Saturday, January 15, 2011

Save a Swing for Me~


      Pink, fuchsia and silver ribbons adorn our neighborhood…


...our entrance ways

...our mailboxes

...our stop signs

...our fence posts

...our street signs

...our trees in abundance
They signify the life of Meg Wasley, a third grade student at Holly Grove Elementary; my school. When I spoke of her death on Monday to persons not living in this area they were saddened and distressed, and immediately inquired how well I knew her. Does that make a difference in my sorrow? Should it matter? I floated in and out of her classroom so I was captivated by her swift smile. I passed her in the hallway and her eyes sparkled with recognition. I encountered her at car pool where she bid me a good night.

I’ve not been able to write since Tuesday as a result of lingering thoughts in my head and in my heart of sweet Meg. No matter was more noteworthy than the death of an eight year old child; however words eluded me. The passing away of any child brings scores of questions but a petite number of answers. We want to know the ‘why’s’, the ‘how’s’ and the purpose of such a devastating occurrence; conversely it remains one of life’s countless mysteries.

I strolled through the neighborhood taking photographs to capture the images of pale crimson and gray sparkly ribbons accompanied by goose bumps on my arms and tears on my cheeks as I reminisced. Furthermore, I silently acknowledged copious parents including myself who would be whispering extra words that were more gentle and kind and embracing their children more tightly.

I recognize parents like me would be murmuring prayers of thanks to God that it wasn’t their child while in the same breath appealing for comfort for the family of Meg. I pray for solace and consolation of Meg’s family that they be armed with strength to grapple with the monumental devastation at the loss of a child; their child. May they be enveloped in a blanket of memories to soothe their heartache and ease their pain.



Rest in peace Dear Sweet Meg and save a swing for me~
Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. ~Author Unknown






45 comments:

Kim said...

How touching that your community has honored this little girls life. I'm sure each symbol brings comfort to Meg's family at such a terrible time.
Kim

Unknown said...

What a beautiful share, lovely loving community, God bless her family & cradle her soul in His loving hands.

Have a beautiful PS weekend.
TTFN ~
Hugs, Marydon

Tiggeriffic said...

When children die it's all so tragic..especially of a brain tumor.. Children are't suspose to die before their parents but it happens.. It happened to me and it's just not nice. My son was killed in a auto accident. But the only stronghold I have and Meg's parents will have is that we will see them again someday when we die and go to see God. IT's a promise from God.
I'll be praying for Meg's parents and brother.
Have a tiggeriffic day~! ta ta for now from Iowa...

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry and offer my deepest sympathy.

KathyA said...

I can understand words eluding you -- sometimes our feelings are so profound that words demean them.
What an aberration to lose a child...

JennyD said...

Your tribute to Meg is so heartfelt that it reduced me to tears, Tracy. You are right in saying that this will be the biggest blow to her parents that they will ever have to face. I hope someone sends this tribute to them -- in fact, YOU should. They would hold onto this forever. And for you, doing something like this is a wonderful and caring outlet for all your feelings which no doubt are tearing at your heart. My thoughts and prayers go to you as well as Meg's family and all of her friends.
XOXOXO

Ami said...

What a shame. Such a sweet little girl. I hate that things like this happen. :(

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Tracy, I am so sorry to hear about that child's death... I think it's harder on all of us when a child dies. It reminded me of that little girl who got killed by a crazy man in Arizona last week.

Love seeing all of the ribbons and memorials left in memory of little Meg... How special is that.

I'll keep Meg's family and you and the entire community in my prayers.
Hugs,
Betsy

mamahasspoken said...

What a beautiful tribute to Meg!
I too know what you mean that you still grieve her death even though she wasn't one of your students. What those who don't work with children day in and day out don't realize is that EVERY student that walks the same halls as you, touch you and becomes a part of you. I don't know every 800 students names, but I reconize them, and they all know my name.
I'll keep you and Meg's family in my thoughts and prayers.

Dianne said...

I have always loved that quote
I find it so comforting and hopeful

the ribbons are a beautiful way for a community to join hands

thoughtful, kind post my friend
hugs

Ginny Hartzler said...

A heartbreaking post, and you write beautifully about it. The end quote is quite stunning. Nothing more sorrowful than this...a joyful young life that will never grow up...perhaps she has been spared from some dreadful future experience? No one will know why...I have two sweet little girls in my life who I love very much, and I just can't imagine...you don't have to have known her well to feel this deeply, she was a part of your world, a young shining light, now gone, I'm so very sorry.

TexWisGirl said...

Terrible loss for her family and all whom she touched. What a sweet rememberence you have given her here. :)

Linda Reeder said...

This is a touching tribute to a child so soon taken. Your community is responding in such a beautiful way.

Grace on the Narrow Path said...

We always do not understand why ... but God does.

We lost a little girl in our town only a five year old. She was attacked by a pit bull. Her grandmother was attacked too as she covered her granddaughter with her own body. The grandmother is recovering.

Praying for families that have children that have died.

Blessings and hugs,
Bren

Pitterle Postings said...

Oh, I am so sorry! You are right, the death of a child is always a sorrow. It is always hard, for the parents, the friends, and even strangers who grieve because they can imagine the loss. I am praying for you community tonight. May you find a bit of peace in the knowledge of eternity and His love.

Old Kitty said...

I am truly sorry for the loss of beautiful Meg Wesley. It's lovely to see such wonderful tributes to her. My sympathies to her family and loved ones and to the community who treasure her and her memory. Take care
x

Peggy K said...

Such a beautiful tribute to this sweet girl. My heart is hurting for her family and my prayers are with them. And I celebrate Meg's life, knowing that God would not have called her home had she not accomplished what she was meant to while she was here.

Arkansas Patti said...

Beautifully written and a very touching tribute. Her young life seems to have touched so many. The ribbon display is such a sweet, tangible way to share and acknowledge grief. Her family must be in agony, but knowing the people of your town are sharing their pain, has to help.
I too hope they get to see this post.

God Whispers said...

Beautiful dear one. Blessings to you and yours.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Beautiful, it is not natural to lose a child. As parents we sorta know the pain?? We are thankful for our children also
kim

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

God knows why and we have to be mindful of that. WE all want answers but some never find them. All we have to live on and to get us by each day is our faith and he promise to us is that he will give us his grace.

Her struggles on this earth are now over and she is walking with the lord, just think of the things she is seeing now.

My prayers for all those that are hurting and missing Meg, may the lord lift your spirits and give you peace and his grace.

Nancy said...

The outpouring of support in displaying these beautiful ribbons must mean so much to Meg's family. Thank you for sharing these poignant photographs which should cause us all to pause and think about our blessings. :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

The death of any child is so tragic. We don't understand but we do know it is not a natural thing. I am saddened for you and her family.

Brian's Home Blog said...

That is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful little one.

Heather said...

oh my goodness, another little taken too early...I am so saddened by this...what a beautiful way to honor her with the ribbons....sorry for you and your community's loss....

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Oh my I am so very sorry. It breaks my heart to read your beautiful words this morning. What a lovely dear lady you are to write this.
I loved how your community is showing thier love too. Makes me cry to think of another young girl called to heaven.
I missed your earlier post I will go now to read it.
So very sorry honey
Love
Maggie

Jennifer said...

Your moment, your gift is sharing the beauty within and allowing others to take a moment and treasure whatever they need to to experience this loss. There aren't "correct" words just sincere ones and prayers.Loss brings us together but is very private at the same time. I'm saddened by the loss but think this sweet little child would be so excited to see all of these special delights just for her! With Love, Jennifer

Oklahoma Granny said...

My heart is breaking for this family and I pray that they find peace and comfort through God's love.

Talli Roland said...

What a touching, wonderful tribute, and such poignant photos. Thinking of the family and your community.

Jamie said...

I needed to read that quote. Thanks.

Wanda's Wings said...

Having lost a child myself my heart is breaking for this family. So young and such a loss. You have done a wonderful tribute. Think of you.

The Words Crafter said...

I am so very sorry for the loss of such a beautiful child. I've lost a niece and a nephew, so I can understand how extremely devastating this can be. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.....

The colorful ribbons seem like a happy remembrance of her....

Carol Riggs said...

That is a lovely and touching way for the community to express themselves, at this heart-breaking time.

Out on the prairie said...

A very nice tribute.

Beth said...

What a beautiful tribute for one one of God's beloved children. My heart goes out to the family.
Thank you Tracy for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment. Jenny has been a blogging friend of mine for several years now.

Susan Fields said...

It's always devastating to hear about a child dying. A boy in my daughter's high school class died recently. It's just so hard to imagine what his family and Meg's family must be going through. They definitely need our prayers.

Donea Lee said...

This is such a touching tribute - and just wonderful that your community pulled together to show support to this girl's family. How tragic - 8 years old...that's just much too soon. I agree - the "how much you know" stuff shouldn't matter. Anyone can care and show sympathy for such a loss. Thanks for your lovely words.

Catherine said...

Sending you warm thoughts and a big hug Tracy!
xo Catherine

Jules said...

The pictures tell a story and your words... well, they leave me speechless. My thoughts and prayers.
BTW, I have something for you on my blog :D
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Appalachian Lady said...

The pink ribbons are a beautiful reminder of a little girl. I am touched.

Thank you for visiting my blog today.

Roland D. Yeomans said...

Your lovely tribute touched the heart of a total stranger. A child's passing evocates promises unfulfilled, yet memories of young, innocent laughter in the minds of those who knew her. You and those close to Meg will be in my heart today, Roland

Unknown said...

Tracey..I read the link to Meg's story and tears welled up in my eyes. No child should have to go through something like this and no parent should have to indure the pain of loosing a child. I pray Meg's story reaches others going through similar circumstances. And I hope we all hug a our children a little tighter tonight. ((hugs))

Corine Moore said...

How sad is the loss... how great is the tribute. Well done!

Kyla said...

I didn't know Meg, but my sister died of cancer at the young age of 12. Your post brought tears to my eyes. People will not forget Meg and how she touched their lives - her legacy will go on.

Debra said...

There are no words...

I am so sorry, Tracy.

Hugs,
Debbie