Back in the Day

Last week during a lesson in church a comment was made such as follows: I am glad that we don't live back in the pioneer times because babies died all the time....

Interesting comment coming from someone who has not lost a child. Just to make a point, might I add something? Just because we don't live in the "pioneer" times does not mean that tragedies and devastation does not happen.

All around us people are losing their houses (granted under different circumstances the pioneers lost their homes to fire, being driven from them, etc), losing babies (granted technology has decreased this number over time, but they still die, just maybe differently than they did back in the day).

The losing babies really holds a place in my heart because I am surrounded by mothers who have lost their babies or children. I also work in such a place where it is not uncommon to lose a baby from any number of causes.

So for the comment to be about babies just don't die all the time anymore, I just don't think that I can even come close to agreeing with it. Case in point: 15 months ago (has it really been that long?) there were 3 of us who started an "angel blog."

There are now over 100 members. Those are only from AZ and UT.... not that we exclude, that is just the majority of where our numbers come from. SERIOUSLY? That is ONLY the ones we KNOW about.

So just in case you were wondering what I thought :) there it is.

I also have something else to share. It was given at a friend's baby's funeral. He fought a good fight in his short little 6 months. He was a gift to all who were touched by him and his story. My heart is broken for that mother and father at this time. I am grateful that I am 15 months out. The pain isn't nearly so tangible as it used to be, although it is still there.

Here is the poem that was read. I was literally in sobs. I know the people around me were wondering what my problem was, after all, it wasn't my baby's funeral... but it may as well have been. So go and grab a box of tissues, because this one is a tear jerker.

Guess What Mommy & Daddy?
Guess what mommy & daddy,
Heaven is great.
Just like you said,
There's not much longer to wait.
Guess what mommy & daddy,
I have a guardian angel who comes at night.
I told him I wanted to go,
But the times not right.
Guess what mommy & daddy,
My angel came this morning.
While you were still in bed,
He came with a warning.
Guess what mommy & daddy,
When you were finally out of sight,
I told my angel,
The time is just right.
Guess what mommy & daddy,
When you still didn't know I was gone,
My angel put his hand in mine,
And I was no longer sick, I felt so happy & fine.
Guess what mommy & daddy,
When the hospital called, I saw you crying from above.
I saw daddy & how scared he was,
And I knew how much that I was loved.
Guess what mommy & daddy,
On the way to the hospital I heard you pray,
Don't take him, I'm not ready yet
I know you don't want God to take me away.
Guess what mommy & daddy,
I saw you walk into the Hospital, and ask is he gone.
I saw the look on your face when the nurse said yes!
It looked like you'd never go on.
Guess what mommy & daddy,
I seen you holding me tight.
I kissed you good-bye with my love,
And tried to tell you that I was alright.
Guess what mommy & daddy,
There's no more pain,
You can go on with your life,
And not feel so drained.
Guess what mommy & daddy,
I'll watch you all your days through.
And be like your guardian angel,
Just because, I LOVE YOU!!