Happy Birthday 2013
Seventeen years ago I became a mother.
January 29 1996.
I have just finished reading an essay that my niece wrote for school.
Heather and my niece were eleven months apart and best friends. They were inseparable. My niece wrote about her memories of the event that changed all our lives
forever. September 6th 1999 the day that Heather was taken from us. (If she gives me permission I may most it later.) It made us all cry.
Heather (littlest one) and her cousin
These pictures are definitely my favorite of the cousins and best friends.
Every year on Heather's birthday we let balloons go as we remember her.
This year it was raining - quite hard but we still did it.
In fact a lot of our family let off balloons even though we couldn't be together.
My brother and his kids (My sister in law is camera women!)
My brother in law and his girls. The two oldest are the cuties in the pictures above with Heather! (My sister is taking the picture.)
We love you and miss you...
Heather Elisha January 29 1999 - September 6 1999
"I’ll lend you for a little time
A child of Mine," He said.
"For you to love the while she lives,
And mourn for when she’s dead.
It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call her back
Take care of her for Me?
She’ll bring her charms to gladden you,
And should her stay be brief,
You’ll have her lovely memories
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from Earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I’ve looked this wide world over
In My search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes,
I have selected you;
Now will you give her all your love,
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call
And take her back again ?
I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For all the joy Thy child shall bring,
For the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter her with tenderness,
We’ll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known,
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for her
Much sooner then we planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.
A child of Mine," He said.
"For you to love the while she lives,
And mourn for when she’s dead.
It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call her back
Take care of her for Me?
She’ll bring her charms to gladden you,
And should her stay be brief,
You’ll have her lovely memories
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay,
Since all from Earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I’ve looked this wide world over
In My search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes,
I have selected you;
Now will you give her all your love,
Nor think the labour vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call
And take her back again ?
I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For all the joy Thy child shall bring,
For the risk of grief we’ll run.
We’ll shelter her with tenderness,
We’ll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we’ve known,
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for her
Much sooner then we planned,
We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand.
Edgar Guest
This is a beautiful post, Heather came and left us so quickly but she helped our family be stronger and tied together more deeply and is never far from us. Love you
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post, made me cry. I still remember that day as well. It hit a lot of people very hard. What I remember most was what a wonderful example you and your husband were to all of us. You were a strength to us. We saw how you handled pain with grace and a sure knowledge that you had a Father In Heaven who loves us and is aware of us. You stood firm. I don't think I could have handled that with as much dignity and grace as you and Andrew did. I shall always love your little family.
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for your loss, but I am glad you and your family have found a way to remember her and celebrate her life that makes you smile.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful memorial to your daughter. (((HUGS)))
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely memorial for your daughter.
ReplyDeleteMy heard breaks for you. The reunion in heaven will be joyous! Thanks for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful way to remember her, thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDelete