The first verse God ever gave me concerning Carly’s life was, “Weeping may endure for the night, but Joy comes in the morning.” That is how Joy became her middle name. We walked into the high risk doctors office eight years ago expecting to find out the sex of the baby. We soon found out that we were the unlucky lotto winners of genetic disorders. But God was there and He was already marking her life as one of love and laughter, surrounded by her beautiful sisters. I just wanted to share briefly how Carly moved to heaven. She moved to heaven like everyone one does, her physical body gave out. There is no other way we would have released her. But be assured that the same comfort of the Holy Spirit was with her on her final day. She woke up with the familiar, “Aaa, aa, aa” that in many ways was our weekend alarm clock. She attended church, seated on Kathryn’s lap. God gave me a verse, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.”
Her behaviors that day were fairly normal, Her naughty little finger reached up to pull her oxygen tube off her face once or twice. She greeted Janae as she returned from being away on retreat. She enjoyed chocolate milk and ate some lunch. Its true that her 02 levels were in the toilet and we called Pedscare/ the pediatric hospice to let them know we would care for her at home.
She enjoyed her time with Aunt Barbara. She interacted when Karen Bary came over and we sang songs. She fell asleep in our bed. We transferred her to her crib, which she had almost outgrown.
I was restless and couldn’t sleep. After 2AM she rallied. She was fully alert and bright eyed. She drank more of her bottle. I lifted her out of bed and placed her on a pallet of blankets. The rally was over. She started the deep, labored breathing that I knew from past experience meant she would indeed be leaving soon. I woke Dante’ and we were both with her at 2:30 as she sprinted into heaven and into the arms of The Savior.
A few minutes later, the strangest sensation welled up in my spirit. I felt like a little girl at Christmas. I felt wonderment, and excited anticipation. I was joyful. I knew I was not going to get a gift and yet….It felt just like Christmas morning. I truly believe that the excitement I was experiencing is because all of heaven was rocking with excitement to receive her. Imagine your favorite rock star stepping onto a stage at an arena and that is what I believe was her reception there …all of the angels, all our deceased relatives, “CARLY!!!!…Welcome!!!!!!” Just like us, they couldn’t wait to get their hands on her!
Ever time I try to imagine Carly I see one of two things, either she is running, leaping, and dancing in the throne room, or she is surrounded by an entourage that cant wait to show her all the glories of heaven.
Sweet baby girl, You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race . Thank you dear one for coming and staying so long….. I am so glad you are healed!
Broken but Beautiful 