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

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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

~~~

Peace of God

Still smiling, even while in the hospital... that was my brave girl.

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7

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A Good Point to Ponder

Artwork by Katie... Quote by Sissy

Hilarity ensues when madness is a constant, a happy madness bathed in laughter. Away from the fears of life, the stress and shame of existing. The failings of mankind. Just happy laughter. If only for a moment more. ~ Sissy

~~~

Another Birthday...

Tomorrow is Katie's birthday. She would have been 19 years old. Ten years ago, on her 9th birthday, I wrote this poem for her...

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Nine

Dear God Our Father in heaven

It’s an extraordinary day!
For You have with You a little girl
Who’s nine years old today.

I know that You will celebrate
Oh so joyously,
But Lord, please heed this prayer,

As a special favor to me.

I could make a list of all the gifts
That she’d really love,
But what delights her most of all
Is just a simple hug.

She’d enjoy blowing out the candles
On her birthday cake,
But that won’t be necessary,
For what wish would she make?

She already has everything
That a little girl enjoys –
A golden playground in the sky
Filled with lots of toys.

She can run through the clouds
And laugh, sing, and play;
She probably sits in Granny’s lap
And cuddles every day.

With angel friends to play with
And chase among the breeze,
She’s the happiest she’s ever been –
Healthy, whole, and free.

So as angel choirs sing
The birthday song for her today,
Please touch our hearts and send
Your loving peace our way.

I know that every day is wondrous,
Up there where You’re from,
But Lord, please wish my angel
“Happy Birthday” from her mom.

for katie by mom
April 17, 2000
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Easter Traditions

I had the incredible opportunity to spend Easter with my little grandniece and grandnephew yesterday. They are so precious! Thank You Lord for the children, both big and small.

Tomb, thou shalt not hold Him longer;
Death is strong, but Life is stronger;
Stronger than the dark, the light;
Stronger than the wrong, the right...

~Phillips Brooks, "An Easter Carol"

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