Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Happy Birthday McKenna


Today is a bittersweet day for me and our family. Today would have been McKenna's 13th Birthday. You may have noticed her picture on the side of my blog and wondered . . . .

McKenna was born on an early Saturday morning at 5:23 am. This time is important as it is the same time that she returned to her Heavenly Father just 5 short years later.

McKenna's arrival was a much anticipated event in our family. We had been married for just over three years and were excited to add to our "instant family" of Jordan, Matt & Jade.

From the moment we brought McKenna home there was scarcely a time that she was not held, cuddled and entertained. Jade was especially attentive - she was 6 and thought of her as her own personal baby doll. The love we all had for her was so obvious that a friend of ours dubbed her "The Love Child".
Despite all this attention, McKenna was not spoiled. She was good natured and loving to everyone.

Even though we only had her for 5 short years here on this earth, I feel so lucky to have been her Mama and for the chance to know her.
All this said, it is still a hard and painful realization that she is really gone. I often find myself looking at my friend's daughters and wondering "Would she be friends with those girls? What would she look like? How would she dress? Would she like the Jonas Brothers? Hannah Montana?
I know that she would be SUCH a great big sister to Jack and Madeline. They know about her and I think in some remote part of their minds they remember something of her from before they came to this earth. We go to "Her Place" often and both kids talk about her as if she were right here - - and who am I to say that she is not? Watching over our family.

I know that one day I will be able to see her again, hold her and love her, but until that day. . . we are missing her.

Happy 13th Birthday Little Mouse!
Your Family loves you more than you know.

8 comments:

Karalee said...

I'm so glad you posted this today. I was actually thinking about her this morning too. We loved her so much.

iamwonderwoman said...

Jana, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family today. For the little time that we knew McKenna, she was such a sweet and beautiful child of God. I still think about the time she called you a piggy for eating all of the M&M's up at the Canyon's and I chuckle, she was full of spunk! We miss you guys and I hope we get up there this summer!

Dave and Sherri said...

Wow! I just watched the cute movie on Jade's blog and cried. What an amazing little girl she was. She was truly blessed to have an amazing family. Thanks for sharing such a tender memory!

Doreen said...

I was glad to see this picture. It seems just like yesterday she was posing. I miss her and I hope that you had a good day on Tuesday.

Front Porch Friend. said...

One day late but I was thinking about you...and McKenna...and our porch chats...and her smile...and the time you came to visit...you bought new furniture and a rug...McKenna played dentist with Cassidy and crawled in bed with Phillip and I early in the morning so 'my mama can sleep 'cause she is sick sometimes' Such a wise and wonderful soul. She is truly your angel!

Anonymous said...

Jana, I love you! I miss McKenna too. I am so sorry for your loss and the incredible void you must have in your life without her. I wonder the same things about her; would she be a cheerleader like Jade? Would she still be bossing Drake around? (yes) What would she look like now?
I often think of the time just after her funeral when I was at your house and you gave away her Barbie Jeep to one of her friends. I don't think I could've done that. You told that little girl "McKenna would've wanted YOU to have it." and that little girl was so excited. It always makes me cry when I think of how strong and happy you were and then the girl left with her mom, we cried. She is waiting for you in Heaven. Saving you a spot, I'm sure!

Michal said...

love you, jana. thanks for the example you have been to me. i can only imagine the kind of pain that you have endured in losing sweet mckenna, but the faith that you have demonstrated and the way that you refused to let it ruin your life are so inspiring to me.

Anonymous said...

getting a bit on the old side for me but I would stillfuck her