One Year Ago today...

It was Friday, April 20, 2007. I remember sitting in my office thinking about the fact that it was Kaylie's Goddard's 1st birthday. So I called my co-worker Stephen, Kaylie's father, on his office phone and asked him what he and his family were doing for her birthday. He mentioned that they were going up to the hospital later that day to spend time with her as they did everyday. After I hung up with him, I kept mulling over in my mind whether or not I should go up to the hospital to take her a gift. I really wanted to so badly, yet I couldn't shake the feeling that I would be intruding on the family's time with her somehow. The following day, I considered dropping by the hospital with my husband and kids to pay Kaylie a visit, but I decided against it at the last minute. I wasn't sure what it was, but something in my heart told me to just let her have that time with her family. So I decided to wait until the following week and go during lunch hour to see her.

I would find out later that day that Kaylie passed away that afternoon. I was a complete emotional wreck. I actually became physically ill over the next couple of weeks. I felt like Kaylie was one of my children, in some small way. On top of that, my heart just ached and ached for Stephen and his wife. It seemed like too much for anyone to have to bear. I longed for God to tell me if there was something that I would be able to do for the family. It was such a horrible thing to experience for everyone that was touched by Kaylie's life and that loves that family.

I can't believe that it has been a year. I'll be praying for the Goddard's even more this week because I'm sure it will be tough for them. Please keep them in your prayers as well.

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Kaylie

I found out within the last hour that my co-worker Stephen's daughter, Kaylie, passed away yesterday afternoon. I feel complete anguish for Stephen and his family right now. For the last 6 months, I have prayed for Kaylie, and hoped that she would pull through her condition and have a healthy life here on earth. I can honestly say that I was completely unprepared to hear this news today.

My heart grieves with this family. Even though I have been crying since I found out, I am still only feeling a tiny blip compared to what the family is experiencing. I hope that they soon find comfort from the fact that Kaylie will never have to go through another rough day ever again. She is no longer confined to a bed, or a mask to receive oxygen. Yesterday was the beginning of a life of sublime happiness free from sickness for Kaylie.

Kaylie Goddard