Welcome to Georgia's Journey

Georgia Lily Lucas was born at home on October 6th, 2008 4:15am, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was diagnosed with SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) on April 1, 2009.

On April 3rd Georgia was taken home, to be near her sisters and the rest of her family and friends. Nearly three weeks later, on April 21, 2009, she died peacefully -- in the loving arms of her mother and in the same room in which she was born.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Celebrate and Serve

This morning has been an amazing time. We took Georgia off of the mask and gave her a bath, played with her and just held her while looking at that beautiful face. We took lots of pictures too.
We also told our girls about Georgia's condition. We have told them that Georgia has a sickness that we can't make better and that she is going to die and go to heaven. In order to help them/us better deal with this concept we have told them that Georgia is actually an angel visiting us for a short time. When she is ready and we don't know when, she will leave us and go to heaven. When this happens we will have a huge going away party for Georgia. It's okay to feel sad about this because we love her so much and want to keep her here with us but we only get to be with her for a short time and she will be very happy in heaven. There were many questions, the cutest being, "Where are her wings?" to which I answered you can only see the wings in heaven.
I tell all of you this not to make you sad but to better help you support my children. While we all have different ideas about death and I am sure that there are many religious arguments about who gets to be angels we ask that for those of you that have regular contact with Calla and Maya that you don't contradict us. We are doing our best to keep our family calm during a most stressful time and confusing a 5 and 2 year old will only make things worse.

Georgia was born on Monday October 6th. On Monday (April 6th) she will be 6 months old. You may call me whatever you like but as her mother I know that I will never see her blow out that candle on her first birthday. My daughter will never live to play on the beach or see the leaves change color in the fall. We invite you to join us on Monday anytime between the hours of 2:00 and 8:00 PM to celebrate her half birthday. If you are uncomfortable with this idea please do not feel obligated, we all deal in different ways. If you are reading this email and I don't care how many times it has been forwarded you are invited. It's not very often that we get to celebrate the life of an angel living among us. I know that so many of you are struggling and want to do/give things so instead of gifts I have a list of ways that you can help us celebrate.

1. Consider donating to The Children's Hospital, The SMA association or The Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep organization.

2. Consider donating toys to your local Children's Hospital

3. If you live in Winnipeg go help the volunteers sandbag and feel the exhileration of helping others.

4. If you have a special skill consider volunteering your time and that skill for a family in need.

My daughter is here for a reason and one of those reasons is to remind us all that we need each other. The world needs more humanity and we can all become better people by learning to serve. If you truly want to help our family and honour Georgia then become a better person and help somebody. I have never needed more help in my life and am so fourtunate to have more than is needed but there are many people out there who are struggling and have no one.

We are right by Island Lakes School, email or call for address & directions. The house will be a disaster and I'm not sure what we will be eating and drinking but we will celebrate.

Love to you all,

Kristen

7 comments:

  1. Hi Kristen,
    I really like the way you explained to Calla and Maya that Georgia is an angel. That is wonderful news to know and I agree that she is an angel sent down from heaven to touch our lives.
    I love angels too. They're a big part of my life, and I have them throughout my room.
    I am excited to see your family at Georgia's Birthday Party on Monday.

    With love and prayers

    Carling Douglas.

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  2. Hello Kristen, Mike, Calla, Maya and Georgia. We love you Angel Georgia and can't wait to see you on Monday!

    Love from Sadie and Marcy

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  3. We are wishing your (our) little Angel Georgia a beautiful birhtday party tomorrow... She is the loveliest little angel we have ever seen... Wish we could be there too! God Bless
    Mary Lynn, John and family, St Thomas, Ontario

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  4. What a 'lovely' way to explain things to your children. You two are amazing!
    We have been thinking of you all as you enjoyed Georgia's first day home...I bet is was wonderful. We'll be thinking of you all, especially as you celebrate Georgia's birthday. Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend.
    Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Hugs & kisses to all three of your little angels. All our love, Uncle Tony & Aunt Evelyn

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  5. Kristen and Mike, your explanation to your girls is truly lovely. I wish we could join in celebrating Georgia's 1/2 birthday tomorrow but I am out of province now. We have, however, ordered a Star named for Georgia as her birthday gift. An angel deserves her own star. The document and constellation map showing Georgia's star will be mailed to you. We think of you all so often. John Patchett and Kate Argyle

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  6. Kristen, Mike, Calla, Maya and precious Georgia, We wish we could be there to celebrate such a special day tomorrow but since we can't we will be having a special birthday time for Georgia here. She truly is an angel who has brought so many people who don't even know eachother together. She has touched lives of people she, and even her parents haven't even met. We love you all and will be with you tomorrow, as every minute of each day, in our hearts. Love the Hibbard family xoxo

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  7. Hi,

    I have just been forwarded this blogsite. I am truly touched by your strength and courage. Your girls are blessed to have you as their parents and every smile Georgia gives you, is one more than the last. A half birthday is a special day you will have forever. You are surrounded by very special people who obviously love you and your family.

    I am a homecare pediatric respite nurse and am involved in families lives just like yours. You are not alone - God is with you every moment.

    I live in Island Lakes right near the school, if I ever see you, I will say hi! Our thoughts are with you during this time.
    Juliana

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