I'm working on writing about Faith's birthday and the events of that day.  My weeklong stay in the hospital took it's toll on me and I'm still fatigued and emotionally drained.  So for now, I thought I would post a letter I wrote to Faith.  This was read at the memorial service for Faith last Saturday, August, 22. 

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the Lord."

Psalm 27:13-14

To our sweet and precious Faith,

We know the Lord had already ordained the events leading up to your birthday, Faith.  We knew there was a chance of you being taken home before your birthday.  Yet we desired for so many things to take place on your birthday.

We hoped that we would be able to say “Hello” to you in person. 

We hoped to be able to see your eyes.

We hoped we would introduce you to your big sister and brother.

We hoped to be able to give you a bath and put on your birthday dress.

We hoped we would be able to sing a song to you.

For reasons known only to Him, The Lord chose to bring you home before we could do these things.  We don’t know why he took you home so soon and part of me feels angry that we were denied these desires.  These were simple things that we wanted.  It seems cruel to deny us these moments especially since we knew there were so many other things we would miss out on.

We would never see your first smile.

We would never see you crawl or walk for the first time.

We would never hear you say Mama or Dada.

We would never see you ride your first bike.

We would never see you lose your first tooth.

We would never hear you read your first book.

We would never see you dance, or play an instrument, or hit a baseball.

We would never see you get your driver’s license.

We would never see you graduate.

We would never see you get married.

We would never see your first child.

We knew that none of these things would be a reality for you.  Yet we know that even though we were denied those few simple things to experience with you, your time with us was not in vain.  I know that while you were in my womb, you did get to experience some things.

You could hear my voice when I gave praise to your Creator.

You could hear the laughter of your big sister and brother when they played.

You also received the many hugs that were given to me.

Your life story has touched many lives and will continue to minister to others.  We are able to endure the pain of your absence knowing that the Lord had a purpose for your life and that it was not in vain.  I know that now you are safe in the Father’s arms.   You are no longer in pain and your body is now without defect.  You were greeted by so many of our family members that have gone to heaven before you.  You are seeing and hearing the angels and all who dwell there sing,

“Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty; who was, and is, and is to come!”

We love you and miss you precious Faith and look forward to the day when we are all united in His presence for eternity.

Love, Mommy, Daddy, Hope and Nate