Baby Girl Found Unresponsive

[Falla39]

Myron Smith wrote: (Annaleigh's uncle)

"What Christmas Could Not Do"

I love the holiday season. Few occasions present themselves to us in this life that provide such joy, peace, and happiness.

Families eat together...

Remember the birth of our Savior...

Play dominoes and cards...

Watch football...

Tell the same, old, tired jokes...

Exchange gifts...

Gossip...

I treasure these special times when we attempt to unplug from the hustle of life, clear our minds, and reflect on the blessings of God.

This past Wednesday, at the bidding of a fifteen month old little angel, we were given a special, unexpected moment in time.

When we were first informed of Annaleigh’s drowning, we immediately felt the panic, hurt, fear, uncertainty, and questions which are natural to situations such as these. Soon, however, we realized that God was truly in control, and began to trust Him.

As I sat in the hospital, waiting on the helicopter to arrive with Annaleigh, I immediately sensed that we were about to have a special moment in life. We were going to witness sweet Annaleigh do what Christmas could not do.

It would be the performance of a lifetime.

For the next 36 hours, she battled. Not for herself, but for those of us gathered near her. We thought we were there for her, but in all reality, she was there for us.

36 hours of prayer...

Friends, family, and colleagues, united around one cause...

No arguing about political candidates...

No debate regarding the upcoming election...

No cards or dominoes, but we did manage to work in the same, old, tired jokes...

36 hours of unity...

People on every continent across the globe... focused...

New friendships created...

Old friendships renewed...

Reconciliations...

New commitments made...

Old commitments rekindled...

Each tremor of seizure in her hands, was Annaleigh stepping to the conductor’s pedestal, orchestrating the performance of her lifetime...

36 hours of healing

36 hours of love revival

36 hours of preferring others

36 hours of devotion and servitude

To the naked eye, her little arms, spread beside her body seemed so weak...

But with each tremor, she was gripping families, friends, acquaintances, and colleagues and pulling them together. With each moment, with each breath, she did what Christmas could not do...

Thank you, Annaleigh, for the giggles...

Thank you, Annaleigh, for the smiles...

Thank you Annaleigh, the clarity of life...

Thank you, Annaleigh, for the performance of your lifetime.

See you soon.

Kim and I will bring bubbles...