A Time of Reflection

 Sitting in a quiet hospital room gives you lots of time for pondering.  I think it’s in the nature of everyone (or at least moms) to notice children who are similar to your own.  I know I do.  The sad reality is that there are not many living children like Aaron.  At least not when you consider all the children who are alive.  But at the same time, there are many who are at least born alive.  Aaron recently turned two. 


Addie

Over the past couple days, and within the next week, three other families will recognize their two-year-old girls’ birthdays.  But of necessity, they’re celebrations will be a bit different than ours.  See, all three of these girls have finished their mortal lives.  

Emalee

Sweet Addie, dear Emalee, and LittleFirecracker, also known as Lilly, have each passed on, leaving their families with huge holes that cannot be filled.  Because a baby, a child, is not like a piece of clothing that can be replaced.  It doesn’t matter how many other children you have.  Each one brings their own unique blessings and flavor to your life.  Each is irreplaceable.  

Lilly

And there are so many more.  There were over 100 balloons released on Aaron’s birthday.  Many, the vast majority, had names written on them of angel babies to whom they were dedicated.  Others went without names, but I know God knows them.  I am so grateful for all those who took time out of their lives to come celebrate with us.  I am also grateful for knowing my sweet friends and the chance to remember their babies and pray for them. 

A ^atime to be born, and a time to ^bdie; a time to plant, and a time to

pluck up that which is planted;

A time to weep, and a time to ^alaugh; a time to ^bmourn, and a time to dance;

Ecclesiastes3:2, 4

 Each Life that Touches Ours for Good

Each life that touches ours for good

Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord;

Thou sendest blessings from above

Thru words and deeds of those who love.

What greater gift dost thou bestow,

What greater goodness can we know

Than Christlike friends, whose gentle ways

Strengthen our faith, enrich our days.

When such a friend from us departs,

We hold forever in our hearts

A sweet and hallowed memory,

Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee.

For worthy friends whose lives proclaim

Devotion to the Savior’s name,

Who bless our days with peace and love,

We praise thy goodness, Lord, above.