Monday, August 09, 2010

Thoughts on Amelia's Service

Before it becomes too far removed from my memory
I feel I should mention Amelia's service.
It was lovely.
Not that I ever want to have another one.
But if it had to be done,
I prefer it be as thought out and planned as a birthday party, wedding or anniversary.
It was a special day.

There were things that were important to me,
others that were not.
One of the things that mattered to me was that those that gather
to morn and to celebrate Amelia Grace
heard God's word,
knew where Amelia is now,
and knew that is where they wanted to be too.

I know it is where I want to be
with her
and Him.

My grandmother mailed me a little note
in the days following Amelia's funeral.
In it she expressed a sentiment
that could possibly be misinterpreted by some
but I heard her loud and clear.
She closed her note with the words,
"My hope is that I can join her in the near future."
Amelia's GiGi is 91 years old, I am 29 years old
but we are both homesick,
we both want to hold our loved ones already there.
To hold them and to be in their presence
and His.

We know we are called to continue our work here.
We rejoice in our time here,
but we know what awaits us.
If it is possible for Heaven to sound any more perfect,
the simple fact that little Amelia is there
makes heaven seem that much sweeter.

...........................................................

But, back to the service (sorry, this post is all over the place)
There were several songs & musical selections that touched me in Amelia's service.
As they should, since I chose all but two of them. :)
Interestingly enough,
The two songs I didn't choose
were the one's that I have cherished the most in these 12 days.

Tim wanted to leave the church singing, 'Til We Meet Again
and so we did.
Everyday since, I have thought to myself with longing
the text of this old hymn-
until we meet again sweet baby girl...

The second song was
Rock a Bye Baby
sung by my son Noah.
He only knows a few of the words,
and generally speaking has no real grasp of his "sisa's"
death or life.
But he knows she was here, and that she was his.
He loves sisa.

As we processed on Wednesday,
Tim with Amelia in his arms
and Noah and I just behind him,
Noah recited words that broke my heart to hear,
bye-bye baby, night night baby, bocka bye baby...

I know she heard him singing.
In heaven it must have sounded like
hosts of angels in perfect song.
A humble offering of song,
but oh so sweet of a gift,
from Amelia's big brother.

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

10 comments:

pennynjon said...

Melissa,
The service sounds so beautiful and perfect for sweet Amelia. You did such a good job planning it out. I know that she is so proud of her family. Some people may not understand the feeling of being homesick, but I do. I know I never felt that before like I have in the last three months. Praying for you, Tim and Noah. I hope you are physically feeling okay from the c-section. ((hugs))

Andrea said...

Tim, Melissa and Noah,

Each song that was chosen for the service, was perfect! You each did an amazing job choosing the right song, for the right moment. The service was meaningful is so many ways. Noah, we each know that your little sisa loves you and is singing Rock-a-Bye Baby with you.

You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. ♥

With love,

Ryan and Andrea

Anonymous said...

The service was beautiful and perfect. Thanks for letting us all celebrate Amelia's life with you. Thinking of you all so much lately.

Prayers, Hugs, Love,

Ash

Kara said...

Oh, Melissa. I loved reading your words - so touching and so familiar. I'm glad you were able to make Amelia's service beautiful, special, and oh-so-meaningful!

Kara

Jennifer said...

Sounds like a beautiful celebration of a beautiful life! I can just imagine the celebration going on in heaven also! Praying for your family!xoxo

Brad and Sarah said...

The service was beautiful and inspiring. The slideshow was very touching. In Christ there are no Good-byes
Thinking of you guys...

CynthiaS said...

the service sounds beautiful. I know that homesick feeling, one that would have never been understood if we didn't lose our baby. praying for you!

Hannah Rose said...

I so wish I could have been at the service to mourn and honor Amelia with you. It sounds like it was perfect and lovely and so special.

What a sweet way for a big brother to love his sister. Just darling.

I totally know what you and your grandmother mean about wanting to make it to Heaven to love on 'them' and 'Him.' I long for that day. My spirit longs for that day. I realize I have a life to live now, but I still yearn for Heaven so, so much.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a wonderful service. I definitely can relate to that homesick feeling. I love how Noah loves his "sisa" so much! Many hugs.

Holly said...

I'm sure the service was so beautiful and I'm glad you had a message shared about where Amelia is. I never knew what it was like to be homesick until Carleigh. I long for Heaven more than I ever have.