When an EF4 tornado destroyed Matt and Macy's home in March 2020, they lost far more than every possession they owned. They lost their four-year-old daughter, Hattie, and suddenly found themselves learning how to navigate a life they never imagined.

Like so many families, they were surrounded by incredible love in the days that followed. Friends showed up. Their church carried them. Meals were delivered. But as time passed, another question quietly emerged.

How do you celebrate the birthday of a child who isn't here?

About a year later, Faithfully Restored reached out with an unexpected invitation to send their family away for Hattie's birthday. They ended up spending the day at Dollywood—a place Hattie had loved—and what began as a simple weekend became something much more meaningful.

That evening, Matt asked Macy if it felt like they had honored Hattie well.

For the first time, the answer was “yes”.

Every year since, they have returned to Dollywood on September 9 with birthday cake in hand. Faithfully Restored didn't simply give their family a weekend away—they gave them a tradition that continues to bring peace, joy, and remembrance on one of the hardest days of the year.

Years later, cards still arrive. Small gifts still appear. Most importantly, someone still remembers Hattie.

"The weekend was a gift," Matt says. "But what Faithfully Restored really gave us was a plan for how to honor Hattie's birthday. That's something we'll carry with us for the rest of our lives."

Matt and Macy’s journey didn’t end there. Watch the full video here.