My husband and I own a small, country funeral home and we mutually decided that our newborn baby daughter would come to work with me. We named her after Saint Sofia, the patron saint of widows. I remember bringing her into the parlour on the second day of her life. It just felt right.

Over time, Sofia became the funeral home's unofficial grief counselor. She seemed to always know who needed the most comfort and would reach for them. Her innocent presence would create a calming effect, and family members loved to cuddle her. I would watch, my heart swelling with such love for her and the beautiful gift she unknowingly gave the community.

Sofia sat on my lap in many photos for articles in local papers. People stop by just to see how she's growing and to hold her for awhile. She is recognized everytime I take her somewhere as the precious angel who completes the circle of life.

Elizabeth Fournier www.elizabethfournier.com