We so felt the warmth and love tonight as the community, our friends and family gathered to honor Ellie. 
What a testimony to God’s grace and love in our lives and in the life of our sweet little girl. She wore a beautiful gown that my dear friend had made for her. She also wore a new hat – especially created to go with her lovely gown.
I am so thankful to all of you who came out to share your love and support for us this weekend and also for all of you who prayed for us today, because you knew how difficult it would be.
Ellie was a beautiful princess tonight. Although I know that she is at home with the Lord, it was still sweet to see that beautiful outer shell that held her sweet spirit.
And it was a blessing to me personally to share her with so many of you who I love so dearly that didn’t get to see her in person while she was here on this earth.
And then at the end, when everyone left and Zachariah and Brittany took the children for us and my mother-in-law and brother-in-law went to car…
Chris and I stood alone in front of the casket and wept for the little girl we have come to cherish and love so much. It tore our hearts out to leave her. How can we walk away? But it would have been worse to never had the chance to know her at all. It would have been worse to not have been able to take the first step.
We are thankful to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that He made it possible for us to have Ellie. Because our lives were completely changed in Him 14 years ago, we were able to welcome Ellie and trust Him day by day with her.
I pray that the Lord will help each of us to cherish our roles as the protectors of children – men and women who value and cherish life. Please pray for us as we approach the funeral services on Monday and the burial of our precious girl.
And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:2-6
Ellie Louise 
She indeed looked like a little precious princesses. We will continue to pray for your family and know that Ellie will continue to touch lives even in her passing.
She is a princess, “A Child of the King”, our Lord and Savior, Jesus!
Your post was beautiful as was Ellie. I have an 8 month old named Lucy Elouise and hugged her for you and Ellie a bit tighter this morning. Lucy was a very high risk for Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 21. The waiting to find out her diagnosis was painful. I can only begin to imagine your heartache right now. Thank you for sharing both Ellie with us all and your amazing faith in our Lord! A piece of Princess Ellie will always be in my heart and I will share her with my Lucy.
Thank you so much…. I am honored
Chris and Charlotte my heart goes out to you and your extended family. Thank you for your words that I couldn’t think of, “But it would have been worse to never know her at all.” Because that is exactly how I feel about Paitynn. Our little angel has survived almost a year. It was a pleasure to meet you, Chris, and Ellie a month ago at MUSC. Peace be with you at this time.
Thank you so much Jamey – That means so much to me. It was so good to meet y’all and sweet sweet Paitynn. Thank you for your kind words… love to you all… char
Praying for your comfort from the Holy Spirit as your heart aches & cries out to God. May you feel not only His unchanging love, but the love of your fellow brethren as we grieve with you.
Thank you so much Sonya
Love to Ellie Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone
Thank you for sharing yourselves so openly and eloquently. It’s apparent that God chose the perfect parents and family in you all, for little Ellie. PTL that God “completely changed” your lives, as I know you are reaching so many for Him, through walking through this journey with Ellie so graciously. Your grace and courage are such an encouragement to me. I pray God’s blessings and strength on you all as you celebrate her life tomorrow.
Thanks so much JLane for your kind, encouraging words… so glad to have you as a friend. Charlotte
I cannot get you and Chris off of my mind. You are in my prayers through out the day and night. Love to you both.
Thank you Amber…..
Our family is lifting you in prayer daily. Ana came to me tonight and said, “Mommy, I know everyone is sad about Ellie… but there is one good thing… I mean really, really good thing… Ellie got the best Christmas gift ever because she got Heaven!” Our hearts ache for your loss, but I thank God that we can also have a peace that surpasses all understanding knowing that Ellie is with our Creator…
Oh please tell Ana thank you….. it was the best gift. Love you all
chris and Charlotte thank u for have let my family come to see u and your family espressly for us to have chance to meet ellie our heart goes out to your family words can not express how much emotion and pain your family have feel my Condolence go out to your family she is with god now
Oh Henry – We were so privileged that you were here and that we got to share her with you. We love your family and are glad you are our friends. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives. Char
Praying for you and your family Mrs. Charlotte. I am so sorry for your loss of Ellie. She was beautiful.
I was so glad to see you today. I love you my friend. Char
Watching the slide show brought gentle drops of tears as I watch this beautiful daughter of yours light up the room with her smile and eyes that radiated love and warmth. I have always loved the Cushman’s eyes, every one of your children have the same radiance. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family, Ellie was strong and bold in her testimony just like a Cushman; I will keep you in my prayers as always. I am sorry for your loss but celebrate with you when the day comes and you are reunited with her. I love you Charlotte ~ gina
Thank you so much Gina-you are very kind~thank you for your sweet comments. Char