Angels Island

God will sometimes bring amazing people into your life and sometimes in the most heartbreaking way.

In December 2013, our community was hit with a tragedy so hard to comprehend. It made our local news and even national news. To read more about the tragedy, here is the story: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2524374/Three-girl-cousins-killed-mother-critically-injured-SUV-loses-control.html

In short summary, a woman was driving her 2 kids and 2 nieces when she was in a terrible car accident, killing her daughter, 11 at the time, and two nieces, both 5 at the time. She was in a coma for a long time. Her son, who was 3 at the time of the accident, survived.

You couldn't help but be touched by this tragedy. This was a very close family with 3 sisters, all 3 of whom lost a daughter in the accident. Years ago, they had also lost their father in a car accident.

I can't even imagine. First losing your dad/husband, then losing a child and 2 nieces. And the mother lost 3 granddaughters, had a daughter in very critical condition and had to be there for her 3 daughters as well.

Just too much to even begin to imagine what they were going through.

I didn't know the family at all before this accident but they sure hold a special place in my heart.

I joined their memorial page on Facebook and as time went on and the moms of the girls shared stories of their girls, I saw how close they were. How devastated and broken they were and continue to be. How this completely shook up their lives. How every single day was and is a major struggle.

I can honestly say I thought of them every day. As time went on, I didn't think of them less, I only thought of them more....so much more. It was like they became such a part of me and my life. They all taught me so much about life, how precious life is, how every moment with your children is special and should be cherished, and about sticking together through all of life's ups and downs.

A family I truly love and admire.

I started posting on the memorial page, just random thoughts or sayings that made me think of them. I've come to realize that if you feel something, you say it. I wanted them to know that I, a complete stranger, was thinking and praying for them.

As time went on and I posted more and more, I started having contact with the family. I'm not saying this to brag or boast about myself, but I was touched when I heard the family told me what an impact I had made on them. To me, all I wanted to do was be supportive and let them know I cared and was praying. To them, it was so much more than that.

You never know how your words will impact someone and never know how God wants to use you through your words.

What this family didn't realize was how much they impacted ME and taught ME so much. They've become such an important part of my life.

Our community built a playground in honor of the 3 girls called Angels Island. The grand opening was this past weekend.

There was absolutely no way I was going to miss this. This would be the first time I would meet the family that touched my heart so much.

Meeting them was simply amazing. It wasn't like was meeting strangers, but people I knew my whole life, people who were like family to me. The things they said about me touched me in such amazing ways and I felt so undeserving of the praise.

I can tell you, this family is even more special when you meet them face to face. It was such an honor to finally meet them and I hope to see them again real soon.

Here are a few pictures from that very special day:



The ceremony. So touching. I don't think there was a dry eye there.


Easton, the young boy who survived the accident, cuts the ribbon for the grand opening


They had a place there that you could paint a rock. Hannah loved doing this and loves to hold onto her rock that she painted.


The bench at Angels Island (forgive my finger in the way. I couldn't figure out how to edit the picture once I downloaded it here :))


Hannah loved the playground!


Hannah sliding on the bouncy house


The rock at Angels Island


The balloon release

What an emotional day. Like someone said, the strong winds that day was proof the angels were there with their powerful wings. So true! You could sure feel their presence. Can't wait to one day meet you sweet angels in heaven! You're so loved and have amazing mommies.

Hannah's first day of pre-K

My sweet Hannah,

This is a day I've been dreading since December 20, 2011 when you first came into the world--the day you would start school.

I know there are so many milestones in your life, so many times my heart will feel like it's breaking into a million pieces, so many times I'll be fighting tears, so many times the very thought of you growing up wants me to take you into my arms, hold you in my lap and never let you go.

As school was getting closer and closer, I could tell while you were so excited, you were also nervous for the fact that you would be away from me and I wouldn't be there by your side.

"But Mommy, I'm going to miss you so much! Aren't you going to miss me? I'm going to be so sad and all alone"

While I smiled and made light of it, telling you of course I would miss you but you'd have so much fun.....I admit, it broke my heart. It took so much for me to not let those tears fall that were so threatening.

I kept that excitement of school in my voice. I kept smiling. I kept telling you how much fun you were going to have.

What you didn't know was behind that excitement, my eyes were filling with tears. You didn't know about the huge lump in my throat. You didn't see me go into the bathroom just so I could shed a few tears in private.

I wanted to stay strong for you. You needed the encouragement that you could do this by yourself, that you didn't need Mommy, that you were a big girl--all thoughts I knew from the bottom of my heart and knew you'd be just fine.

I know I'm your rock--the one you go to for comfort, the one you feel so safe with, the one you look to for answers.

I didn't want to let you down.

While I was putting you into the car to go to school, I could see while you were excited, you were also a little scared. You were trying so hard to be strong but saying good bye to me was hard. I gave you the biggest hug and kiss with a huge smile, told you that you were going to have so much fun and that I couldn't wait to hear all about it.

You gave a small smile and said "Bye Mommy. I'll miss you".

What you didn't see as you were driving away and I was waving so hard with a big smile was the big tears coming down my cheeks.

I know every parent goes through it. There are so many emotional milestones. There will be so many we cross together.

Today Hannah I want you to know I am so very happy for you and so very proud of you. You are starting a new wonderful adventure and I know you're on track to have a very successful future. You are an amazingly strong little girl and I admire you so much for your courage.

Maybe one day you'll know that feeling of watching your daughter go to school for the first time---the smile you so bravely put on while wanting to burst into tears as you watch your sweet baby growing up.

I'll be right there with you. We'll cry together. Every milestone you go through, we'll go through together.

I will always be here for you.

Enjoy your first day of school sweetie. I know you'll have so much fun and you'll beg to keep going back. I'm excited to see all the projects you make, the friends you make, the things you learn about school and Jesus.

You are a bright and shining star and I'm so proud of the pre-K student you've become.

Love,

Mommy




Hannah and Sage and Jude (neighbor kids who will be in her class)



Hannah, Sage, Jude, Foreman and Mrs. Fisk (her teacher who is also our neighbor and she knows so well)


She's going to be a busy girl :) ("picture man" is a photographer)


Mommy, Daddy and Hannah. Hannah wanted to draw her letters "H" and "A" and wanted to show them off


Grandma, Papa and Hannah



My sweet baby is growing up

Hannah's Meet and Greet

Hannah starts pre-k on Friday. 

Soak. That. In. 

I can't even begin to describe my emotions right now. 

But last night was her meet and greet where we were able to go meet her teacher, see her classroom, etc. Hannah already knows her teacher & classroom very well so it wasn't so much about that but more about bringing in her school supplies. 

While I admittedly was holding back tears I loved watching her play with the kids and smile so much. I feel so confident in her being happy and taken care of. I'm blessed to know the teacher so well & trust & admire her so much.  I couldn't ask for a better teacher for my daughter. 

Here are a few pictures from the night:

She was a "tad" excited to go to school :)

Hannah and daddy at school 

Her first school project! She had to color the letters of her name and the glue them in order on the paper 

Playing with dolls. 

Mercy--give me tissues. :(

Vacation Bible School

Hannah recently went to Vacation Bible School at a nearby church. This church is special to me. While it's not our home church, we did go to AWANA there when we were kids & Mark & I got married there 14 years ago. So this church has a special place in my heart & I try to keep involved in it when I can. 

Hannah LOVED going to VBS this past week. She's still singing all the songs & telling us how Jesus loved us first. Love watching her love for God!

Here are a few pictures at VBS. (Pictures are courtesy of A Little Bit of Sweetness: Photography by Amber Lindo. 

Our local fair

Hannah was such a busy girl this past weekend at our local fair. 

She's still recovering from it--we all are. :)

She clogged at the fair & loved getting up on stage :):

She was excited to show off her babysitter's string art which got an exceptional! We are so proud:

My mom & dad were working in the fair and had a booth for their business of farm toys so she was busy helping...um bothering?...them all weekend:

She learned how to milk a cow :):

Of course she was able to pet lots of animals:

And of course we can't forget the rides!:

Hannah with her babysitters at the fair:

Hannah with mommy & daddy:

Hannah had a blast. We only live a few blocks from the fair so every time we drive by she begs to go back. It's hard to explain to a 3-year-old it's only open a few days a year. It's really tough to comprehend. :)

I loved seeing her smiles & obvious joy & fun she was having. There is nothing better than the excitement of a child :)