Dylan's Pad

One of the things I love about baking and blogging is that there is always a story to tell.  I count it an honor and blessing to be able to contribute to significant events in people's lives and then be allowed to share their stories here.  This story is bittersweet but very dear to my heart...

A few months ago a family I know faced the unimaginable when they lost their 8 month old baby boy suddenly.  In the time since this tragedy, they have been sustained by their family, church family, and their faith.  Their strength and genuinity is truly profound.

Their son had a toy frog he loved.  Following his death, the acronym F.R.O.G., Fully Rely On God, became crucial to them.  Their congregation had already planned to build a park behind the new church and decided to do so in their son, Dylan's, honor.  They named it Dylan's Pad.  (Get it?  Like a lily PAD that frogs typically sit on?)  The project was led by a member of the youth group the couple helped lead.  He is 13 years old and used the experience as his Eagle project. He did an amazing job organizing everything and showed maturity well beyond his age.  The project was finished in a little over a month, just in time for the church's fall kick off.

 

 

 

On the kick off Sunday the church did a ribbon cutting and dedication of Dylan's pad.  As fate would have it, the date was Dylan's would-have-been first birthday.  After the dedication there was a potluck and celebration, with cupcakes of course.  Frog themed, and green.

 The spread.

 

 White Almond cupcakes.  Dylan's Pad in fondant.  Green frog was a candy mold.

 

 Green Velvet and Chocolate cupcakes.

 

Green Velvet and Apple Butter cupcakes with Cream Cheese frosting.

I was humbled to be a part of the celebration of the short life of their baby boy, and the love and faith that has surrounded his death.  Truly inspiring.  Thank you to A+T and big sister N for letting me share your story.