Memories...

Artist Katie with her masterpieces proudly displayed in the hospital room...

The past couple of weeks have been hard on my in-law family. Our grand-niece Sophie, a beautiful 3-year-old with cystic fibrosis, has been in the hospital. She has been gravely ill and there were times when we just didn't know how things were going to turn out.

Her mom, dad, baby brother, grandparents, aunt, and all of the extended family have been praying for her continuously. Finally... today she came home from the hospital! Praise God!

Times like these bring back so many memories for me. Thoughts of Katie come to me and the experience we shared seems like yesterday, not almost 12 years ago. The onslaught of pain to my heart overwhelms me as I recall the days and nights of long hospital visits. The IVs, the shots, the bandage changes, not to mention the chemo.

As I type this, I feel split in two somehow. One part of me is so sad and longing, weeping, wishing, wondering what life would be like if I could just hold Katie one more time... On the other hand, I am grateful that the Lord gave us seven years with an angel. I feel blessed for those midnight rides down the interstate, rushing to get to UNC. Me and Kate-Kate against the world...

Most of all, I am thankful for the children that are still here on earth with me. I have a lovely teenage daughter who is sweet and has a generous heart. I have my grand-niece and grand-nephew; I will watch them grow up... And I will smile and be glad.

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