Remember When

Dear Mercydez,

I can't believe you have been in Heaven for two years now. Daddy and I always talk about how much we miss you and how much we love you. In fact, tonight we were talking about how much we miss just simply picking you up and holding your beautiful, perfect little body with such an adorable spirit, in our arms. We miss you. So much.

You have changed us, little girl. You have changed us for the better. You have helped us cling to our Savior. You have taught us that the Atonement truly is our saving grace. You have taught us more about The Gospel of Jesus Christ than we could ever express. Thank you.

Daddy and I are always curious as to what you're doing up there. We know you're busy. We know you're working hard. But, we also know you are at peace. You are experiencing a rest that can only be found with Jesus Christ and our Father. I can't imagine the perfection you are experiencing. We are so happy for you.

Baby Girl, we want you to know that we are so honored to have you in our family. We feel so blessed to have had you, even if for a short time. It breaks my heart when I hear people talk about being "afraid" to have a child who is "different". To them, I say: then you are afraid of PURE HAPPINESS. Is it hard? Absolutely. But only cowards run from hard situations. I can't testify strongly enough... having a child with special needs brought us MORE HAPPINESS AND JOY THAN WE HAVE EVER HAD. I think people just refuse to see that. Because they are afraid. Because they are cowards. I would NEVER trade my beautiful Mercydez for anything.

Our sorrow did not begin when we found out our Mercydez had some very special needs. Our sorrow began the moment we found out we couldn't keep her here on earth with us for forever.

Mercydez, you are our everything. Thank you for helping us become better people. Thank you for helping us make it through these past two, very trying, years. We thought of you during General Conference this past weekend. Elder Scott was talking about his baby boy, Richard, who had a heart defect. Elder Scott mentioned that he will forever cherish the night he got up and held his crying baby boy in his arms to comfort him. All I could do was cry. I know what he means. I understand, completely. I will never forget the whole-ness I felt when holding you Mercydez.

Mommy and Daddy miss you. Dearly. Know, though, that we are so happy for you. You deserve the great reward you are enjoying right now. Give our Princess Grammie (and her prince) a kiss for us (and for Auntie Addy too).

All of our hearts,
Daddy and Mommy