Farewell Baby Willow

It was a very difficult week
with the anticipation of my niece Willow's funeral. 

While choosing songs for the service, it was amazing how appropriate the lyrics of songs became
when listened to in a different light.

The opening song was this one from the musical Wicked:

We watched a slide show of pictures of Willow to this lovely old song:

We listened to this one, while we laid rose petals on Willow's coffin. My sister said this music helps her to imagine Willow happily skipping through a field of flowers.

We went outside the chapel to let balloons go, to this beautiful song by Ben Harper:

Emotions were high, and many, many tears were shed, but it was a lovely service, with my sister and her partner giving a heartfelt and honest account of their thoughts, feelings and experiences during this devastating time. 

It was comforting to see so many supportive

family members and friends

there to help remember this sweet child of God.

A collective gasp could be heard as we let our balloons lift to the sky.

Gosh, an occasion like this is heart-wrenching and difficult.

But there was a positive feeling of hope in the air, and I am sure many people left feeling they had helped to make the day somewhat easier for our family, with their love, words and hugs.

Bless our little darling Willow,

and may she dance with joy through the fields of heaven.

Willow Frances Tozer

26/10/11 - 6/11/11

Something sad

Something sad has happened in our family,
and it has been very hard to write this post.

What began as a bright, happy, new beginning

with the birth of my sister's new twins,
quickly turned to worry and concern

 

as it was discovered that Willow was struggling to survive
against a myriad of complications with her health.

Puzzled doctors were unable to help,
as Willow became sicker and sicker,

and then slipped into unconsciousness.

Days filled with anxiety passed by, grasping onto hope and prayers

until around midnight on Saturday night, 6/11/11,

our sweet little Willow 

drifted away.

Nothing can compare with the sense of loss
you feel when someone dies,
whether it is expected or not.

Breathlessness, breaking hearts and complete sadness
have consumed us all over the past week,

 as we try to come to terms with Willow's passing.

So precious is a life.

So fragile.

And even though we were able to hold her

and say our goodbyes,

and love and kiss her,

She is still gone

And we miss her so.

Day 8 - A photo that makes you sad

Okay, so I'm travelling to the beat of my own drum right now, and this post is two weeks late (work has been stressy), but I'm taking this moment to share a photo that makes me sad.

Just looking at this photo from the movie City of Angels, makes me think of its tragic, sad ending which made me cry and cry and cry, you know the sobbing, snorting kind of crying? I still think it's a beautiful movie, but wish it didn't have to end that way. See it when you can, and have tissues handy.