Each life that touches ours for good

I was given a gift . . . several gifts actually ~ from Kristy ~ our sparkly star. I treasure these gifts created and shared in moments and memories with her. All of us who really knew her, found a loyal friend who was generous to the core.

A few nights ago, she left me with the gift of her big beautiful smile as she walked out my door. I was given the priceless gift of a 'last moment' that has bound itself into my heart, and is helping me try to cope. Though we all crave for the chance to rewind time, time will push forward and moments will come and go with sudden speed and the day will arrive when we find ourselves reunited again with loved ones we've been tenderly missing. That is a fact that Kristy knew and believed with all her heart.

I want to share some of my last moments with her - with all of you.

It was Thursday night and she had just called to solicit some help with a project she was working on, and she told me to check my email before she arrived. She came, we sat down together, and I handed her my little baby Isaac to hold. She cuddled him in her arms - breathing him in, hugging him, and kissing his little bald head. Then she sat next to me while I read this poem from her email:

A Mother’s Midnight Prayer

Help me remember, when I feel it’s a chore,

The time will come when I will hold him no more.

Asleep on my chest, the crib refused,

The blanket, the pacifier, gone unused.

What better place is there to lay his head,

Than against my heart, my arms his bed?

For infants grow up and leave us behind

With only memories left to remind.

Of midnight waking and predawn rocking,

Of soft helpless babies unable to sleep.

So, make me patient and keep me awake,

While I cradle this child, and don’t let me take,

For granted the moments I spend in the night

With this baby, a gift, my joy, my delight!

I ache for Kristy's family, for her sons, for her parents and siblings - I ache for David's family. And I ache deeply for my friend who wants desperately to hold and kiss her little Carter and Brandon - to dress them with affection. I am so grateful for the gifts of time, love, concern, laughter, often shock & surprise ;o), encouragement, and faith that Kristy gave to all of us. She is leaving a hole in the world that just won't be filled until we're back together again.