Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Remembering Abby, Six Months Later...

Six months ago today, my sister’s life and the lives of every member of my family were changed forever. Six months ago today, our precious Abigail Rose, my baby niece, passed away. When I looked at the calendar today, it hit so hard. Has it really been that long? Or that recent? Sometimes, I’m not sure which it is.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

I’m haunted by the memories of those final days, I can recall with such clarity the drive to the hospital the day we knew would be her last. The music playing in the car, “10,000 miles” a song that still haunts me and reduces me to a puddle with the first few chords. [listen/watch] The last time I held her in my arms and kissed her little face. The day we said goodbye. Walking away from the place we knew her tiny body would be laid to rest. And the trip home. I took all of it with me. None of it was left beind, except the little token I left beside her in her coffin, a tiny silver heart inscribed with the words “we will miss you forever.” I knew it wouldn’t be forever before I’d see her again, but they were the best words I could muster at the time and best described the sorrow that was so overwhelming. -- and still is.

Fortunately, as a Christian, I know that Abigail is not in Staten Island, where my sister is headed in a few minutes to visit and lay flowers on her grave. I know that she is in heaven, that she is in the arms of our Lord, that she is free from all pain and suffering. I just wish sometimes we had had more time with her. I just wish I could kiss her little face again, look upon her navy blue eyes, and see her little "Elvis" sneer that I loved so much.



I know that everything happens for a reason but sometimes it is so hard to come to grips with. Fortunately, I know that even when I don’t have the words, I have God’s promises to stand on. I just pray that my sister would have this assurance and that she would realize that she never leaves her baby behind when her visit to the cemetery ends. Please keep that in prayer…

When we gather at our church and I see so many people singing songs of praise with such joy, I think about Abigail, my sister in heaven, and I think of how we will worship together someday – and that gives me comfort. In the meantime, I hold on to her memory, I cherish the short time I had with her, and take comfort in knowing she is more alive than I can ever conceive of.

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Still, I miss her...

11 comments:

ATurbeville said...

beautiful Nan. I will see you in a few. Love you and I am praying.

Anonymous said...

I'm very sorry. Little words I say could express adequate sympathy for your grief. I trust that all of your family find comfort knowing little Abby is in the arms of the Lord in eternal glory. That's our promise.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful words and thoughts from a beautiful woman.
I am so proud of you for so many things, but mostly - just because you are Nancy.

Theresa

Corry said...

I am so sorry, girl.

I have no doubt that she knew how much she was loved and that's the greatest of all!
God bless y'all.

God's Grace.

Anonymous said...

abigail is with Jesus now. that's for sure. but i can understand how much you miss her. i feel the same way with my babies but i came to terms with the fact that they're in heaven now and i will be seeing them when my time comes. nan, i wish i'm there to give you a big hug. God bless you and your family always. (((HUGS)))

Amico Dio said...

I'm very sorry for the loss of your beautiful little niece Abigail.

I too have a child in heaven. I know there are no words to ease or comfort so I'll just say that I'm praying for your family.

God bless!

Tim said...

what a beautiful little girl she was. I'll bet she's more beautiful now, in the Father's arms....

peace, my friend.

Anonymous said...

*hugs*

KayMac said...

you have made us all care about and fall in love w/ abigail...and trust our Father that much more.

Amy said...

awww what a sweetie she is, so sorry for your loss...*hugs*

Tim said...

Nan: get back in the game. You've been tagged! (It's an easy one...)

Hope you're doing well, my friend.

092407