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ST. GEORGE — Family and neighbors in St. George held a memorial party celebration for a little girl who would have celebrated her 3rd birthday this month.
Natalie Petersen died last month after a car backed into her while she was playing on her driveway.
“We miss her so much. Today is a really hard day, being her birthday. I added it up today, how many days we got to be blessed with such an angel," Jennifer Petersen, Natalie's mother said.
Rather than focusing on the tragedy, the community found new appreciation and strength through the life of Natalie.
Neighbors and friends not only celebrated the girl’s life with cake, signs and pink ribbon to commemorate her life of 1,068 days, each also brought a gift to be donated to the St. George Toys for Tots program.
"I think it's really important, because if she were here, she would love to have a birthday party,” Emma Petersen, Natalie's sister said.
But her real legacy is what she taught others around her during her short time on earth.
Following the news story about Natalie's death, Primary Children's Hospital received a huge response to its Spot the Tot safety program. Since the accident, nearly 10,000 complimentary reminder stickers were requested and mailed out across the state.
"Hopefully this story will save many lives," the hospital’s spokesman said.
Natalie's legacy also continues to bring a community together through cards, flowers, meals and prayers for the family following the tragedy.
"She's an example to me not to waste a day. It's still hard to say we're thankful for the way things turned out, but the blessings that have come from this are amazing," Chad Petersen, Natalie's father said.
"We just wanted to make sure we celebrated her and share with the community how grateful we are for their support,” Jennifer Petersen said.
Surely there will be hard times ahead. But those 1,068 days of that Natalie's life will remain in countless hearts during the days to come.
“Everyone just felt for them and wanted to do what they could to help and support them,” family friend Kally Campbell said.
