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:
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.
and promising you new life.
You are so loved.
What a beautiful vigil! And what loving sentiments...God is good!
ReplyDeleteI'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.
What a beautiful story your neighbor shared.
ReplyDeleteYour family and Kaitlyn are so loved.
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!
ReplyDeleteWhat a meaningful tribute to Kaitlyn.
ReplyDeleteSo eloquently put. Amazing how much meaning words have. Thinking about you all daily and sending positive energy and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteRespectfully,
Paul Tomayko
And the comment from Mr. Tomayko says it all, doesn't it. Kaitlyn's light will continue to shine.
ReplyDelete