Yesterday I attended the funeral services for a fourteen-year-old girl. It feels so inherently wrong to attend a funeral for a child. I'm not saying that a child's life isn't to be celebrated, not at all. Her life touched the hearts of many people, and she left a legacy just as we all do. It's just that it is not what we expect. It's not supposed to be this way. Parents don't expect to outlive their children. I can't imagine how difficult this must be. How do you pick up the pieces and go on after losing your child? Life doesn't always make sense, and it definitely is not always fair.
The little girl was the daughter of my friend and co-worker. Some of you who have been reading my blog for a while will remember me talking about this little girl before. For the past two years she has struggled and fought a battle against a malignant brain tumor. Unfortunately, she did not win this battle. Her parents did everything they could to help her fight the cancer, trying both conventional and unconventional treatments, but nothing worked. In spite of the odds, they held onto hope that a miracle would happen for their little girl. When hope is all you have, you hold onto it pretty tightly. The miracle never took place and this little girl's family, and indeed, our entire town is mourning her passing. The church for the services yesterday was packed. Every pew was filled.
A couple of years before she was diagnosed with brain cancer, this little girl sang the song, "I Can Only Imagine," by the group Mercy Me as part of a school program, and her performance was recorded on video. That video of her singing this song was shown as a part of the memorial services. There was not a dry eye to be found in that church as we listened to her sweet voice sing this song.
This little girl loved the cartoon character, Snoopy. If you are of a certain age, you may remember the way Snoopy danced when he was celebrating something. The family of this little girl stated that they'd like to think that their little girl is dancing that same celebratory dance that Snoopy danced, now that she is free from pain and suffering and in heaven.
Hug your kids, hug your grandkids, folks. Keep close all those you hold dear. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us, no matter how old or how young we may be.
If you are not familiar with the song, "I Can Only Imagine," you can listen to it here. It is a song of celebration and wonder and joy. Happy Sunday, everyone.
29 comments:
I remember this precious little girl very well. I am sad to learn of her passing. My deepest sympathy to her family and all of you who loved her so.
This is a beautiful song and Snoopy's happy dance always brings a smile. Like her family, I picture her dancing now that she is free from pain.
God bless each of you during this time of grief.
So sad to hear of anyone let alone a child. Like you I wonder how anyone can ever really go on after the loss of a child. I will be praying for her family that God will give them the strength they need to get through this terrible tragedy..Susie
Oh Daisy...I am so very sorry...I do remember you talking about that little girl before. We are headed to Atlanta tomorrow to attend Susan's funeral. Susan fought the good fight --but didn't win either.. BUT--I think it's much harder when it's a little child... God Bless her family and friends.
Hugs,
Betsy
Thank you, Mildred. This has been a very long and difficult period for her family. They are grateful that she will suffer no more pain.
Thank you, Susie. I'm sure her family will greatly appreciate your prayers.
Thank you, Betsy. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow on your trip to Atlanta. You and Susan's family and friends are in my prayers.
Thank you for sharing this lovely song. My heart is breaking for her family.
I'm glad you liked the song, Diana. I thought it was quite beautiful too.
Oh Daisy. This post certainly puts things in perspective, doesn't it? I am so sorry to hear this. I am also sending up prayers and support for her family.
this is so very sad and touching, Daisy
The video is not available in our country its OK. Snoopy sure can bring joy to all. Kinda feeling sad for the parents of that little girl.
Betty, my husband said the same thing about how this puts things in perspective. Yes, it does make me look at things a little differently.
David and Bananaz, yes it's been a very sad time for this family. I guess sadness comes at some time or another for everyone, but this particular sadness just seems so overwhelming. I'm sorry you weren't able to view the video, Bananaz.
Oh man, that has got to be a hard one. I always thought that if I lost a child the only thing that would keep me out of a permanate fetal position would be my other children. Oh that poor family, but to have gone through all the months and days of pain and quiet anguish, that has got to be crushing.
Thats so sad Daisy. I'm tearing up thinking of her singing that song and at her own funeral. I can't imagine what this family is going thru. Unfortunately or maybe fortunately we don't know what our future will hold.
I am still going thru a bunch with my son. Daisy - I'm trying to keep him hanging around for a long time girl. He is still being bothered by the witch he was married to and he saying that he will NEVR get over her. Phooy on that. Anyway keep me in your prayers. I am on my toes constantly now trying to be proactive in all of this stuff.
Lanny, yes they went through so much trying to help her. She had several surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation and other treatments less well known, but it was a losing battle no matter what they tried. The girl's dad is a minister at one of our local churches and his faith and his wife's faith are very strong which has helped them deal with all of this, but still it has been a long, very tough two years for them.
Becca, I am sorry to hear your son is still struggling so much. I know you have already been through quite a bit in trying to help him. Yes, indeed, I will keep you and your son in my prayers.
So horrible. I can't even imagine how her family must feel. Hurts to think about.
Cary, I agree. I can't imagine it either. I know this sort of thing happens to people of all ages every day, but this just struck very close to home for me. I work with and am a good friend of the girl's mother. My younger son and the girl's brother are friends at school and at church. This was very difficult to have to sit back and watch and have no control over.
So sorry to hear about the young soul passing on to the great beyond.
Sometimes very little makes sense, expectations running up against a harsh reality, where loss is permanent, and hope, a faint trail in the sky near the far horizon.
Time will rarely heal completely, only memories will seek to paper over the loss in ways that represents all that was precious about the child that was taken away.
Thank you, Anil P. I guess memories are all they have left to hold onto now. Her life was short but she left a lot of love behind for her family to remember.
So saddened by the news in this post, Daisy. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends, such as yourself.
Thank you, Beatrice. They are much appreciated.
My heart goes out to you and to her family. I remember the first time I heard that song....goosebumps doesn't begin to describe it.
Thank you, Karen. It is a very moving song, I think.
How sad. What lovely treasured memories her family have of her. My condolences to the family.
They do have a wealth of good memories. Thank you, Lynne.
It's so tragic when a young life is taken. One of my best friends died at 19 and the day of his funeral one one of the saddest and upsetting days of my life.
Ryan, I'm so sorry to hear that. I can understand how devastating that would have been for you. My sister died at the age of 24 from a car accident. I was 21 at the time, and that was probably one of the most difficult times I can remember in my life, too.
So sorry to read this Daisy, I do remember her from your blog.
Thank you, Sandy.
Oh Daisy :-( I remember her story.
I'm so sorry to read this.
Love and prayers to her family
Thank you, Michelle. Her mom is having a tough time of it. I'm sure your prayers will be appreciated.
Post a Comment