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Friday, February 10, 2012

A Mom's Musings

Our neighborhood held a second candlelight vigil outside our home last night for Kaitlyn. One of our neighbor's friend has a blog and posted the following after the vigil last night. Her blog is http://michellespahr.blogspot.com

This is what she wrote:

Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Light No Darkness Can Overcome

 
 There is a little girl named Kaitlyn.
She lives only a few miles from us.
She is beautiful.
She has captured the heart of so many.
She is sick, very sick.
You can read all about her story if you click the link under her picture.


 Tonight her neighborhood had 
a second candle vigil for her.
I attended the first one with a friend 
who lives down the street 
from Kaitlyn and her family.
It was silent, prayerful, tearful.


This time, I took my kids with me 
since Brian was out of town.
Earlier today I showed Zachary 
Kaitlyn's website and picture.
I told him about her and asked if 
he would like to go to the vigil.
He said,"Yes!"
Then he asked, 
"Will the candles make her feel better?
Can I sing; 'Jesus please help Kaitlyn?'"
I held him tight and said, 
"Yes, Zachary, all those things 
would be wonderful and will help
Kaitlyn feel better."

So on our way to the vigil, 
I talked with Zachary about what it would be like.
I talked with him about standing quietly, 
saying prayers and sending Kaitlyn loving thoughts.
And that is what happened, at first.


Then there was the cat.
Our friend's cat, actually.
All the kids wanted to pet him and chase him.
They started talking and playing with the cat.
Then Kaitlyn's dad came out 
with her little brother, Cole.
Cole loved seeing the other kids,
and the kids loved Cole. 
Then the laughter started,
and the running,
and the chasing of the cat.

At first, I kept trying to get Zachary 
to stop and settle.
And then I heard the whisper in my ear.
It told me to let them be,
to let them laugh and play and smile.

It was the most amazing vigil I have ever been to.
Amidst the sadness and heartbreak,
I heard Jesus whispering,

"Don't forget that I am here.
I am holding Kaitlyn in my hands.
I will not let her go.
Allow yourselves to grieve and be sad,
but remember that I am the Light of the world,
The light that no darkness can overcome.
So don't forget to smile and laugh and feel joy.
For I make all things new.
And Kaitlyn will be made new,
she will laugh and play and smile and chase cats.
Find hope, find peace and find joy in me,
for I am here."

I heard it so loud and clear.
The kids were living it right in front of us.
Joy.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice! 
Let your gentleness be evident to all.  
The Lord is near.
do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer and petition, 
with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.
And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philippians 4:1-7

And I can't stop thinking about it.
The vigil was not what I thought it would be tonight,
Instead, it was exactly how it was supposed to be.


Kaitlyn's Candle in her window

 Dear Kaitlyn, Deanna, Chip and Cole,
may you know that Jesus is with you,
holding you, grieving with you 
and promising you new life.

You are so loved.

7 comments:

  1. What a beautiful vigil! And what loving sentiments...God is good!

    I've been watching your journey through your blog for the past two weeks...our prayers are with you. Our dear friends just lost their little boy (6) last weekend due to another rare disorder...so our hearts are praying for yours. Thank you for sharing Kaitlyn (and Cole!) with us.

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  2. What a beautiful story your neighbor shared.

    Your family and Kaitlyn are so loved.

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  3. This is so touching! Thanks to all of you for supporting my nephew Chip and his family in their time of need. They are so lucky to have so many people that care. It is difficult for all of the relatives that live so far away and want to be there. God bless all of you!

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  4. What a meaningful tribute to Kaitlyn.

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  5. Catherine Nolte AndersonFebruary 10, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    So eloquently put. Amazing how much meaning words have. Thinking about you all daily and sending positive energy and thoughts.

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  6. I want you to know that you have changed my life. In recent years, i have become cynical and bitter. Things have taken a huge turn for the better, and after reading about Kaitlyn and your family, i have realized that what i thought were problems in my life were nothing. Your little girl Kaitlyn may have very well saved me. A beautiful little girl whom I've never met helped me see life for what it really is. She renewed my faith in mankind. My heart still aches, but now it aches for you and Kaitlyn. May God continue to watch over and comfort her (and you as well). Thank you so very much for sharing your story. I wish you peace and love.

    Respectfully,

    Paul Tomayko

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  7. And the comment from Mr. Tomayko says it all, doesn't it. Kaitlyn's light will continue to shine.

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