Today I’m struggling to put into words what I want to say. I’m in Jacksonville celebrating my precious Ellie’s 4th birthday and at the same time I’m remembering the loss of my incredible cousin, Lindsey. I don’t think I could say it any better than I did 4 years ago when I posted about this day on my old blog, so I’m just going to copy that post here. You can also see the original post by visiting my old blog here.
February 20, 2009…What a day! I completely underestimated the feelings I would have the first time I met my precious little niece. I remember the anticipation and sheer excitement I felt each time I met my best friends’ children on the day they were each born, and I expected to feel that again…I did, times 100! She took my breath away! What a tiny miracle Ellie Caroline Pratt is! I love her so much! I can’t wait to watch her grow.
The waiting room was packed with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends waiting on the arrival of sweet little 6 lb 15oz baby Ellie. She was a stubborn little thing and did not want to come out, so after 3 hours of pushing she was finally taken by c-section. As we are all waiting, pacing the halls unable to sit still, my mom gets a phone call from her sister. A hysterical phone call. My cousin had passed away. Such devastating news on such a joyous day is difficult to process. You’re unsure if you should continue being happy or if you can allow yourself to breakdown and sob. Just 2 weeks shy of her 30th birthday, Lindsey VinsonCardone, was called home. My heart aches for her, the girl I grew up with as a sister, as my friend. I will miss her terribly. My heart aches for my aunt. I can’t even imagine the feeling of losing a child. She had struggled for years with drugs, alcohol and mental disease. I pray for her soul. I pray everyday that she finally has the peace she longed for. I know she is in heaven now with Mamaw Rie and Papaw Doc cutting up, laughing, and smiling down on the newest addition to our family.
Needless to say, we have all had and emotionally exhausting weekend. Thank you Ellie, for being the beautiful silver lining on a cloudy day. Welcome to the world my sweet angel!
I’m so happy I get to be here to celebrate Ellie’s birthday with her. She is such a joy and I love her to the moon. Happy Birthday my sweet girl! I love you!
Lori Wescott -Beautifully put, Emma. Love you.ReplyCancel
February 20, 2013 - 9:30 pm
Lisa Rossi -such a sweet auntie! miss your sister and ellie so much!ReplyCancel
February 21, 2013 - 12:12 am
Barbara Farnell Milstead -What a sweet tribute to Ellie and Lindsey, Emma! I remember what a sweet little girl Lindsey was when she was in my second-grade class. One instance of her kindness stands out in my memory. For Christmas I had gotten Golden Books for the kids, and Lindsey was helping me pass them out. She saw my distress when I realized I had left one home and was coming up short. She whispered to me that she would wait and I could give her her copy later. Special little girl!ReplyCancel
Lori Wescott - Beautifully put, Emma. Love you.
Lisa Rossi - such a sweet auntie! miss your sister and ellie so much!
Barbara Farnell Milstead - What a sweet tribute to Ellie and Lindsey, Emma! I remember what a sweet little girl Lindsey was when she was in my second-grade class. One instance of her kindness stands out in my memory. For Christmas I had gotten Golden Books for the kids, and Lindsey was helping me pass them out. She saw my distress when I realized I had left one home and was coming up short. She whispered to me that she would wait and I could give her her copy later. Special little girl!
Emma Nathews - Thank you, love you <3
Emma Nathews - @[1059260606:2048:Barbara], that is such a sweet story. Thank you so much for sharing that with me! We miss her terribly.