For those of you who have been following me for the past year, you will remember, last year at this time, June 25th, 2010, my Niece and her Husband lost their little precious Alyssa. She was 10 weeks old. Obviously, it was an extremely difficult time for the family, but their faith carried them through their time of grief. They just recently purchased the grave marker, and had it placed on Alyssa's grave. My Niece took these photos and shared them with me, and she said I could share them with you. So many of you extended your support and your prayers for my Neice and her family during that time. It was greatly appreciated. As an update, I can tell you that little Alyssa is missed, but the family pulled together in support of each other, and they are doing very well. In the photo is Alyssa's older Brother. He is 4 years old. There is one other thing I'd like to mention, and that is, during this time, Mary, who is one of our dear friends here on 365, created a sculpture of a baby, and she lovingly dedicated it to little Alyssa. Mary, my Niece still talks about that. It meant so much to her. Thank you again for that special act of love and compassion.
I wasn't here then, although I had read this and my heart was breaking for them. It's so terrible to lose a child. This is a lovely tribute and I am praying that you all find some comfort at this time of year. I'm sure it's hard.
Rick, this is such a beautiful tribute! I wasn't on here at this time last year, but my prayers go out to your family in hopes that they can continually heal over their loss. This is beautiful for such a precious life!
Sad to hear about the loss within your family, Rick, but heartwarming to learn of the sculpture dedicated to Alyssa. It's touching to hear of kindnesses that help even in times of heartbreak trauma. What a lovely thought that was of Mary.
Death is a tragedy in many ways, but it is always more touching when a child dies. Only 10 weeks old- so sad. But I'm glad your neice did have a strong faith. I think it's the only thing that can get you through such a deep loss. The picture of Alyssa's brother and the marker is so precious. I'm sure it is a bittersweet memory, but stories and pictures help in the healing process and so do all the prayers that are being said on behalf of the family. My heart and love go out to you all.
Oh Rick, this is so touching. I didn't join 365 until January of this year, so I didn't know about this. Your tribute is so beautiful. I can not imagine losing a child...my heart goes out to your niece and all your family.
Oh, what a wonderful tribute...as I sit here crying I cannot help but also think how wonderful for your niece to know that so many of us all over the world will be saying a special little prayer for her and the family tonight.
I guess I wasn't following you at the time yet so I went back to June 2010 to see Alyssa's lovely picture..this must have been so heartbreaking. your tribute today is beautiful. thank you to your Niece and family for sharing these photos with us.. my thoughts are with you and your family.
I wasn't following you at the time, and I'm so sorry to learn of your family's loss. It's never easy, but especially with such a young life. This is a beautiful tribute to her memory.
Very sad but at least we know she is in a better Place with god. And to me when I think of baby's dieying I think of god just letting us borrow them and not keep for a long time!
I haven’t been here long enough to know about little Alyssa — I’m so sorry, Rick — but when I tell people about “365”, I tell them it’s definitely a “community.” We may never meet face-to-face, but through a daily photo post we become part of the fabric of each other’s stories. I thought of you often through your hand surgery and I was saddened by the passing of Julie Graham’s dad this past spring. Thank God for faith and our hope for something even better!
It is so wonderful Rick, that a special family like you and yours, as well as your 365p family, can turn the greatest tragedy of all, the loss of a child, into some type of blessing. 365P reminds me so often of the goodness of most of mankind. And these days, as evil seems to triumph, we need every reminder we can get, so thanks for sharing this memorial with us. God Bless.
I remember ... This is one of the things that I have loved about 365 - the love and support extended from and through this community. Beautiful tribute, Rick.
Wasn't on at the time but my heart hurts for the family. I can't imagaine what the pain is like to lose a child. Rick, thank you for sharing with all of us on 365. We care!
I do remember, Rick. This is a beautiful collage that you created in Alyssa's memory. At times like this, it's nice to know we have love and support from all over the world on 365. I'm sending you a hug from Colorado...
I have 3 older brothers and oldest of us all is Baby Angel ( that's her real name) she dies when she was born so not me or my brothers got to meet her but know she's watching over us. I'm not trying to pity my self but also in the last 13 months I've lost my aunt who was my god mom and my grandpa. Also 4 years ago I lost my uncle who was my god father.( My god parents were in different families) Anyhow I'm sorry for you and know just how you feel and our family as well keeps our faith strong,that's the most important thing.
This is a wonderful tribute and so special with the little boy at the site.
I am so assured when I hear how other people cope with their loss and grief. FAITH - I don't know how people cope with life's hurts if they don't have FAITH.
Hugs to all, and hope her tiny little pure spirit is at peace...
I do remember clearly Mary doing that sculpture.
Thinking of your family on this sad anniversary.
I am so assured when I hear how other people cope with their loss and grief. FAITH - I don't know how people cope with life's hurts if they don't have FAITH.