Angels in Training

a Sandra Kuck painting

"Angels are the guardians of hope and wonder, the keepers of magic and dreams. Wherever there is love, an angel is flying by. Your guardian angel knows you inside and out, and loves you just the way you are. Angels keep it simple and always travel light. Remember to leave space in your relationships so the angels have room to play. Your guardian angel helps you find a place when you feel there is no place to go. Whenever you feel lonely, a special angel drops in for tea. Angels are with you every step of the way and help you soar with amazing grace. After all, we are angels in training; all we have to do is spread our wings and fly!"
-- Author Unknown

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Grown-Up Sissy

Sissy and Katie, having fun with cake!

Sissy is 18 years old today. Hard to believe that the picture above was taken when Sissy was four. I remember like it was yesterday... When they finished with the bowls, they used them for party hats.

"This is the day
which the Lord has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24

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By the 'Side

This is a pretty painting that reminds me of Katie. The little angel is so contemplative...

When Katie passed away, she didn't just leave me and her dad and her sissy. She had aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, too.

Her very "best" cousin was Tommy who was 18 months older than her. He was barely 9 when Katie left for heaven. Whenever he would talk about visiting Katie's grave, he didn't call it the "graveyard" or "graveside." He dubbed it The 'Side. All these years later, we still call it that.

Here is a poem I wrote while visiting there one day...

By the 'Side

I wonder what

would happen

if I lay down

beside you

and never got up

but the ground

is cold

and wet and hard

and I can’t

stay here

even though

I yearn to

I long to stay

here with you

but I must go now

because you would

want me to

you would not want

me here

this way

for katie by mom

~~~

Guardians

Katie's drawing of an angel

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. ~ Psalm 91:11

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Miracle

Every baby born into this world is a wonder from God. This song was written a few years ago about my firstborn.

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Miracle

On the day that you were born
A baby girl so adored
I looked into those blue eyes and saw
Such love and trust
The first time that I held you I knew
There was something so special about you
You were a miracle to me

On the day the doctor said
That it’s something really bad
I looked into those blue eyes and saw
Such wisdom and faith
You were just a little girl but you knew
God had something special planned for you
You were a miracle to Him

All the days that followed
It seemed so unfair
That one so brave and little
Could be so wise and aware
Of all the struggles you faced
Yet still believe
In miracles
What a miracle you are

On the day that you came home
They said the cancer was gone
I looked into those blue eyes and saw
Such strength and hope
You were ready for the world but we knew
Was this world special enough for you
You were a miracle to us

On the day the angel came
To carry you away
She looked into those blue eyes and saw
Such peace and joy
The first time that she held you she knew
There was something so special about you
You were a miracle to her

All the days that followed
It seemed so unfair
That one so brave and little
Could be so wise and aware
Of all the struggles we faced
Yet still believe
In miracles
What a miracle you were

for katie by mom

~~~