It was Monday, September 6, 1993. Labor Day. I was woken up with a phone call telling me my mom had gone into labor (only 2 weeks early) and she was in the hospital, but the they couldn't find the baby's heartbeat. My heart sank. This baby was quite the surprise, but we were ready for her to join our family and we were ready to face the challenges she had ahead of her in this life (heart surgery & down syndrome). I drove from Provo to SLC, probably in a daze. My mom had felt her moving the night before, but Alison's heart was not strong enough to endure labor. I remember holding her tiny lifeless body, thinking she was beautiful, and feeling like she should move or open her eyes at any moment...because that's what babies do. I remember my dad calling my grandparents in Switzerland to tell them what had happened. I don't think I had ever seen my dad cry before - at least not like that. I remember the "fallen" leaf the nurse put on my mom's door, to let others know that a baby had died - so they didn't come into the room all happy & congratulatory. I remember after the nurses had cleaned Alison up, they brought her into my mom's room & we stood in there as a family and said a prayer - tears flowed, but mostly we felt an increase of love...for Alison, for each other and to our Heavenly Father. We knew this was part of the plan for Alison. She came to earth to get a body & that's all she needed. We felt her spirit in the room with us & felt as though she was telling us it was all ok, she was where she was supposed to be, and she loved us. One day we will have the opportunity to get to know her face to face, but that time would not be in this life.
I can't believe Alison would have been 15 today. It seems like forever ago, and yet she is still a tiny baby in my mind. I can't wait to meet her one day. I imagine she is beautiful, kind, gentle, loving, and strong in spirit. When I do see her again, I will know instantly that she is my sister, because her spirit is familiar to me. I bet she and my grandpa are the best of friends.
This is so beautiful and touching Amy. I'm glad we know you'll get to meet her. Love & hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that story Amy. Boys always leave out the details. Now I know why she is so dear to Aaron's heart.
ReplyDelete~Tasha
Thank you for this beautiful post. Can't you just hear Grandpa Huffaker say to Alison, "You're the bunk."? I'm sure they walk and talk and he's told her about us all and how much we love her. She probably has lots of questions for him. We all love Alison; we have felt her spirit so we know and love her too. It's difficult times like losing her that has cemented our family bond; we are so blessed by her being an eternal member of our family and are thankful for her, our guardian angel.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and your family. What a sweet remembrance of your special sister. I know you will see her again and there will be no doubt when you see her that she is your sister. You will have an eternity to get to know her. What a blessing the gospel is. I love you!
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me...I am Alicia's friend...but I lost a baby (Amberlee) last year. I was very touched by your story. We never know how closely connected we are, but I truly believe that they visit us from time to time. I am excited for you to see your sister again...without the challenges she would have faced. 15 years later...It is wonderful to view it from someone else's perspective, so much further down the road. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeth