Cali Rae and LOVE

It's been 4 years today since our daughter Cali Rae went to Heaven. 

While going through boxes from our move in April, I came across a box full of sympathy cards from her passing. I saved every single card.
We received cards for a long time: cards from family and friends and people we didn't even know, who just happened to hear about our story. Those cards were like hugs and on the darkest of days, I would read them over and over again.
People offered comfort and shared similar stories of grief and I remember feeling like I wasn't alone. WE weren't alone.

We would come home to flowers on our doorstep, or food with a sweet note. We received emails, texts, and Facebook messages. We received calls from friends who didn't expect a call back, but wanted to let us know they were thinking about us. Our neighbors would visit us every night on their way home from work just to see if we were okay. People made donations in Cali's name to March of Dimes and Winnie Palmer Hospital.
There was such an outpouring of love. Just pure goodness, and that's what I want to focus on.

There is one card in particular that has always stayed in my mind because it was from a little girl. There was a knock on our door shortly after Cali passed, and it was a friend of ours with a small paper bag tied with a red ribbon. She told me the bag was from her daughter, but she didn't know what was inside because she promised her she wouldn't look. She hugged me with a smile and said,"So, excuse me if it's inappropriate, but she's 8!" 
She hopped into her car and drove away. 
I slowly opened the bag, and inside was a beautiful little angel and a note. 
The note said this.......

Dear Mrs Andrew. and Mr. Andrew,
I am so sorry for the loss of your baby girl.
Maybe this was meant to be and God has something greater for this child. At least you still have your baby boy.
May your beautiful baby girl be in Heaven thinking of you. 
May God be with you and guide you through these sad sorrowful days.
I am praying for you.
Love,
Amelia ❤️

That card filled with hearts still makes me smile, and that sweet little angel sits up on a shelf near Cali's urn, and life goes on.....

This morning Mike and Tommy are decorating the house with Christmas lights and later today we will head out to choose and cut down our Christmas tree! 
The sun is shining and the sky is a brilliant blue....... it's going to be a good day.

In loving Memory of Cali Rae Andrew
(November 20, 2012-December 17th 2012)


2 comments

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing this with everyone. You and Michael are a real inspiration of people who are strong and live life right. Your angels (one in heaven and one on earth) are looking after you...

Sonya said...

Lea,
What a beautiful memory She is definitely looking after you all!