I attended a funeral today for a four year-old girl who died after choking on a Super Ball. It got lodged in her throat, and they couldn't get it out. The paramedics worked on her for a long time, even the doctors at the hospital tried to save her. Her heart stopped, and by the time they got it started again, they realized that she had suffered severe brain damage due to the lack of oxygen in the time frame. She was put on life support, but her family decided to take her off of it after they realized the gravity of the situation.
This little girl, in four short years, had experienced more trials in her life than I have in my entire lifetime. She was born premature and was not expected to live. She was in NICU for quite some time as a newborn. When she was three, she was run over by a car, and survived! And, now, at age four, her Heavenly Father has called her home to be with Him again.
It breaks my heart, and I have so much sympathy for the family. It is hard enough to have a loved one die, but when they are so young it is especially difficult. Honestly, I can't even imagine what they must be feeling during this trial in their life. However, I feel that their family will be blessed because of the tremendous outpouring of love and support.
I knew that attending this funeral would be hard for me, but it was also a way for my heart to heal. With the recent death of my father, I have a lot of emotions that I am trying to process. Something in my heart told me that attending this young girl's funeral was important for me to do, no matter how difficult it would be for me. I am yet to comprehend how this form of grieving will benefit me, but I am willing to attempt it. I know that grief is different for everyone, and that it can not be defined or formalized.
2 comments:
What a hard thing to have to endure, I can't imagine having one of my children taken from me so young.
I'd like to tell you that it will get better, that you won't feel the pain of the loss from your dad, but I think you'll always feel it. It will never be easy, but it will be so exciting when you do get to see him again.
Love ya!!!!
Oh my gosh, how sad! I knew there was a reason I hated bouncey balls. I'm going through my kids toys again tonight to make sure we don't have any! Definitely makes you grateful for each and every day you have with your babies. I hadn't heard about your dad either (maybe I need to read back farther?), I'm sorry! My grandma passed away in the beginning of December. I thought I wad dealing pretty well but I saw an old lady in the store today that reminded me of her and I teared up, then my aunt sent an e-mail tonight with an old picture of her and my grandpa and it made me cry. Grief is a crazy thing!
Post a Comment