clan. Alivia opened up a whole new world to us. She was so precious. We loved the times Emily would bring her over to visit in our sunroom. She always dressed her so cute. All prejudice aside, she really was extremely adorable!

One of the first things we noticed about her was her hands. From the day she was born, the way she moved her hands was very distinct. She used them intentionally and with great precision. She was more capable than many adults when handling delicate items like stickers. She would also use her hands to communicate with us. The slight raising of the hand or an open palm at the end of a stiff-arm communicated more clearly than a dozen words.

One of our favorite memories was when we took her Trick or Treating in our neighborhood. Emily dressed her up like a baby chicken and we went door to door. At first she was timid and uncertain but as she warmed up it was precious to see her excitement grow as she anticipated arriving at the doorstep of each new home. In the end she gave us all a warm, happy memory.

Perhaps the thing that stood out the most to us was her relationship with her mom. To many, Alivia was full of life. And she was irresistibly charming, funny and delightful to watch. Those qualities grew quickly because Emily interacted so deeply with her. She regularly opened the doors of social interaction for Alivia and taught her how to relate to others. As a result she became very socially aware.

She interacted with you like she knew just what you were saying (and usually did). It never felt like you were talking with a one year old or a two year old. She noticed every inflection….every detail when you were with her. When she was really looking at something, she would raise her eyebrows….as if to let more of the “thought of it” into her mind. It was so sweet. And you could see how very intelligent she was.

From the very beginning we felt a strong desire to protect her. She was delicate and beautiful. Every part of her we would die for. She could hold a whole room of adults captive in her spell. Our college age sons would do anything for her…..no matter if it made them look goofy. We would dream about what trouble any boy would have trying to date her!! Not only did she have a strong Dad, but also all those uncles to contend with!

There will never be anyone like her. We will always miss her. Until we’re with her in Heaven, we will always miss her.

Love,
Dedaddy and Nan
(Bill and Cynthia)