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.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Surrender

The morning of April 20th Georgia had developed a fever. She had just finished a course of antibiotics but new ones were ordered and started. Later that day her fever broke and she was like a new child...or more like the one that we once knew. She was full of smiles and had found her voice again. I have clear memories of those few hours with her. We sang songs and she rode in her swing. I just wanted to savor every moment with her and stop time. Here was my beautiful, happy baby full of energy and having fun. April 20th would be Georgia's last full day on earth. Those moments that we had together would be the last time that I would see Georgie smile, or even open her eyes.

Her breathing became more and more labored through the night. The next morning she seemed calmer but my instincts were telling me otherwise. I knew that when the time came that I wanted Georgia to be in my arms. I wanted her to understand that she was loved beyond measure. It wasn't long before the curtain between this world and the next was opened wide. I so desperately wanted to keep her here but I knew that my job now was to surrender.

Georgia's life and death were beautiful. The memories that we have of her we cherish. The pictures that we have of her we treasure. We watch for signs of her everywhere, from the dozens of birds that visit our yard to the sound of the wind chimes when there is no breeze. We continue to tell her story so that others will know her, understand her...remember her.

We carry her in our hearts every second, of every minute of every day. We continue to fight to end SMA. We talk about her daily. We miss her terribly.

Letting go of Georgia was the hardest thing that I have ever done. I am learning however that the only way to truly find peace is to trust in something greater than myself and to truly surrender.

Love to you all,

Kristen

3 comments:

  1. What a beautiful, love-filled, inspiring post. Thank you once again for sharing your heart, your love and most of all your sweet and precious baby girl with us. There are no words to tell you how much that means and how much she has taught us. There isn't a day that goes by that you and all 4 of your girls (and of course Mike!) aren't on my mind and I thank you for your friendship and your heart-you are truly incredible and your grace has come shining through even moreso these past 2 years. Hugs, love and prayers today and always. Love Em

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  2. Your last paragraph says so much, Kristen. I have fought and fought over the past two years with all my strength, but I am slowly learning that it will not get me to the place I need to be. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing insight. I will draw strength from your words when I feel myself slipping...
    Keeping you, your family, and Georgia close to me in thought. She will always be remembered and loved!

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  3. So many good memories, so many hard memories... You are a good mom for honoring all of them. Love and prayers, Lisa

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