I don't know Sophie Quayle but I've blogged about her and I've prayed for her. You don't know her either but many of you have read about her here and on her blog, Smiles for Sophie. Sophie lost her battle with cancer on Saturday, October 6th. She was 4 years old. For Sophie I'm glad. She was not able to live her life the way a 4 year old should. For her parents and family, my heart breaks. No child should be so sick, no child should have to fight stupid cancer, no child should have to leave their family like that.
Maria is another little girl who recently lost her battle. Her family has set up a site here to help fund research for gliomas (Sophie and Maria's particular cancer). Also, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, if you're interested in donating.
Sophie's mom posted a poem that pretty much sums it up. It's kind of long but so worth reading. I know I need to remember it everytime I'm frustrated with my kids.
Just for this Day...
To my child...
Just for this morning, I am going to smile when I see your face, and laugh when I feel like crying.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say how perfect it is.
Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.
Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.
Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.
Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.
Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.
Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you.
Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub and not get angry.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars.
Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.
Just for this evening when I run my fingers through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that God has given me the greatest gift ever given.
I will think about the mothers and fathers who are searching for their missing children; the mothers and fathers who are visiting their children's graves instead of their bedrooms; and the mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms
watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.
And when I kiss you goodnight I will hold you a little tighter, and a little longer.
It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day...
-Sally Meyer copyright 1999
5 comments:
I am so sorry. I truly can't even think of anything to say. God bless the little ones and their families who have suffered so much along with them. If we learn nothing else, we need to remember that every day is a blessing and God's miracle given to us.
XO
Carolyn, ever since you blogged about Sophie I have been checking their site. My mind can not even grasp the loss that they feel. What a dose of reality for me on days when I think MY life is difficult.
As always, I love keeping up on your family happenings. Wish I kept up on my own better!
Heidi
I've been following Sophie's blog ever since you posted too. I was shocked to read that she lost her battle so soon. I am really sad to hear this news, and my thoughts and prayers are with them through this very difficult time! :(
I thought Sophie would have more time too, Leah. But then who are we to know that, right? She seemed to be getting a bit better but her mom said that they could be experiencing a "window of clarity" before the end. That's what it ended up being. You're right, Heidi, we can't fathom what they are going thru and I pray we never have to. (BTW, with 4 little ones I'm amazed you can blog at all!)
i can't believe it. it was looking like it was getting a little better there for a while. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.
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