As I look out from the window in our family room and see the colors of Fall, I am reminded of events one year ago. Sarah spent her remaining days in the family room resting on the recliner or lying on the couch. Her weakness seemed to increase daily, but Sarah still smiled and found pleasure in simple things such as: her toy dog Rascal, her soft pink blanket, warm cookies and sippy cups filled with "Papa" (chocolate) milk or "bunny" (strawberry) milk, listening to peaceful music, watching Disney's classic episodes of Chip and Dale, and holding Caroline. My favorite moments of the day were sitting next to Sarah while nursing the baby. Sarah's little feet would rest on my legs. We would talk about our favorite things and try to guess the color of rainbow flavored miniature marshmallows as we closed our eyes and put them in our mouths. From the sofa we saw the same red and yellow colors in our backyard trees that I see today.
One year ago today I recorded the following in my journal. "This afternoon the children and I sorted through a stack of photographs. While looking through all of them I felt peace and happiness in my heart. Sarah has had a wonderful three years on earth. The pictures showed a very happy, well loved little girl! How I will treasure these photographs for years to come."
Today I have found comfort looking through photographs taken in November of last year. We had the opportunity to travel to Utah for Thanksgiving. This was a special week to share with family. We were grateful Sarah was well enough to travel. She was so excited to visit with her cousins and grandparents. Here are some of my favorite pictures taken during this week in Utah.
Grandma surprises the girls with new dresses
Sisters dancing to music
Watching a Christmas movie together
A tea party with Rascal and cousins Amelia and Madeline
Enjoying appetizers before our Thanksgiving feast
Sarah playing with Zoey
A quiet moment together
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Our family on Thanksgiving Day
13 comments:
Oh, the tender, bitter-sweet memories these photographs bring.
How happy we were to have your family come for the Thanksgiving holiday but how terribly sad it was as you pulled away from our driveway headed back to Texas. Our sweet, angel Sarah, reminds us how grateful we are for our Father's plan of happiness.
Thank you for your tremendous example of cherishing your children every moment.
Christine, What precious memories you have. Thank you for sharing them with us all.
What sweet moments to cherish always. I realize the joy the gospels brings to our lives as I read through your thoughts and memories for we know there is a plan of happiness. We know we will be together again. What a sweet example you are Christine of how important it is to nurture precious moments day by day. I love you. take care,
I have been thinking about you and Sarah today. I just love those Christmas dresses. And from your journal. Thinking of you.
Beautiful pictures. I thought about Sarah all day yesterday it brought a smile to my face thinking about her and the love she shared for everyone, especially babies.
Thank you for sharing your own thoughts and pictures.
I will never forget the time we spent with your family over the Thanksgiving holiday. These pictures bring back many memories, both happy and sad. Last night I looked through some of your early 2008 posts. What priceless photographs of Sarah! My favorite: Her second birthday when she received her Minnie Mouse doll. My second would be one where the kids are at the park and all peeking through holes on the play equipment. Classic Sarah look.
Christine, You don't know me, but I am a friend of Allen Hullinger's. I lost my mother very unexpectedly just 10 days after you lost your Sarah. Just yesterday, I wrote in my own blog about the memories I have of my last days with my mother. Doing simple things, like you and your family - sitting on the couch together, our last Thanksgiving, our last conversation. I am truly inspired by your faith, your strength and your ability to see moments of beauty in these times of sorrow and trial. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Best to you and yours,
Beth
Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures. You continue to be in my heart and prayers.
Christine, you have been blessed with the gift to sift through the unimportant things in this life to focus on the most valuable experiences and reasons we are on this earth. Thank you for teaching us.
I remember helping Sarah make a picture for Grandpa while at Carrie's house for Thanksgiving Dinner. As soon as she was finished she wanted to watch Care Bears. What a sweet spirit. I will always cherish those few precious minutes I was able to spend one on one with Sarah.
I have loved seeing these precious pictures of Sarah. I am sure this time of year is bitter-sweet for you. I am amazed at your ability to be happy and positive despite the sadness of separation. People sometimes told us that after Lucy passed and I thought, "I'm only doing this because I have to", but I've learned we all have a choice about how we live and feel. Thank you for your example of faith and love! No doubt Sarah is smiling today. :)
I love you, Christine!
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