Meeting Their Sister

Back when we heard the news about sweet Lyla, one of the first reasons to terminate her life, from our previous doctor, was "did we really want to put our other kids through that?"

 

That doctor kept telling us she would support our decision, but that question kept coming up. Like we hadn't considered Cole and Claire at all. Seriously? We do not want to ever purposefully hurt them in any way. We will? Yes, I sure. But on purpose? I surely hope not.

 

As you know, we switched doctors. One of the first questions we ask the new doctor was what she thought about our other kids. How do you think they will respond? Do you think this will hurt them? Scare them? What is this going to be like for us and for them?

 

Do you know what she said? "Children are so loving and forgiving. They just love babies and want to cuddle them. They likely will not even notice."

 

Can I say what a relief it was to hear those words come out of her mouth?!

 

She couldn't have said it better because...

 

Cole and Claire LOVED meeting their little sister! Their response to her is a complete blessing and answer to lots of prayer. The goodness of our God was clearly guiding these sweet moments that we will forever treasure.

 

They kept going on and on about how cute she was. Claire kept sticking her finger in Lyla's mouth pretending she was biting her and then would giggle. Cole was super protective of Lyla and did not want Claire to be too rough with her.

 

We do not at all regret our decisions to include them in meeting their sister. They were there for it all. The pregnancy (when she was living with us). Her birthday. Her memorial.

 

They are young and do not fully understand it all, but having the pictures and videos will help them to once they get older. They have a little sister, who rests in Heaven, waiting to be reunited with them once again. We want them to know about her. We love to talk about her. And we get to see where she rests here on earth almost everyday, as we drive by on the freeway. It brings joy to me to hear their sweet voices, from the backseat, saying, "Hi, Lyla! We love you, Lyla!"

 

 

A Song for Lyla Hope

Our dear friends, Dave and Jess Ray, were incredibly sweet and strong, as we asked them to lead us in worship for Lyla's Memorial Service. I knew from the beginning if we got to this point that they would be the one's I would love to ask for the music. They are wonderful worship leaders and work hard to engage everyone in singing praises to our KING and enter a place of personal worship with our Lord.
Brent and I went over to their house on Sunday night to discuss what our vision was for Lyla's service. We were able to bounce ideas off of each and find Scriptures to be read with each song. I knew I wanted mostly worship time. I love musc. It has always been a powerful tool to draw me closer to God. I love when I find the scriptures that apply to the songs I hold close to my heart.
We basically had the entire service planned in about two hours. Everything. These friends are so dear to us and helped us greatly in planning the most perfect, God honoring service for Our Angel Girl.
Then Dave said something like this:
           I wrote something this afternoon and I wanted to share it with you. If you like it
           I want to play it at the service. But if you don't think it applies then tell me.
           I won't be offended.
He played this beautifully written song. Did I mention he wrote it that afternoon? He didn't even have a name for it yet.
It was beyond perfect and I finally caught on that he wrote it for Lyla Hope.
What a wonderful and amazing gift!
Thank you Dave and Jess Ray for your friendship and leading us in worship as we celebrated Lyla Hope's sweet life. It was a wonderful day of closure for us during this difficult season.

Hope by Dave Ray

Verse 1:
Upon a bended knee / You found me
Holding on to hope
Chaos was all around / And I fell down
Beneath my heavy load
Oh Jesus, are you listening
God this isn't fair
I'm grasping at the empty air

Chorus:
So hold me through the hurting, Jesus
Walk me through the fire, Savior
When everything is lost and broken
I'll be holding on to hope

Verse 2:
Give me the air to breathe / Don't leave me
I don't know where I'd go
Lord, help my heart believe / That You love me
So much deeper than I know
'Cause everything You've promised
Every word will stand
When all around is sinking sand

Chorus:
So hold me through the hurting, Jesus
Walk me through the fire, Savior
When everything is lost and broken
I'll be holding on

Bridge:
'Cause our hope, our hope is secure
Such a fragile thing, but still it will endure
And our hope calls us to the light
Where one day every hope will be made sight
But for now we walk as strangers in the night

Chorus:
So hold me through the hurting, Jesus
Walk me through the fire, Savior
When everything is lost and broken
I'll be holding on
I'm just holding on to hope