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.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Aria

I admittedly have written very little about Aria. There are many reasons/excuses for this - none of which I am proud. Some of my crazy head talk includes thinking that Georgia may think that I have forgotten her or found some kind of replacement. I have also considered the idea that some people that are grieving the loss of a child or have a child with SMA may not want to hear all about Aria. I also know that despite the fact that everyone always says that you shouldn't compare your kids, I do - ALL THE TIME. I just can't help it! I don't love any one more than the other. They're all different and I think about how they are the same and how they are different every day. Aria, having three older sisters gets the most of this.

Aria is now almost five months old. She is actually the spitting image of her sister Georgia except that she doesn't have the same thick head of hair. A doctor from the hospital recently met her and looked like he had seen a ghost. He even made reference to the fact that she has the same eyes as her angel sister. The difference however, is that while Georgia's eyes were calm and full of wisdom, Aria's are mischievous and determined.

Aria is quick to smile but slow to laugh. She seems to save her laughter for her sisters. She is always entertained when Calla and Maya are around. She is a very content baby for the most part but quite serious. She is always busy but is also very calm. She only ever cries if she needs something and is easily soothed.

Aria is strong. She rolls from her back to her stomach and brings her knees up. The other day she was reaching out for the blanket trying to pull herself forward. She has also started to roll in one direction. I could just see all of the neurons firing in her brain as she figured out that she could actually move towards something. Man, am I in trouble! : ) The first time that I put her in her exersaucer, she stood up straight to look around...and I cried. She also likes to bounce around in the jolly jumper and every once in a while I have to catch my breath.

There is my baby girl with big blue eyes reminding me that life is good. There is my baby girl reminding me to slow down and take a breath. There is my baby girl forcing me to continually remind myself about what is important in life.

The word aria of course means a melody and our Aria's melody is just so sweet. I truly believe that Georgia is nothing but thrilled for us. Because Georgia knows my heart she understands that the joy I find in everyday with her sisters will never mean that I have stopped missing or loving her. And, while I find October an especially hard month I am just so grateful to the continual surprises that my girls, but most of all Aria keeps showing me.

Love to you all,

Kristen




5 comments:

  1. I truly believe Georgia helped in giving you the gift of Aria. She knows your family needed her, to help in the healing. She knows that the girls needed to have a healthy baby sister so as not to worry that all babies will go to Heaven...she knows just what you need, and she is there helping to bring that to you every single day.

    I also know that Georgia in no way would ever think she was 'replaced'-there is no way to replace something so incredibly special, that means so much and is still teaching so much nor would she ever think you were trying to...but filling the sadness with joy, there is nothing wrong with that at all, and I am so happy for you! I know Georgia loves to see your genuine smiles and hear your laughter-she gives you many gifts but that, along with your love, is the greatest gift you could be giving her!

    As for comparing children-we all do it!! It isn't a bad thing it is what helps us to learn their individuality, to love what makes each of them so special and unique. I love both my girls differently, in the way they need, for the things that make them special-I love them the same 'amount' but there is definitely a differnce in how I love them and what I love about them! I hope it is 'normal'! :-)

    So glad to hear all about Aria, her strength, how much of her big sis she has in her and also how she is coming into her own...awesome.
    Love you guys, Em

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  2. Kristen, I know your not suposed to compare them but I think everybody does...not in a bad way...I think it's often that your just realizing either how different or how similar they are. We all love to hear about Aria and how much she does for you and your family!

    Lots of Love
    The Laarvelds

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  3. When i saw you all at Thanksgiving i was overjoyed.
    All our prayers have been answered. Aria is a gift from God. Her sisters adore her and her mom and dad just love her to pieces. She herself is quite the character, a mind of her own, beautiful smiles and obviously adores her sisters.
    This baby is cementing the family together and i`d like to bet that Georgia had a big part in all of that.
    Jesus make mommy, daddy,Calla and Maya happy again. Give them another little girl like me but without sma. I know how much i`m loved and that i`ll always be very special to them all, and most of all i want them to know that they have enough love for the four of us.

    Kristen, Mike you are incredible parents and Aria has brought so much joy into your life and hearts don`t ever think that Georgia would be upset. I really do believe that she`s dancing with joy to see you all together.

    Love you all

    Carol

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  4. No email addresses with us but letting you know we arrived safe and sound and settled into our hotel in Budapest. Will catch up later. Are meeting up with Judit and relatives later today.
    Love you guys. OOOOXXXX

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  5. Im sorry for your loss. I lost a baby to a neuromuscular condition they believed to be sma 2 years ago. Since then we've had a new one to. I can totally relate to your feelings. Im so sorry your going through this. Your kids are beautiful. Much love and hugs.

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