On Saturday, July 27th, a week before we started our US trip, my niece Jane, sadly passed away. She was in the Intensive Critical Care Unit for a month before she passed and received such wonderful care and attention from the doctors and nurses at Flinders Medical Centre but they just couldn't fix that little bird. One nurse stayed hours after her shift to be with Jane until the end. Suffering from severe Cerebral Palsy, Jane's mum and Dad have cared for her at home for nearly 34 years, choosing not to put her in a home or institution. She also had many wonderful, dedicated day carers over the years who loved and looked after her too. Doctors were amazed that Jane had never needed intensive care ever before this time. All due her parents wonderful care.
We had to leave a few days before her funeral and I hated not being there for my sister and brother-in-law. They gave her a beautiful send off, in a pink coffin with beautiful flowers, releasing pink balloons into the air.
This verse was on Jane's memorial card ...
HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD
A meeting was held quite far from Earth.
"It is time again for another birth."
said the Angels to the Lord above --
"This special child will need much love."
"Her progress may be very slow,
Accomplishment she may not show.
And she'll require extra care
from the folks she meets down there."
"She may not run or laugh or play,
"Her thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways she won't adapt
and she'll be known as handicapped."
"So, let's be careful where she's sent.
we want her life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the parents who
will do a special job for you."
"They will not realize right away
the leading role they are asked to play.
But with this child sent from above
comes stronger faith, and richer love."
"And soon they'll know the privilege given
in caring for their gift from heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild
is Heaven's very special child."
Our hearts are broken for Fred & Snow who have lost their only child.
xxx
My sincere sympathy to you all, especially your sister & brother-in-law, at the loss of your niece. So sad.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing about your travels.
Hi Joolz,
ReplyDeleteSo soory to hear of the loss in your family too, very sad. The poem was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. Hope you have been able to enjoy your holiday despite the circumstances.
I'm so, so sorry to read this Joolz...I'm in tears here at the beautiful verse...
ReplyDeleteWishing you a good holiday...I'm sure your Sister understandsxo
what a beautiful poem.......
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem and a lovely tribute to your niece. Sympathies to you and your family xx
ReplyDeleteMuch sympathy to your family.
ReplyDeleteLovely poem.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your niece and my thoughts are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteAnne xx
I am so sorry for your loss. Your post is a beautiful tribute.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Lois
Oh, that is so sad! Praying peace and comfort for your sister and her husband and all your family!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute. My sympathy to the family.
ReplyDeleteOh, Julie, my heart aches for them at losing their only child. I'm so very sorry. What a beautiful tribute. I'd love to hear more about her life. My sincere sympathies to them and to you as well.
ReplyDelete