Winter has arrived bringing its fury; It’s cold, it’s wet the snow is our blanket

Winter is so dreary, it brings about sadness; The sadness no one wants yet it comes any way

Winter can be and almost always is depressing; It’s hard to get through when there are so many bleak days ahead

Winter seems like it will never end; The days merge one into another

Yet one day, the single piece of grass pops through; The green against the white is quite a sight to behold

Spring is coming, she shows her first sign; She brings . . . → Click Here To Read More: Winter]]>

Winter has arrived
bringing its fury;
It’s cold, it’s wet
the snow is our blanket

Winter is so dreary,
it brings about sadness;
The sadness no one wants
yet it comes any way

Winter can be and
almost always is depressing;
It’s hard to get through
when there are so many bleak days ahead

Winter seems like
it will never end;
The days merge
one into another

Yet one day, the single
piece of grass pops through;
The green against the white
is quite a sight to behold

Spring is coming,
she shows her first sign;
She brings us new hope,
she brings us new life

Spring brings a renewed
sense of wonder in the air;
What will she be able
to truly bring?

Spring is where
new life takes root;
It shows us the beauty
and awe of things to come

Winter is finally leaving
along with the deep ache;
Spring is quickly coming bringing
about contentment and uncertain joy

Spring has brought with it
the sun’s ever radiant heat;
She melts away the snow
to show the true beauty within

Spring

I am asking for everyone’s help. I have rewritten a poem that is a dedication to Mari. If everyone could please read it and give me your comments, I would appreciate it more than you know. I have also put “T’was the Night Before Christmas” below my poem so you can put them side by side. My hope is that you feel my poem matches up with this poem. Thanks in advance for everyone’s help with this. Kristena

T’was the night before our lives changed, forever in our house, . . . → Click Here To Read More: T’was the Night Before Our Lives Changed]]>

I am asking for everyone’s help. I have rewritten a poem that is a dedication to Mari. If everyone could please read it and give me your comments, I would appreciate it more than you know. I have also put “T’was the Night Before Christmas” below my poem so you can put them side by side. My hope is that you feel my poem matches up with this poem. Thanks in advance for everyone’s help with this. Kristena

T’was the night before our lives changed, forever in our house,
No one could have known, not even a mouse.
For our hopes hung in the balance with all human care,
In the hopes that our prayers would be answered right there.

The people who loved her went off to their beds,
While they laid there and slept or prayed in their heads.
And daddy had his hope, and mommy had her fears,
Because the next morning might bring about our tears.

We arose the next morning to hear so much clatter,
As we were not sure what was the matter.
We flew to her side in such a quick rush,
But there just seemed to be this great big hush.

The sun seemed to rise and show us its glow,
As those that loved her were waiting below.
We all hoped that our waiting would bring us good cheer,
But that miracle we were waiting for didn’t seem to appear.

For we could not believe she had gotten so sick,
It seems like it had happened all too quick.
More rapid than thought possible when it had come,
It seems like all that knew her were becoming quite numb.

We all cried out, “How could this be,
For she’s not to go before any of us let alone me.”
It seems like we hit a great brick wall,
For we knew God had a plan, for her and for all.

Our time was slipping, it seemed to fly by,
We hoped she was not headed for heaven in the sky.
Because if she was it seemed like she flew,
With pieces of our heart and our love for her too.

Then in a moment, her fate had been sealed,
For we all knew she could not be healed.
The unbelievable had happened, and it was all too real,
We were losing her to heaven, we had no appeal.

We dressed her one final time from her head to her toe,
Her clothes were so precious, she had such a glow.
She had all those that loved her there by her side,
As we all held her close, and sobbingly cried.

Her eyes always twinkled! Her smiles were so merry!
Her cheeks were so rosy, she could fly like a fairy!
With her mommy holding her tight as she took her final breath,
Daddy was there too, as we lost her in death.

You could see she was at peace as she left us for heaven,
It was a relief to know she was already forgiven.
Because she had autism, God knew she was special,
She was just like sunshine, or even a rose petal.

Once she had made it up to heaven with cheer,
She saw those she loved on earth with a tear.
She sent down this message to those that she loves,
“I will see you soon here in heaven along with God’s doves.”

What words can we speak to portray the loss we feel?
At least it gives us peace to know she has God’s seal.
God’s seal is so special, as it means she’s with Him,
Because without this hope, life would be so grim.

We all sprang by her side, to say one final goodbye,
Even though her spirit had already left for the sky.
It seems she exclaimed, as she left us that night,
“I love you all so much, and all of you will be alright.”

You now are our angel, looking down from above,
As you look after us all, with all of your love.
To think of you up there, gives us all so much peace,
Because one day soon, we’ll be reunited with thee.

Now the other poem:

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

To the man I love You are my partner, my friend You are the one I choose to not live my life without

You have become my everything I don’t know exactly when this happened But you are why I am here today

You have shown me what patience looks like You have shown me what true unconditional love really is You have shown me that God really does work in mysterious ways

Mari is gone and you are here We are here We are there for each other in both the good days and the bad When . . . → Click Here To Read More: To The Love Of My Life – married 15 years February 18]]>

To the man I love
You are my partner, my friend
You are the one I choose
to not live my life without

You have become my everything
I don’t know exactly when this happened
But you are why I am here today

You have shown me
what patience looks like
You have shown me what true
unconditional love really is
You have shown me that God
really does work in mysterious ways

Mari is gone and you are here
We are here
We are there for each other
in both the good days and the bad
When trouble comes you have been my rock,
my foundation which I stand

You have shown me faith
like no other could have
When we were at our lowest
you still turned to God
When most others would have
turned the other way

This is the picture of true love
Thank you for showing me
how to love like no other could have

On this earth we don’t know
when our time is up;
when it is our time
to go see the Lord

On this earth our time together
will seem like it can last forever
God only knows how long
this will truly be

The reality is no matter if we both live until tomorrow
or for another 50 years,
it is only a blink of an eye for God
The only thing we have is
eternity together beside our Lord

I can honestly say I would not
want it any other way
I love you Keith
I love you

Our angel in heaven How quick she must be If you can imagine She flew like a bee

As soon as she arrived In heaven that first day You can just imagine How she wanted to play

Can you just see her Dancing and singing While everyone around her Is laughing and swinging

The clouds are no match As she wanted to paint So she took out her markers Just like a saint

The clouds are her canvas, I know it’s hard to imagine But somehow she did it Like no one could fathom

She . . . → Click Here To Read More: Our Angel In Heaven]]>

Our angel in heaven
How quick she must be
If you can imagine
She flew like a bee

As soon as she arrived
In heaven that first day
You can just imagine
How she wanted to play

Can you just see her
Dancing and singing
While everyone around her
Is laughing and swinging

The clouds are no match
As she wanted to paint
So she took out her markers
Just like a saint

The clouds are her canvas,
I know it’s hard to imagine
But somehow she did it
Like no one could fathom

She wrote out in marker
Her favorite words in the sky
BLUE, CLUE, TOYS, CARS
And nobody wondered why

To have known her is to see
How she loved her TV
To watch what she wants
Is all that can be

Dora, Diego, and
Backyardigans too
Don’t forget Nemo,
Wonder Pets, and Blue

These are her favorites
No one can forget
As I am sure she is flying
While she watches I’ll bet

Oh my there’s a lake
How could we forget
Because she found that water
And she gets soaking wet

She suddenly stops and realizes
During her playing and fun
That those down on earth who love her
Are sad and undone

As she is standing there still
All grown up in heaven
She sends down this message
To those who are grievin’

“Please don’t be sad
And miss me you see
Because I am ok
And happy as can be”

“Jesus took me in
It is plain to see
Because he loved all of us
And died on a tree”

“I am his child
And he took me in
Like no other would have
Because of my autism”

“I am waiting here for you
When it’s your time to come
So let that give you peace
So you don’t feel so glum”

“I know you miss me
Because I miss you too
But knowing I’m up here
Can give you peace and help you through”

“So one final thing
As I say good bye for now
Please live life to the fullest
With plenty of ‘wow’”

“I love you mommy, daddy,
And everyone who loves me
Because, you see,
I will be reunited soon with thee”

T’was the night before our lives changed, forever in our house, No one could have known, not even a mouse. For our hopes hung in the balance with all human care, In the hopes that our prayers would be answered right there.

The people who loved her went off to their beds, While they laid there and slept or prayed in their heads. And daddy had his hope, and mommy had her fears, Because . . . → Click Here To Read More: T’was the Night Before Our Lives Changed]]>

T’was the night before our lives changed, forever in our house,
No one could have known, not even a mouse.
For our hopes hung in the balance with all human care,
In the hopes that our prayers would be answered right there.

The people who loved her went off to their beds,
While they laid there and slept or prayed in their heads.
And daddy had his hope, and mommy had her fears,
Because the next morning might bring about our tears.

We arose the next morning to hear so much clatter,
As we were not sure what was the matter.
We flew to her side in such a quick rush,
But there just seemed to be this great big hush.

The sun seemed to rise and show us its glow,
As those that loved her were waiting below.
We all hoped that our waiting would bring us good cheer,
But that miracle we were waiting for didn’t seem to appear.

For we could not believe she had gotten so sick,
It seems like it had happened all too quick.
More rapid than thought possible when it had come,
It seems like all that knew her were becoming quite numb.

We all cried out, “How could this be,
For she’s not to go before any of us let alone me.”
It seems like we hit a great brick wall,
For we knew God had a plan, for her and for all.

Our time was slipping, it seemed to fly by,
We hoped she was not headed for heaven in the sky.
Because if she was it seemed like she flew,
With pieces of our heart and our love for her too.

Then in a moment, her fate had been sealed,
For we all knew she could not be healed.
The unbelievable had happened, and it was all too real,
We were losing her to heaven, we had no appeal.

We dressed her one final time from her head to her toe,
Her clothes were so precious, she had such a glow.
She had all those that loved her there by her side,
As we all held her close, and sobbingly cried.

Her eyes always twinkled! Her smiles were so merry!
Her cheeks were so rosy, she could fly like a fairy!
With her mommy holding her tight as she took her final breath,
Daddy was there too, as we lost her in death.

You could see she was at peace as she left us for heaven,
It was a relief to know she was already forgiven.
Because she had autism, God knew she was special,
She was just like sunshine, or even a rose petal.

Once she had made it up to heaven with cheer,
She saw those she loved on earth with a tear.
She sent down this message to those that she loves,
“I will see you soon here in heaven along with God’s doves.”

What words can we speak to portray the loss we feel?
At least it gives us peace to know she has God’s seal.
God’s seal is so special, as it means she’s with Him,
Because without this hope, life would be so grim.

We all sprang by her side, to say one final goodbye,
Even though her spirit had already left for the sky.
It seems she exclaimed, as she left us that night,
“I love you all so much, and all of you will be alright.”

You now are our angel, looking down from above,
As you look after us all, with all of your love.
To think of you up there, gives us all so much peace,
Because one day soon, we’ll be reunited with thee.

This is my very first poem I have ever written.  I know it is not like some of the great poetry out there today by some of the greats but it is from the bottom of my heart and in complete dedication to my beautiful baby girl.  I love you sweetie and miss you very much.

When I lie awake at night All I do is think of you as my guiding light You helped me to see That my life became complete because of thee

To have known you . . . → Click Here To Read More: A Poem to Mari]]>

This is my very first poem I have ever written.  I know it is not like some of the great poetry out there today by some of the greats but it is from the bottom of my heart and in complete dedication to my beautiful baby girl.  I love you sweetie and miss you very much.

When I lie awake at night
All I do is think of you as my guiding light
You helped me to see
That my life became complete because of thee

To have known you
Is to have loved you
And to have loved you
Is to miss you

I can envision you looking down on me and daddy
And wanting to make sure that we are and will continue to be happy

I know you miss us as much as we miss you
And baby girl you will always be apart of our life no matter what we do

You are up there singing your songs
Probably laughing and dancing and at the top of your lungs

Your arms are like wings as you try to take flight
Because you are so excited by the beautiful awe inspiring sight

Please always remember there isn’t a day to go by without you in our thoughts and prayers
That it helps us to keep you close to us as we all go through our own grief layers

The memories are so dear
That we don’t live in fear
As our memories instead fill us with joy
As we think of you playing with a favorite toy

Daddy misses you
Mommy misses you
Everyone miss you too
Please think of us
Please watch over us
Please remember to do what you love to do

This poem was first introduced to me by a friend. He created the dedication video of Mari’s pictures that were put to music and then at the end he had a neat surprise for us. He had his daughter say this poem at the end of the show with Mari’s’ picture there. His daughter was going to read the poem at her funeral but it was just too hard for her to do because the reality was a little girl about her age had died and just too much for her. So her daddy read . . . → Click Here To Read More: Letter from Heaven]]>

This poem was first introduced to me by a friend. He created the dedication video of Mari’s pictures that were put to music and then at the end he had a neat surprise for us. He had his daughter say this poem at the end of the show with Mari’s’ picture there. His daughter was going to read the poem at her funeral but it was just too hard for her to do because the reality was a little girl about her age had died and just too much for her. So her daddy read the poem. This poem meant so much to me as you will read. I hope this poem means as much to all of you as it has to us and our family.  I have put the video at the end of this post if you are interested in watching.

It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you’re part of my plan.
There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.”

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you….in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er.
I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too…
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night……”My day was not in vain.”
And now I am contented….that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it’s time for you to go…. from that body to be free,
remember you’re not going…..you’re coming here to me.

I went online and googled the lady who wrote this poem. On her site all she asks is to have a link back to her poem. Author: Ruth Ann Mahaffey, ©Copyright 1998. Her website is http://ruthann1.com/LetterFromHeaven.htm

Click here to view the embedded video.

Today is a day I have been dreading Today is a day that sucks Today is a day that I wish had never come Today is just hard Today is just painful Today makes me think too much Today makes me relive the past

I wish I could go back somehow I wish I could go back any way possible I wish there was a time machine to take me back I wish there was a way I just simply wish

Today is a day that makes me sad Today is a day that makes . . . → Click Here To Read More: Today…]]>

Today is a day I have been dreading
Today is a day that sucks
Today is a day that I wish had never come
Today is just hard
Today is just painful
Today makes me think too much
Today makes me relive the past

I wish I could go back somehow
I wish I could go back any way possible
I wish there was a time machine to take me back
I wish there was a way
I just simply wish

Today is a day that makes me sad
Today is a day that makes me cry
Today is a day that brings deep sorrow
Today is a day that has no joy
Today is the day most of us have been dreading

What is today you may ask
Today is Thanksgiving without our beautiful Mari
Today is a day that was not ever supposed to happen without her
Yet here we are today anyway
Without any choice
Without any say in the matter

Time just kept moving forward
Time just keeps ticking
Time can be your friend
Time can be your enemy
I wish time would just take me back to where I was on July 1 and she never got sick

We love her so much
We miss her so much
We care for her so much
We adore her so much
We admire her so much
We just simply think about her all the time

To relive the past would be beautiful if somehow it would change the present
Today just sucks

I will always remember Mari’s method of transportation… running.

I will always remember Mari’s laughter, trust, and innocence.

I will always remember Mari’s favorite foods.

In the context of the 23d Psalm, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,” I picture death saying:

Who is that running through my valley? She is supposed to walk!

And why is she laughing? She is supposed to be in fear!!

What magic marker? Where did she get a magic marker? What do you mean it won’t wash off? . . . → Click Here To Read More: I Will Always Remember Mari…]]>

I will always remember Mari’s method of transportation… running.

I will always remember Mari’s laughter, trust, and innocence.

I will always remember Mari’s favorite foods.

In the context of the 23d Psalm, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,” I picture death saying:

Who is that running through my valley? She is supposed to walk!

And why is she laughing? She is supposed to be in fear!!

What magic marker? Where did she get a magic marker? What do you mean it won’t wash off? I have to repaint everything? Somebody catch that kid!!!

“Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.”

Mari asks God, “Do you have pancakes and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? And can you cut the crusts off?

“My cup runneth over,”

Mari asks, “More juice?”

Matt 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” NIV

The kingdom of heaven belongs to the trusting and the innocent. Jesus called Mari to Him.

This was not “Good-bye”. This is merely, “Until we meet again.”

Grandpa

M is for the Most loved little girl you could meet. M is for Mischievous as she climbs out the window to go dancing in the street or to climb on the roof to dance her little heart out. M is for Meaningful in showing us what life is really supposed to be all about. M is for Magical for that sparkle she seemed to always have in her eyes. M is for . . . → Click Here To Read More: What does the word Mariana mean?]]>

M is for the Most loved little girl you could meet.
M is for Mischievous as she climbs out the window to go dancing in the street or to climb on the roof to dance her little heart out.
M is for Meaningful in showing us what life is really supposed to be all about.
M is for Magical for that sparkle she seemed to always have in her eyes.
M is for Ming Ming, a character from one her favorite shows the Wonder Pets.
M is for Map from Dora the Explorer as you can hear her singing, “I’m the Map, I’m the Map, I’m the Map, I’m the Map, I’M THE MAP!!”
M is for “Milk Please” because you can hear Mari’s sweet little voice wanting something to drink.

A is for Angelic because she is just like the angel we have always dreamed of.
A is for Absolutely beautiful.
A is for Arrow like cupid’s Arrow because once her Arrow pierced through your heart she was a permanent part of it.
A is for Adorable because in just one look she could almost get anything she asked for.

R is for Royalty as she was the queen of her world.
R is for Running as she could run faster than a speeding bullet.
R is for Remarkable as she is nothing short of it.
R is for Rain as she used to love it when it would Rain outside and then play in the puddles to get all wet.
R is for Rebellious as I don’t think she ever knew how to listen to the word “NO!”

I is for Individuality because there is no one else like her in the world.
I is for Incredible as she was the most Incredible person to show you unconditional love no matter what.
I is for Issa the Iguana a character from one of her favorite shows on the Dora the Explorer.
I is for Infectious personality because she was able to just draw you in with everything she had.

A is for Aerial like when she tried to fly with her wings as she flapped her arms in excitement.
A is for Autism and what defined one of the most curious people I have ever met.
A is for Mari’s Artwork as she used to love to show us her drawings all over our plain white walls.

N is for Neat in the fact that Mari was anything but.
N is for Never quit because she Never let anything or anyone get in the way of what she wanted in her life.
N is for the Never ending love we have for her.
N is for Noisy because that little girl could sing and dance at the top of her lungs and just wear you out by looking at her with all of her energy.
N is for the Numerous toys she had because here Mommy and Daddy spoiled her rotten.

A is for Ample because we thought we would have Ample of time to spend with her for many years to come but we were robbed of that privilege well before her time was up.
A is for Anytime of day or night because that is all I do; I think about her at Anytime.

Overall, Mari is one of the most unforgettable human beings a person could ever meet.
She was a force to be reckoned with.
She will never be forgot by anyone who knew her.
Her memory will live on for many years to come.
The impact she had on so many lives is beyond any words that could or can be said.
Thank you Mari for the life you lived and taught so many to live their own lives to the fullest.
You are so missed.