Lincoln

For almost the past two years, mommy babysat for Jezelle and her little brother Lincoln. Before I was born, she would watch them every week and she absolutely loves them. She thinks they are just the sweetest kids and she was so lucky and blessed to be able to watch them. She watched them a few times after I was born, I was even able to go with her a couple times.

Last week little Lincoln unexpectedly past away and it broke mommy's heart, and today was his memorial service. He meant so much to her. She was really looking forward to watching them again more often once I got just a little bit older. She is going to miss Lincoln so much. She was so honored when his parents asked if she would speak at his funeral. His story is here: http://www.thelinktolinc.blogspot.com/

Here is what Mommy said at his memorial:

I’ve had the privilege of caring for Lincoln and Jezelle since Lincoln was just three months old. And, being part of Lincoln’s life is a gift I will always cherish. I looked forward to the days I got to spend with them. Joie and Shane: I want you to know that it was much more than a babysitting job. Rather, I was honored to have the opportunity to care for Lincoln and Jezelle. In short, I love them. And, I am so sad to have lost this little boy who was a treasure. I had planned for my own son to be good friends with Lincoln, and I would daydream about when I would nanny again regularly for the Hartleys and watch these two boys play and develop a friendship.

The words I share today will not adequately convey the profound impact this sweet, loving child of God had on my life. But, I’d like to share with you a few lessons I learned thanks to Lincoln:

First, I learned that we should cherish life’s quiet and simple moments: When I was with Lincoln, we’d have wonderful days together, not only filled with the normal, fun activities of childhood, but also with tender moments that are imprinted on my heart. Some of these tender moments include rocking Lincoln to sleep. For the rest of my life I will remember talking with him and seeing the way he looked at me. He spoke to me in his own special way. I knew how happy and content he was with himself and in his surroundings. Watching him and talking with him brought peace into my own life.

He also brought a lot of joy and fun in to my life … Lincoln’s smile and laugh brightened my day. Simple, special moments I will always cherish include him being my little buddy as we watched his older, energetic sister tackle life. Whether she was climbing the big toy at the mall, participating in swimming lessons, or just playing at home, watching him watch her always brought a smile to my face.
When I was on bed rest, there was one day I intentionally broke the doctor’s orders. And, it was to see Lincoln. It was at Seth’s open house to celebrate his recent marriage, and I knew Lincoln would be at the reception. I just couldn’t stay home – I had to see him. When I got there, after first being greeted by Jezelle, I immediately went to find Lincoln. I held him, talked to him, even fed him some of my dessert. I knew he knew who I was, even though it had been a while since I saw him last. That was a tender moment. I will continue to look for those simple moments now, knowing they are often the most important and the most special. But, I am going to miss these moments with Lincoln.

Second, I learned that life is about our personal triumphs: Every week I could see the strides Lincoln made and I knew how hard he worked to achieve each milestone.... I celebrated as he met every one of his goals. Some of his triumphs that brought me such happiness included him going from his feeding tube to his bottle, from sleeping on his wedge to sleeping in his crib, and him learning to roll over and sit by himself. I was so excited for him, and my heart swelled as he worked so hard to accomplish these things. The last day I spent with Lincoln was my first time to see him really crawl. It was so fun to see him do this, something that made me so happy I could hardly stand it. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched him crawl around. Jezelle even had to remind me a few times to keep him away from the stairs. It is a day I’ll always remember. Lincoln taught me persistence, and he taught me to appreciate and really recognize our successes.

The last lesson I’d like to share is one I learned from Joie and Shane. You two are the best examples of parents. I learned from you what it means to love unconditionally. They selflessly devoted their time to nurturing both their children and meeting each of their unique needs. Joie and Shane: your patience and dedication is a great example to me. Joie, I am a better mother because of lessons I learned from you. Thank you for letting me be a part of Lincoln’s life – for me, it was a blessing and these memories will be with me each and every day. I’d like to close with a poem that I adapted for Lincoln, titled “God Sent an Angel to the Earth.”

God sent an angel to the earth - By Unknown Author
God sent an angel to the earth,
the sweetest angel too.
And for such a tiny little thing,
he had so much to do.
His eyes were bright and sparkly,
he took in every turn.
he did not miss a single thing,
because Lincoln came to learn.
God sent him here to touch the
hearts of all those he could reach,
he taught them courage, strength and faith,
because Lincoln came to teach.
His tiny little body
was so full of God above,
you felt it when you held him,
because Lincoln came to love.
In two short years he managed
what many never will.
And when he went home to Jesus,
his purpose was fulfilled.