Kara was born to an unwed mom...born in her apartment, and not taken to a hospital until 2 or 3 days later. She was 6 weeks early.
5 weeks later, our friends received their daughter...their second child to be adopted. Kara was so tiny when they brought her home.
As she grew, it became apparent that she wasn't developing correctly. Her muscle tone was strange...she would lie on the floor or in her carrier only looking to one side...her head wouldn't turn the other way. She had one eye that wouldn't focus. For several months she wore an eye patch in an attempt to correct that. She didn't hold her head up, she didn't learn to sit...
By the time she was a year old, she was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy. A scan showed that half of her brain had never formed. She shouldn't have even been alive. The lack of development probably occurred at about 12 weeks gestation.
Kara never sat on her own. She never learned to stand or walk. She never spoke a word. She didn't see well, didn't hear well.
But she was a light to all who knew her. Everyone who met her fell in love with her. She changed everyone who knew her. She changed us. Her Mama and Daddy gave their all to her. Her life was a picture of salvation. She brought nothing to them, could give nothing to them, she came to them completely helpless. She became their daughter, wholly and completely. They did everything for her. They sacrificed so much for her to make her life comfortable, to give her every opportunity. The light in their eyes, the love on their faces when they looked at her was reflected in her face and in the smile she returned and in her laugh.
Last night, Kara Grace ran to Jesus. She arrived in His arms whole and complete, healthy and strong, and today she is singing the name of Jesus loud and clear.
When Kara Grace turned 3, I had these words printed and framed for her. They are lyrics from a Steven Curtis Chapman song.
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you.
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true.
You're a masterpiece that all creation
Silently applauds.
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God.
When I look at you.
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know it's true.
You're a masterpiece that all creation
Silently applauds.
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God.
We are all better for having known Kara Grace.
6 comments:
Kara Grace was such a precious gift to all who knew her. Her parents are exceptional examples of God's love to all. And you wrote a perfect touching tribute to her and her family. Well done, well said!!!
How eloquently stated! I told my children at school today, (Nathan Lucas had asked for prayer for her family this morning) that as sad as it was that she had died, that she was laughing, singing, and skipping, on the streets of gold in heaven completely whole! What a blessing. I am sure that Mitch and Susan are devastated, but are at the same time so confident of her place in heaven. Just another little angel in heaven! Thanks for letting me be one of your "stalkers!"
Teach 4 ever
What precious words!
o.k. so this song is on my ipod and the other day when i was driving to natchez/vidalia, it came on - i just sat there listening and crying. thinking about sweet kara grace and how these words were perfect for her!
I am so sad to hear about that! I will be praying for her family!!!!
Just wanted you to know that we have alot in common. I looked back at your pages and I teach at MMDA! I just started in January! :)
I've read this a zillion times. Well said, my friend. Obviously heartfelt. And a blessing thinking of Kara Grace running around in Heaven. Laughing. Singing at the feet of Jesus!
Post a Comment