|
Sydney came into our lives
on November 1st, 2001
at 9:32 AM. After a wonderful
pregnancy, the delivery began on Halloween night with a full moon in the
sky. The first full moon on Halloween in 19 years. Early the next morning
on All Saints Day, this beautiful little girl showed her face for the first
time, making our dreams come true. She showed her strength immediately
after being diagnosed with a disease that affects only 1 in 10 million
people. She went through constant tests and procedures in the hospital,
more than most people do in a lifetime, but after every test was complete,
she assured us she was all right with that wide-eyed, peaceful look upon
her sweet face.
After that first week, her old wise soul was evident and she was able to
go home. She spent the next 11 days with her mother and father in her own
house. These were the most special days of her life. She slept in her crib
and listened to the comforting voices of her parents singing songs or
reading books. "Goodnight Moon" and "Fuzzy Bunny" were
her favorites. Throughout this time, she blessed us with so many memories.
A family member or friend was always by her side every minute of every day
to see the way she stuck her tongue out when she was hungry, how she
reached out with her long graceful fingers, and to the touch her dark hair
which she inherited so much of from her parents.
As she continued her fight here on earth, she touched and inspired
everyone who met her by displaying courage and toughness. She undoubtedly
felt all the love and prayers received from family, friends, and even
strangers who had heard her story. She even managed to reach the hearts of
the nurses and doctors who cared for her. Sydney
brought everyone together in joy and in pain.
It was in the arms of her mother where Sydney
decided to end her fight. She had struggled for so long and she finally was
able to rest. Another full moon dwelled in the sky the next day, once again
reminding us of the rare soul Sydney
possessed.
Why this happened we may never know completely, but what we do know now
is that all of us have an angel among the moon and stars to watch over us. Sydney
grabbed our hearts in the 4 weeks she spent with us in a way that can only
be felt, not described. The way she battled, and the strength she showed
must remind us how precious life is and how important each minute can be. Sydney's
spirit is safe now, and all of us who watched her through her suffering
must find comfort that she is now at peace and no longer in any pain. In
one month's time, this brave little girl taught us more about life than any
of us have learned in all of the years passed.
Sydney will never be
forgotten and the magnitude of her impact on every aspect of our lives has
to be realized. Sydney, our sweet angel, please promise to love and watch
over us, just as we will promise to miss you, remember you, and love you,
every day for the rest of our lives.
|
