07 April 2011

Today marks the third anniversary of the day our baby girl left us for Heaven. I've spent the day remembering all the little details of her life I can - especially the details of the very day she passed away.


I remember exactly where I was sitting in this very house when I felt her kick for the last time. Man, how I want to go sit there again and be able to feel that kick just one more time.

I remember where my feet paced the floor as I talked to my sister on the phone that night, worried that something was definitely wrong.

I remember where I was sitting when Ryan brought me another glass of orange juice as we tried in vain to encourage our baby girl to give us a sign of life.

But what I remember most of all - as we learned the news that our child's life had ended and in the days that would follow, was the knowledge and comfort that our daughter was home!

And on both that day and this day I know without a doubt, that though death is a thief, Heaven is not a consolation prize to life - it's the Grand Prize! Oh, Evie-girl, you are in paradise! And our God, He is so, so good.

Missing our tiny Evie Grace today. Wishing she were here. Feeling the sting of death in our home as her absence is pronounced on what would be her third birthday this coming Saturday. And praising Jesus for conquering death once and for all, making available to all who believe - the hope of Heaven!

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever."
Revelation 22:1-5

18 comments:

stephanie joy said...

hugs to you!
i'm sure it's all still so fresh in your mind.
i don't know if a loss ever loses it's significance in a mother's life, no matter how big or small.
may you feel close to our heavenly father today...
thanking Him for all the little things that sweet Evie has left behind.
and praising Him that she is up there dancing in heaven!
xo

Brittanie said...

Thoughts and prayers with you. I have 3 1/2 weeks left until my Cora's 5th birthday. I love that line though "heaven is not the consolation prize." One day we will see our beautiful daughters in all their glory and in all His Glory. Won't that be a wonderful day?

((hugs))

nault's nook said...

((hugs))
thinking of you during this time and celebrating for three beautiful years with our Savior!

Tracy said...

Rae-
I think of Evie often. Of her life and her legacy through you. Whenever I read about her last hours, my heart is just heavy for you. But, then, you always remember where she is now and who's she is. That's pretty wonderful.

Much love,
T

Claire Wise Photography said...

love to all of you

Ashley Beth said...

Praying for a sense of comfort for your family in these days. Heaven is Evie's gain, indeed! Rest and rejoice in His mighty hands today and always.

mamaK said...

Peace and prayers to you and your family. And the greatest comfort of all from the greatest Comforter.

Taylor said...

Such beautiful words for your beautiful daughter. May today bring you comfort, joy and peace. You are one incredible mama!

Sarah-Anne said...

virtual hugs to each and every one of you, raechel. you are so strong.

shannon said...

May the Lord be with you today. Thank you for sharing your beautiful girl and her story with all of us. We cry, we rejoice, and look to Him with you. Praying for your family today.

Anonymous said...

you are a beautiful writer :)

Heidi said...

Beautiful words!

BARBIE said...

May God wrap you up in His arms of love today and may you feel a sweet kiss from your Evie Grace!

Ashley said...

Hugs & love to your sweet family.

Bacon Writer said...

thank you for sharing your journey with us... beautiful post, praying for God's grace to be all over you guys.

Lily Dawn said...

Love to you today =)

Emily said...

Satan revels in death... he loves to make us fear it, take bitterness from it, doubt and curse God in it. When we choose to celebrate and worship God through it, it steals all Satan's power and joy!
Prayers for you all this week...

Unknown said...

we just hit the three year mark in December when our baby passed away, its tough, my thoughts are with you. The pictures at memorial were beautiful, looks like a perfect day.