I have so much I have always wanted to share with you about how Reese has touched my life but I have just never had the opportunity or I just can't find the words.
Today was my daughter's 2nd birthday and every milestone we hit with her makes me think of you.
From the day Reese was born I have been so deeply touched. Besides the fact that my heart aches for you because I know you personally, I think your pain has been more real to me because of my daughter. I know that I really could never begin to understand the road you have walked, but I do feel like I have carried a tiny little part of your burden in prayer. Because of Reese the Lord has shown me what it means to be a prayer warrior. To truly have a heart for someone. To see past myself. To not take life and HIS blessings for granted. He has stirred me, for the good!
I can't tell you how many days (and nights) I sat and held my daughter and cried out to God on your behalf. I have prayed so many prayers as I have put in hair bows or while I folded little girl laundry. I thought of you and prayed as I drove around Waco and Baylor's campus. I have had many conversations asking "why, God, why?" with very few answers. Probably will not have them this side of Heaven.
My heart still aches for you. I watch my daughter and I think of Reese. I think that they could have been playmates. I think that you should have a little girl running around just slightly younger than she is. I think you should be picking out a pink Easter dress and you should be planning girly birthday parties. I think of you when I rock my two year old to sleep at night and I think that you should be rocking Reese. I know your pain is so much deeper than all of those things, but I think that God uses them to open my eyes.
So, I do not know why the Lord wanted me to sit down and write this tonight. But I hope you know that you are covered in prayer.
Now this is what the LORD says- the One who created you, Jacob, and the One who formed you, Israel- "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine."
Isaiah 43:1
Now this is what the LORD says- the One who created you, Jacob, and the One who formed you, Israel- "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine."
Isaiah 43:1
Thank you Katie for sharing such tender thoughts that others have shared with you. We will never know the full impact that Reese or you have made on others this side of heaven.
ReplyDeleteBlessings...
Heidi
Happy 2nd Birthday Reese - I hope you're having a wonderful party with Jesus today.
ReplyDeleteWow. I can't imagine the feelings that sweet letter brought about. You are surely blessed to have sweet friends to covet you in prayer. Thanks for sharing your heart with us through your blog, Katie!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you on this special day...Happy 2nd Birthday sweet Reese!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you today - and every day. Thank you for sharing Reese with us. It's amazing how she has touched so many lives, including mine. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI started reading your blog through some friends of mine around the time that Reese went to Heaven. To be honest, I couldn't read it some days. My heart was broken for you. I have a son that was born August 13, 2009. I cannot tell what an impact Reese's story has made on my life. Times and blessings that I might have taken for granted are now cherished. It's made me try to live every day intentionally loving my family. I think about y'all alot and pray for you as well. (Your boys are so very very cute! :)
ReplyDeleteoh Katie- your broken heart has been used to glorify the lord! i am so glad to have "met" you and get to watch you through this journey-2 years. seems so far away, yet two years closer to being in your arms again! happy birthday reese!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow. Although we don't know each other nearly as well as you and the friend who wrote this letter to you, I must say, I've felt a lot of the same things she describes. When I hold my daughter, I think of you and Reese. Always.
ReplyDeleteFeel us all lifting you up Katie, as you have lifted us all.
I found your blog randomly but I am so glad I did. I enjoy reading it; the name gallery is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKatie, Reese has touched more lives in her brief days here on earth than most of us have touched in a lifetime. Isn't it amazing that the Lord used her in such a way?
ReplyDeleteI think of Reese often too. Especially anytime I'm at Compton Garden's, which has a ton of memorials to parents who have lost children. While I do not know the burden and pain the loss of a child brings, I do know the pride that swells in me when my child does something great. And I am certain that Reese has done great things... more than any of us could probably hope to do in a lifetime, she achieved in just a few days. What a proud momma you must be! We pray for yall often!
ReplyDeleteCan it really be two years that I have lurked on your blog, loving and praying for your family from a distance? Your sons are handsome, your sweet daughter was perfect and is still perfect in the arms of our Saviour, though it is so understandable that she is deeply missed here on earth. Thank you for your blog, your testimony of faith too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet, sweet letter. I have been following your blog for the past two years and have never commented before. I've prayed for you and your family, laughed at the adorable pictures of your boys, and teared up at the sweet memories of Reese. What a blessing your testimony is! My son was born the exact same day as Colson - it is so fun to watch them conquer different milestones "together". Praying for you and your sweet family and that you will feel Jesus holding you in His hands this month especially (Isa. 41:10).
ReplyDeleteThis letter is so beautiful! What a sweet, beautiful friend you have!
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