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A Life of Love


I have served in youth ministry for a number of years. Last year, I came to a point where I realized that although we will no longer be bringing home any more babies, God has given me more children than I know what to do with. My high schoolers are amazing young people. In a short time I have had the privilege to meet and build relationships with many kids, and I care for each and every one. 

One girl in particular was especially close. Mary. Full of spunk and always asking me if I had time to chat after our small group time. Jamey knew that I would never make it back from youth group 'on time' because either she or another girl would share their lives with me and I just loved to listen. 

When Gabriel died, Mary pushed me in ways that many adults wouldn't have thought to even try. She constantly challenged my faith and my thinking, sometimes to the point where I would even ask her to just hush for a moment so I could get my thoughts out. She could talk forever, she always made me laugh, and her encouraging words were beyond her years. 

Mary died last month. She was 19 years old. When I got the news I couldn't catch my breath. Mary? My Mary? No. It's not fair. Not to her, not to her family, not to anyone who loves her. I grieve her loss and I know that my grief couldn't even compare to that of her family's. 

I am grateful to have many stories of my time with Mary, but I want to share my favorite today.

Mira's 6th birthday. I had no big plans, no party planned, just a simple family birthday celebration. 

Does she like horses? Mary had asked me. 

When I told her yes, she asked if Mira would like to ride one. Mary owned a horse, Blue, and she said he was a good horse for little kids. I know this would be perfect for a little girl on her birthday, she'd told me. Mary gave me the address for where to meet her and we planned to get together on Mira's birthday. 

When we got there, Mary was ready to go. I have something for you, Mira, and she handed her a gift bag filled with candy, a card, and a tiny llama piñata. She'd even written her a special invitation decorated with horses and stickers. Mira was ecstatic. We met Blue, we fed him apples, and Mira rode him and walked with him around the barn. Mary was by her side the entire time. She was thrilled to be making Mira's birthday so special. I couldn't believe how happy this 18 year old kid was just bringing joy to a 6 year old. I took lots of pictures and video, and it will forever be engrained in my memory.

Mira still brings up that birthday. She has asked me constantly when we would be able to go horseback riding again because it was just so fun with Mary. 

When I told her that Mary is now in Heaven, she said, Mom, she was just so young.

I agree. So very young.

Mary's mother stopped by today with a special gift for Mira. She found a riding horse playset that had belonged to Mary and wanted Mira to have it. I am in awe of the heart of this mother grieving her daughter and her willingness to part with this set. My words seem inadequate, but I couldn't go without acknowledging the special meaning this has for me and for Mira. Mary will always be remembered as a part of our family. 

None of us know how long we have on this Earth. I know Mary had big dreams for her future and I was excited to see her achieve them. At her memorial, her father said that Mary had achieved more in 19 years than most do in their entire lifetimes. I absolutely agree with that. She loved others so well and I consider myself blessed to have been part of her life. 

Her joy was contagious. Her love was immense. 

May we all strive to live a life as well as she did. 

Until we meet again, Mary, hold my boys and tell them about their momma. I'll miss you sweet girl.

 

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 12, 2020 at 5:05 AM

    Oh Kayila! My head felt every word you wrote. What a blessing for you to have been a part of such an amazing young lady. She will with you always and each time you see a horse may it remind you what a joy she brought your sweet daughter.
    Love Rose.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownDecember 12, 2020 at 5:06 AM

    Oh Kayila! My head felt every word you wrote. What a blessing for you to have been a part of such an amazing young lady. She will with you always and each time you see a horse may it remind you what a joy she brought your sweet daughter.
    Love Rose.

    ReplyDelete

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