A couple of months after her passing, Maren found the original Rascal--Sarah's most treasured and loved stuffed toy. While playing one afternoon, Maren and Sarah tucked Rascal in a suitcase with Barbie clothes. A few days passed and after several searches we could not find her puppy. The girls could not remember leaving him there. Distraught and sad was Sarah, for she missed her little Rascal. Grandma came to the rescue and found an identical dog and sent it via overnight mail. Sarah was thrilled; she assumed we had found her toy dog.
Before Sarah's casket was closed, we placed a few of her favorite things inside. Her treasured pink baby blanket, Rascal, and a flower representing all those times we went flower-picking together. You can imagine the emotions I felt when Maren, with tears in her eyes, came to me with the original Rascal she had found while playing. Now I have the Rascal that she cradled, kissed and loved so very much.
This morning Brian discovered a purple bunny barrette in his travel bag he used while staying overnight in the hospital one year ago this week. This little barrette contained one soft, brown strand of hair. What a tender reminder of our little girl. I carefully taped the hair and barrette to a piece of paper.
Shortly after her passing, I opened up the drawer of my nightstand and found the hearts Sarah and I had cut out and decorated a few weeks before she died. Along with the hearts, there was a small stack of artwork she had tucked inside the drawer for safe keeping. As I looked through them, knowing her hands had touched and created these love notes, I felt like these letters were sent from Heaven.
One year ago today Sarah endured a 24 hour fast from food and water in preparation for a biopsy which would determine the outcome of her disease. I am reminded of her example of courage, submissiveness and patience at this challenging time.
19 comments:
What sweet and tender memories you have of your precious Sarah! Even though I never met her, I love her. Thank you for sharing such personal thoughts and memories of your dear little angel.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
Thank you for posting this. I am continually touched by how beautifully you speak of your precious Sarah and I am so glad for the little treasures you are blessed with.
I think Sarah left those things for you to find at just the time you needed to. Thanks for sharing such a sweet reminder of her.
What cherished mementos you have. I am so glad you have these things.
What sweet tender mercies for your family, coming exactly when they are needed.
I love the scribble art! Oh, and the strand of hair. Simple things can be so precious when they remind us of someone we loved so very much.
I was thinking of Sarah throughout the day today after we walked by her bench. My kids, my mom and I went to feed the ducks and as we walked around the lake we passed by Sarah's bench. It reminded me how important it is for us all to treasure every moment with our little ones. Again this evening Sarah came to mind as I was contemplating the love I have for my own children. I am glad my thoughts led me to check your blog, because your "Precious Reminders" entry was so dear to read! We love your family and miss Sarah!
I remember this day last year very clearly. It is hard to believe a year has passed. We have been remembering Sarah today here.
What a sweet sweet post. I don't think that Rascal's misplacement could have been by accident. I agree with Angela. You found those lost items just when you needed them.
Sarah was so very very brave. I love that girl.
Thank you for such a sweet post! Isn't it amazing how the Lord blesses us with his tender mercies and allows us to feel such love?!? What sweet reminders of your beautiful Sarah!
Tender mercies. God's hand is in every detail of our lives. He is so mindful of us. I'm grateful Sarah's treasures continue to be found.
We love you Christine and we hope that throughout the years small love notes and other keepsakes will show up reminding you of Sarah's pure love and Christ-like attributes.
We love you Sarah, you set a wonderful example of the pure love of a child and the good things in life.
Wow, Christine. What a mix of emotions that would have been. And what a blessing it was that Maren and Sarah lost him! I think about Sarah and your family everyday. She will never be forgotten.
You already know how I feel. I can't even begin to share my tender feelings. Thanks for sharing Christine.
Hugs to you, Brian and your beautiful family!
Neil and I will be visiting Sarah's special resting place in 3 wks. Snap dragons were Sarah and Brittney's treasured flower. Also, Britt's favorite colors were blue and yellow. We will place those flowers in remembrance, of two beautiful Angels.....gone to soon.
Hugs, T
Thank you for sharing this sweet testimony of the Savior's love. You continually help the rest of us with your beautiful words.
Thank you for a beautiful post. I am so glad you have so many things to remind you of Sarah. I know they will bring you peace and joy for many years.
I love to read your blog. You amaze me at your strength.
God has an amazing way of touching our hearts with sweet reminders of His eternal plan.
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