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The story of our precious little girl's 17 months of life with Trisomy 18 (July 4, 2010 - December 15, 2011) and of us, re-learning to live "after Lilly."
"I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made ...." Psalm 139:14

Monday, February 20, 2012

Lilly's new gravestone

Saturday morning we went to see Lilly's new gravestone, which had been installed earlier in the week.

We got a flat stone on the ground, instead of the raised stone. (I don't remember the proper terminology.) Lilly is buried next to my husband's youngest sister, and across from my husband's father. In the middle of their graves is a large upright stone with the family's last name on it. Because of this, we got Lilly the stone you see here. It is the same size as my husband's sister's stone.

I am very pleased with how it turned out. The original cross with lily flowers that I found didn't work out for the stone, but we liked one they had fine. The scripture that is referenced at the bottom of the stone is 2 Samuel 12:23 which is King David speaking after his baby died:

"But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.”

The "I shall go to him" part of the verse gives us immense comfort.


The only disappointment we had while at Lilly's graveside was that her beautiful flowers were gone. All that was left was the stake of the flower holder. I guess the wind whipped them away. Thankfully her cherub statute was still there. I spent some time looking at flowers by other people's graves to see how they had them anchored in so we could make Lilly's more secure in the future.

We plan to go back to Lilly's grave in a few weeks. We have something special to take then. Recently, three families went in together on a patriotic wreath at an auction and bought it for our Little Firecracker's grave. We were so touched! I've ordered a wreath stand (with stakes) to put it on and we will take it next month.

This evening we have been listening to Johnny Cash's cd "My Mother's Hymn Book." I like that so many of the hymns he sings are about heaven. I just need to hear that right now. Here are the lyrics to one of the songs:

In the Sweet By and By

There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar;
For the Father waits over the way
To prepare us a dwelling place there.

Refrain: In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore;
In the sweet by and by,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
The melodious songs of the blessed;
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

To our bountiful Father above,
We will offer our tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
And the blessings that hallow our days.


Well - tomorrow is a big day. I have my first appointment at the birthing center. (I am a little over 10 weeks.) I am really looking forward to hearing the baby's heartbeat. That will be very reassuring.

4 comments:

  1. It's beautiful. I love this song too. My grandmother taught me this song, she'd play the piano and my sister and I would sing it with her. I don't think I've heard it for nearly 40 years, it brought me to tears today. I'm so glad that you're looking forward to the birth of a new baby, something to look forward to in the midst of your sadness.

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  2. the grave stone is beautiful! i know it's a comfort to have it there.

    growing up, we sang that song often in church. don't know why we don't any more....

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  3. I'm so glad she was burried amist family. Having her beside Aunt Wendy seems so fitting.

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