I wanted to take a minute to post this amazing picture. It was taken on Wednesday, October 10, 2007; shortly before Sophie's first visitation was to begin at the funeral home. This picture was taken by our good friend Ed McNamara (who lives behind us). From this vantage point, the rainbow ended at our house (the trees you see in the picture are in our backyard). If you look closely, you can see there are two rainbows - I believe one is Sophie and one is Maria.
While Ed was taking this picture, Marc and I were on our way to the funeral home and also looked out the car window to see a beautiful and perfect rainbow starting over the lake and ending in the road before us. All I could say was, "oh Sophie Girl!" If you read my recent update, you know how Sophie liked rainbows. We know she is in heaven and that provides us peace and some comfort, but the pain and emptiness in our hearts is indescribable.
Updates will come as we find the time. Many people have asked us "what happened?" and what the final moments with Sophie were like. I'm sure as time goes on, I will post this update and answer those questions. I'll also ask my Mom to post an update of all the stories she wanted to tell about Sophie. But for now, I will try to find a way to fill the emptiness in my heart while embracing the memories of Sophie which surround me at every turn.
We want to thank you again for your love, friendship and support. We will hold Sophie close in our hearts forever, and will pray that this experience will never happen to another family and that somehow a cure will be found. God bless.
41 comments:
THE RAINBOWS ARE BEAUTIFULL,JUST LIKE THE LITTLE GIRLS WHO SENT THEM!
AMANDA HUEBNER
What a wonderful "sign" from heaven for you! And what a wonderful little girl, making sure to tell her mom and dad "I'm OK, I love you!" Your strength is amazing to me. Your family will be in our prayers continually. You, and Sophie, have touched so, so many lives.
God Bless.
Carolyn- Long Island
I drew rainbows with Sophie in June. I know what people mean when they say their hearts are full, because mine is just bursting with all of you. Stay tight to each other and hold close the family that Sophie was so much a part of and loved so very much. We love you all so very, very much.
What a gift from two little girls! To mommy and daddy, grandma and grandpa, sister and brothers, family and friends, strangers from all over the world....... Thank you, Sophie and Maria! We ALL, THOUSANDS of broken hearts, needed this sign from you, because we're weak and frail and so very human......Two little girls who brought SO MUCH LOVE into SO MANY lives. Like Sophie's daddy said on Friday "you're awesome and I love you." Aunt Lynne
I heard it said that a rainbow is like a giant bridge or gate and has been called the "Gateway to Heaven." Many people believe the rainbow is a ray of light falling to earth whenever Saint Peter opens the gates of heaven to let another soul in. In Christianity, the rainbow is the pardon, the reconciliation between God and humanity. It is the throne of the last judgment. In ancient Christian symbolism the rainbows principal colors are red, blue and green for fire, flood and earth. It is sometimes viewed as the Virgin Mary bringing heaven and earth in harmony.
Know that your beautiful daughter's magical colors are shining through in heaven. The rainbow you saw is confirmation of her passage into this divine life. When I lost my father, someone told me something that I carry with me to this day as comfort and consolation in his death...she said, "He just got there first..." Sofie too, just got there first...and one day, you will be reunited...although if you look into your heart, she is still with you each and every day.
May God bless you and give you comfort during these difficult days.
Celina Garza and Family
Still praying for you.
What an AMAZING photo! Your Sophie Girl is watching over you and already showing you sings she is with you always! I pray daily that God gives you peace and comfort. That you feel His love all around you and Sophie's love holding you tight. Take each day minute by minute and second by second. God's love is all around! Gob Bless and much love from Kansas.
Emily --
You and your family have shown such powerful strength, love, and faith in the most difficult, heart-wrenching situation imaginable. I have been reading your posts for months now and I think about Sophie every day. What a miraculous four+ years you had to share with such a captivating little girl! I'm so profoundly sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Lori (Hawkins) Hachenski
What a beautiful picture Marc and Emily. I wanted so much to attend but sadly could not, however you are forever in my thoughts. Please email us your mailing address as we have something to send you and Marc. Our email is jasonandcori@tx.rr.com.
Thanks so much!
Know of continued prayers being sent up for you all--
Praying in Geneva
What a beautiful moment, and so lovely that it was captured on film. Thank you for sharing this journey so openly. Sophie has touched the lives of so many people, many of whom (myself included) never had the privilege of meeting her. Her story has really encouraged me to be more present with my children; to love and value them and not get sidetracked by the little things. I have followed Sophie's journey on your blog for several months, and prayed each day that she would receive her miracle. What a blessing that you were able to have her as a daughter, that she was able to touch so many lives and inspire people she never even met, and all of this in her very short life on earth. You have served as a wonderful example of faith and love, and have always shared your updates with such grace. Sophie was very blessed to have such a loving family. I will continue to pray for you all as you celebrate the life of your beautiful little girl.
Emily and family,
Together, my husband,two daughters, and I visited Smiles for Sophie. I remember walking for miles with your mom as she told me stories of Sophie. She was such a proud grandma! We will pray for your family. Catherine (Vincenti) Bouwman and family
I just received your blog address from my mom (who happens to be in North Carolina). A friend of her's shared Sophie's story with her a few weeks ago, and she e-mailed us the prayer request. I have spent the past few hours reading Sophie's story and haven't been able to stop the tears.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful daughter with us. God is so lucky to have a special little girl like her in heaven right now.
Your constant faith and love shine through all you've said over the course of the past months. Your story will definitely touch people, and there's no doubt in my mind that you'll be used to help other families fighting this terrible disease.
May God bless you & your family during this time! May the peace that passes all understanding be yours!
I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for the loss of your beautiful baby girl. I have been following your story over the past few months and was praying for a very different ending. What an amazing family you are, and how lucky Sophie was to have you. Your story has helped me be a better mother to my own daughter--to enjoy all the little everyday miracles each day brings. What an amazing gift Sophie has given you in the beautiful rainbow. Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
What a beautiful and special picture. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for you and your family everyday. I cannot even imagine what you all have been through.
Hi Emily
What a comforting and beautiful picture. Thank you for sharing it. We are praying for you - for strength and peace. The service on Friday was beautiful just like your little girl. I am looking for rainbows all the time now. God bless you - He is carrying you now.
Dear Emily and Marc,
What a lovely sight! That rainbow had a definite message from Maria and Sophie and I bet they're together now. I'm still praying for strength for all of you. I really thought things would turn out differently and prayed very hard for it. God has plans for each of us and I guess His plan for Sophie was to reflect His love through such a beautiful, insightful child. She has really touched my heart and I so wanted to be able to come to her funeral and give you both a hug. I really think her story (and Maria's for that matter) will shed SO much light on this tumor. I have told others about their stories and the prayers from maria foundation. Anyhow, I just wanted you both to know that I'm thinking of and praying for you. Times like these are the ones where clinging to God and His promises will bring peace and comfort. I'm praying for that for you. God bless and thank you for sharing Sophie with so many, she was truly and absolutely loved, even from a stranger mom here in Virginia. Blessings.
Molly Kofchur
Truly amazing picture! There is no doubt that this was a gift for you from Sophie....letting you know that she is ok right before you began those incredibly difficult days. Take care of yourselves and know that so many are thinking of you and praying for you.
May God comfort you in your sorrow. Know that we will be there whenever you call and feel up to spending time with your playgroup friends-- whatever you want to do!
love always,
Laurann
That is a beautiful picture! What a sure sign that Sophie is in Heaven, always looking down on you and your family. Sophie is a precious little girl that is happy in Heaven and protecting your family always. I constantly pray for the strength for your family. My thoughts are with you always.
You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you peace.
MS
Emily and Marc,I had to tell you one more time that I'm praying for your strength and for your unity. Try to take it one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time. Exercise like crazy. Really look at each other and Sarah too. Really look, slow down and look and breath. Maybe one second at a time. Breath .....and know that Sophie is fine. Feel the love all around you.
Thank you for sharing that beautiful photo. I want you to know that on 10/11/07 when I picked up my daughter from preschool she was holding a bag of rainbow colored goldfish and told me they read "The Rainbow Fish" in school and made their own rainbow fish. I immediately thought of your Sophie and said a prayer for her. I have been following her story from the beginning and will always say a prayer for her when I see a rainbow. God Bless.
I FOUND THIS POEM ON ANOTHER PAGE I THOUGHT YOU MIGHT FIND A BIT OF COMFORT IN IT.
"I'll lend you for a little time, a child of mine,
He said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he is dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three.
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief.
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in my search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call, to take him back again?
I fancied that I heard them say, Dear Lord,
Thy will be done.
For all the joy Thy child shall bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may;
And for the happiness we've known, will ever grateful stay.
But shall the angels call for him much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand"
AMANDA_HUEBNER@YAHOO.COM
I have been following your story for the last month or so. Through Chris Irelands website for his wife, I found yours. Your daughter is so sweet and precious. I am so sorry for your loss. At least you know she isn't hurting anymore and she is your angel. Keep strong and keep her memory alive. Her picture from the carnival is wonderful and her eyes show that she was enjoying herself. Keep strong and know that your precious daughter is now a precious angel and looking over your family. May peace be with you.
Marc & Emily,
Just wanted to let you know our prayers and love continue for you both and your families. I have spoke to many people since 10/10/07 including 3 people who have had their child go to heaven and it is totally unamious the only explanation for the Rainbows were that Sophie wanted you to know she was safe but at the same time very much still with you both and yahoo.
Sophie's beautiful face, and loving spirit will live forever.
Kathy Auvil
i am so sorry for your loss. i am from westlake, and heard about your story. i go to virginia tech now, and the other day we had out first major thunderstorm here. afterwards, the campus was a mess, but over the cloudy sky, a perfect rainbow could be seen. i have never seen such a perfect arched rainbow over the sky. i immediatley thought of sophie and your family. i believe it was sophie, even though i have never met her before. she seems to be sending rainbows out left and right to people all over the place. i hope your hearts continue to heal and grow not in sorrow, but instead happiness. rejoice that sophie is cancer free and not suffering anymore. she has touched so many lives, and continues to through rainbows. may she forever be remembered.
May the prayers of others carry you through this painful time....I was at a funeral for a friend last week and the pastor said that we would give anything to cure our love ones...to make them healthy and pain free...and if a doctor came to us and said he could take the pain away, there would be no more medications, needles..etc..the only trade off is that they are no longer with us....My heart breaks for the time that was taken from you with Sophie being such a baby...but she is pain free, and in God's arms...I am so sorry :(
She surely made it to heaven, amazing picture and not surprising.. she was an amazing little girl here on earth. Know that her passing is going to bring so many to Jesus. Blessings and much love to her Mommy and Daddy and all those that love her and miss her.
I just read Sophie's story yesterday afternoon, and continued to think about her into the evening. At about 7pm my mom called and said "look outside, there's a rainbow". Sure enough when I looked out the window there was a rainbow, a double rainbow, and it wasn't even raining. I know that it was a sign, from your little angel. I hope you find peace, comfort and healing. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
So very many people are continuing to pray for you every day. Seattle has had an "outbreak" of rainbows too. It truly IS amazing......Sophie is fine,
Emily, You, Marc and Yahoo and the rest of your family are in my thoughts and prayers every day. Please know that you are NOT alone. Breath and exercise and slow down and look around you. Love is all around. Love, Aunt Lynne
Just wanted you all to know that you continue to be in my heart and prayers. I think of you everyday and hope that you are finding a way to make it through these times. I bought the girls both rainbow shirts to honor Sophie. Summer stills talks of her often and requests to hear her song. I have to say that I haven't been able to listen to it once with a dry eye though. Love, Misty
The rainbows were beautiful. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers. Please know that you are thought of and prayed for in the state of Arkansas!!
Your old neighbor
Katie Park
just wanted to let you know that i think about and pray for your family all the time. I pray that God would pick you up and hold you close, carrying you through this unimaginably painful time.
Hi Marc and Emily,
I'm sure today was a tough day for you both. But boy was heaven happy to have the prettiest Trick or Treater with them. Did you notice the sky and clouds right after 6pm there wasn't a rainbow, but the clouds had some beautiful pink color in them. Which tells me Sophie was saying Dad and Mom I'm still with you. Prayers are still with you.
Kathy Auvil
Marc and Emily, I'm praying for your strength everyday. All my love, Sophie's great aunt Lynne
I've visited this site so many times...and so many times since October 6th...every time I have wanted to post, but have been overwhelmed. I cannot imagine your grief. I too grieve for Sophie even though I've never met her or your amazing family. Thank you for sharing her wonderful life with so many. She truly is a gift from God. Please keep posting about your family and about Sophie. As a mom in Cincinnati of two little girls your life and darling angel Sophie have touched me in ways I could never explain. Thank you and God Bless.
Prayers for your family continue to pour out from our hearts. We have followed her story from the beginning..I can't even imagine the pain your feeling, but may it help to know my heart hurts with yours..Love Sherry in Arizona
Still thinking of your family everyday and especially today. Sophie has touched so many lives and will never be forgotten. Your family is still in our prayers.
Thinking of Sophie's Family in East Moline, Illinois.
On this one month anniversary I wanted to say that I'm thinking about you and praying for you every day. I will continue to pray that God will hold you even closer during the holidays.
MS
Avon Lake
Post a Comment