I haven’t posted in several days because, well, I haven’t known just exactly what to say. We had a great Christmas Day. Truly wonderful, actually. One of these days, maybe I can post a nice recap. I’d like to, so maybe I can get to that.
The day after Christmas, I received a phone call from my friend Amy, the one I have been dreading for weeks, letting us know that Mariana’s friend Bea had passed away. Just before Thanksgiving, Bea was in the hospital in intensive care and was moved to hospice care. At that time, the doctors did not think she would live much longer, let alone see Christmas. So, the family decorated her room for Christmas and several of us that visited brought Christmas ornaments and such to help that sweet girl have a connection to her very favorite holiday and day of the year. Before long, Bea had remained stable enough to be released to home hospice care. She had a hospital bed set up in the family’s main living area and Christmas decorations were all around her. During this time, she was able to watch movies, giggle on occasion, squeeze hands, enjoy cuddles from the family cat, have precious family time and relish visits from family and friends. She fought the good fight. Sweet Bea proved the doctors’ initial thoughts wrong because, God bless that sweet trooper, she did see Christmas. In fact, I believe she saw it twice – here and in heaven. Bea passed away at home and won the eternal victory of a heavenly homecoming on Christmas evening.
I wasn’t sure when we should tell Mariana, but when I got off the phone, she started asking me what was wrong. So, I talked to Mickey and we decided to go ahead and talk to her. I have to say, she took it amazingly well for a six year old girl. In fact, she showed some really big faith because once she had processed for a little while she said that she was happy that Bea could run and play in heaven again, but she was sad for us. You know, I think that does sum it up. The loss here is crushing, really, and my heart is broken. But, at the same time, I have a true peace that Bea is with Jesus in heaven. I have been clinging to Matthew 19: 14 – Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” So, even while my heart just aches and I am sad for her family and loved ones, I am thankful for the promise that Bea is, in fact, running and playing in heaven. I can only imagine the beautiful artwork she has created there already.
Today will be a memorial and we will celebrate the seven short years of live in which Bea blessed so many of us. Please lift up Bea’s family and loved ones and keep them close to your thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Kelly
A photo of Mariana and Bea at Bea’s house for a play date about a month before she was admitted to the hospital:
We are so thankful for their precious friendship and grateful to Bea’s family for sharing time for Mariana to be with her in her final weeks.