Celebrating Olivia

A year ago, our hearts were forever changed when we lost our sweet niece, Olivia, after complications from cancer. Somehow, it has already been a year, yet in so many ways it still feels impossible to believe she’s gone. Time has continued moving forward, but grief doesn’t follow a timeline.

This past year has been filled with moments of deep sadness, quiet tears, and learning how to carry a loss that never truly goes away. There are days when memories bring smiles, and others when they catch us completely off guard. Her absence is felt every single day.

One of the things I’ve learned this year is that grief and love go hand in hand. We grieve so deeply because we loved so deeply. While the pain of missing Olivia is still very real, we are incredibly grateful for the memories we were able to make with her. We hold those memories close and treasure the beautiful mark she left on all of our lives.

To honor Olivia on the anniversary of her passing, we visited one of her favorite places—In-N-Out Burger. It may seem like a simple tradition, but it felt like the perfect way to remember her. As we shared burgers, fries, and milkshakes, we shared stories, laughed about funny memories, and talked about all the little things that made Olivia so special. 

Olivia will always be part of our family. She is remembered in the little moments that unexpectedly remind us of her, in the traditions we continue, and in the love that forever connects us. We miss her more than words can say, but we are thankful that her light continues to shine through all of us.

We love you, Olivia. Always and forever. 💕

 

Murphy Family Pictures

Before the lantern ceremony, we took some family pictures with the Murphys. It felt important to gather together and capture this moment—this trip, this season, this family—knowing that someone so important was missing. Olivia would’ve made the pictures more complete, more full of her usual spark. We felt her absence deeply, but we also felt her with us. In the smiles, the hugs, the way we all tried a little harder to hold still and hold close. These photos aren’t just for remembering who was there, but also for honoring who should’ve been.

Behind the scenes pictures:

 

Lanterns for Olivia

At the end of Olivia day we held a small, quiet lantern ceremony for Olivia at the lake, something simple and beautiful to honor her memory. We gathered at Ponderosa Lake that we were at earlier in the day near the water’s edge with lanterns in hand.

The sun was setting as we gathered, casting a warm, calm light over the water and sky. You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting. It was gorgeous and peaceful.

Katherine shared a few heartfelt words that brought tears and smiles, capturing the tenderness we all felt. Then, one by one, we took turns setting our lanterns afloat — tiny lights drifting gently across the still water. It was peaceful, sacred, and beautiful. 

There was something healing about the silence, the glow of the lanterns, and the shared space of reflection. We miss Olivia deeply, and this quiet moment gave us time to feel that together — to listen, to remember, and to love.

 

Olivia Day

Our first full day in Idaho was spent remembering our sweet Olivia  by trying to do and eat things she loved.

Spending time together on a family vacation like this was something Olivia always wished for. I hope she knows that we did this all for her—she brought us all together. we were giving her that wish in our own way.

The morning started with Marilyn and JP making us delicious huckleberry pancakes—huckleberries that Marilyn picked by hand! They were definitely made by love.

After breakfast, we split up for some adventure: one group went hiking to Ponderosa Lake while the others biked. The view at the top was breathtaking, and we laughed as we watched Camden throw sticks for Sturgil (Marilyn and JP’s dog), who never missed a catch.

Back at the Airbnb, we shared a meal made up of all Olivia’s favorites—sushi, edamame, sardines, sparkling water, and Nutella sandwiches. We had a book filled with photos of her where we could also write memories, which became a really special space for love and reflection.

In the afternoon, we did more of Olivia’s favorite things—puzzles and diamond art (we made little magnets to keep as a reminder of her). 

That night, we grilled her favorite burgers and hot dogs, and right in the middle of dinner, a deer walked right up to us! We offered it everything, but the only thing it liked was… Doritos. Of course. Olivia would have loved that.

As the sun went down, we ended the day back at the lake for a quiet, beautiful reflection of her life. It was peaceful and full of love.

We miss her deeply, but days like this remind us that she’s never far.