remembering. . . .

Nicole was a lovely young lady, almost 13 and full of promise when she left for the next life. Today is the anniversary of her departure. I drove alongside the river this afternoon and turned into the "Coping Centre" an unbelievably beautiful, welcoming haven for grieving people. I joined some of her family and friends to commemmorate her life. How beautiful the surroundings. . lush, cool grass. . the river flowing silently by, the terraced fountain built by the same hands that raised her; a lasting testament to their great love for their only child. Today this lovely corner of remembrance was dedicated to her memory. Our group gathered to listen to tributes and words of reflection. We thought about Nicole and God and we thought about suffering and grief as we watched a small, white butterfly's flight path. Its been 3 years . . . Nicole was long limbed and slender, with lovely eyes and luxurious chestnut hair. Her energy was boundless, her hugs memorable and her singing voice lovely. She was full of her parents' enthusiasm for life -- she never did anything halfway. Her love for God was pure and simple. . . . .oh, i don't know how to word anything.. . . how do you talk about someone's life in a few clumsy paragraphs? how do you avoid the cliches and really say what's in your heart? I don't know if i can do it??? If it was possible for me to 'measure' Nicole's 'worth' by looking at her parents' depth of grief, i could only convey this worth with one word : infinite. I don't think i've ever seen such overflowing emotion. . it was the same in life as it is in death. . they never seemed to take her for granted and their gratitude for her presence with them was absolutely authentic. Their hearts were always full and their devotion to her and each other is rare in its intensity. Much love = much heartbreak. I can't begin to say how many people were affected by her death, or by her parents' faith in God that never wavered and only became stronger even as they went through that emotional minefield; sometimes crawling, sometimes not moving at all . . they never gave up and they've effectively channeled their energies to helping others. I love them dearly and admire and respect them immensely. . . " . . . our life has changed, we're taking it on faith.. . living every minute in His grace. The pain we feel is never far away, but His strength is in us every day. " M&H. . those lines are for you and you know where that's from and you've lived them and I'm so proud of you. love always. . . me.