Baby Alice has been laid to rest. She was one of the prettiest newborns I've ever seen, just like a little doll. For a life that was so sadly brief, she was truly and deeply loved.
As my regular readers may remember, I bought a Christmas gift for her back in December even though she wouldn't be born for several more weeks. It was a stuffed animal and a book called It's Time to Sleep, My Love by Nancy Tillman.
Marla and her husband chose the book as one of the readings for the funeral.
When they told me they had chosen it, I broke down and sobbed. I never in a million years would have imagined something so awful when I bought the book for that little girl. That poor, sweet baby.
Thank you all your kind comments and concern over the past couple of weeks. It's been a comfort during a sad, sad time and I truly appreciate it.
Rest in peace, sweet Alice.
I have been following this distressing part of your friend's life Jennifer. I have read it through several times. I have not commented because sometimes it is difficult to know what to say in words and I feel especially for your friends but I do not know them and what am I to them? But they are in my thoughts and the book you bought for her is especially poignant.
ReplyDeleteHow sad that this present of yours acquired such a different meaning for the short life of poor sweet little Alice.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, don't "promise" not to write other sad posts. This is your blog, and you write here about what is close to your heart and mind. At a time when there is such sadness in your life, of course you write sad posts - unless it makes you feel better to write about other, happier, things in your life.
It is hard to know what to say just be there and listen.
ReplyDeleteThe book is so sweet and means so much to Alice's parents.
If you would like me to mention a few things that happened to me
and how I dealt with it just e-mail me.
My Nicole would have been 32.
Take care
gayle
Honey, there is no timetable for grief. This baby girl was someone you were waiting for, hoping for, looking forward to having in your life. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteTears on my keyboard. For Alice.
ReplyDelete'Time to sleep'. You could have had no idea of the significance of that title, but it has proved to be sadly poignant. Do parents ever get over such a loss? I doubt it.
ReplyDeleteLosing a child no matter the age, changes your being. JayJ, my 30 year old son left us May 14 2014. He leaves 2 young sons and his wife. We must trape on. I long to see him and just have a nice talk.
ReplyDelete