Blogging

One of my regrets is that I didn't keep blogging after Sara passed on to the other side. While Sara was in the hospital in her coma I really felt inspired to write what I posted on her site. I did copy all the entries from Sara's carepages.com site (it's still up if you go there and search for exactly mendingsarasheart) over to this blog. However, I haven't copied all the photos over yet. So much to do! I keep saying I'm going to do more with this blog but so far it hasn't happened. Keep checking back and maybe I'll get on it soon!

Christmas Without Sara

December 1, 2011 2:31:45 AM PST

Dear Shirley and Lisa:

Hi. I felt like writing tonight, so I thought I'd share with you.....

I knew this day was coming. The day when the girls would beg and nag me to get the Christmas boxes down from the garage so we could decorate the house for Christmas. It's like I saw this day in a vision when Sara was lying in the hospital in a coma. How would I be able to look at her stocking, how would I be able to have Christmas cheer? How would I be able to celebrate Christmas without my precious Sara?

As I pulled out the stocking with her name on it and hung it on her angel stocking holder, Steve took note that "Sara really is our angel now." As I was trying to figure out how to arrange the stockings on the mantel over the fireplace, I finally settled on placing Sara's stocking right next to my stocking. It felt right there. For four years little Sara was right next to me most of the time. She still is.

Anna and Cate were at my side as I pulled more items out of the Christmas box. Next were some of the little girls' preschool crafts. Two cute little books entitled, "My Holiday Book of Senses," one created by Anna and one by Sara. Anna was fascinated with her book that she had made and I think the fact that she could read most of the text on her own now. The next items out of the box were photo Christmas tree ornaments; also from Miss Shirley's preschool last year. That's when I lost it. Holding that precious Christmas gift that Sara had given me -looking at the picture of her sweet smile as she stood in front of the Christmas tree last year was just too much. Cate gave me big hugs in the garage as I wept. I brought the ornament in the house and showed it to Steve and I cried some more with my sweet husband. "Christmas is going to be rough this year without Sara," he said.

Thank you again for the sweet preschool memories I have of Sara! And what a blessing that we got to have Sara for the holidays last year! When I think about how hard this Christmas is, I remember that a loving Heavenly Father let us keep Sara for her birthday and Christmas last year and I am ever so grateful!

I enjoyed being in preschool again the other day! Of course I kept thinking about Sara and how blessed she and all the little children are to have two loving teachers like you! What a special privilege you have to love and teach God's precious little ones!

I hope this doesn't sound too depressing. If I get to writing part II of this (gotta get some rest now), I'll share with you how actually beautiful and sacred and wonderful this CHRISTmas is because of the knowledge and testimony I have of my Savior and His Atonement and what He has done for me, personally. I am so blessed!

Love you lots!

Love,

Melinda

Three Months Ago Today

Posted May 6, 2011 8:07pm
by Melinda

Three months ago today, my little Sara passed through the veil to the other side. We never published an obituary for Sara, but I did put this together for a family newsletter. I wrote most of it shortly after Sara's passing. I meant to post it here a long time ago, but never did. I wanted to mention that I am starting a blog soon. I will let you know the web address as soon as I have it up and running.

How can I possibly express my love for my precious little Sara? She is my sweet little red headed princess who was almost always by my side for the last four years.

Her life here with us was a gift from God and a gift from Sara too. We needed Sara here in our family and Sara needed us. I believe that Sara agreed to play the role she played in our family before she came to us. She agreed to come here with only half a heart and endure the suffering that went with that condition if she could be a twin sister to Anna and a little sister to Cate- if she could have parents that love her as much as Steve and I do!


As our family prayed for more children, prayed for her to survive the pregnancy, prayed for her to survive her surgeries and complications and prayed for her to be able to endure all of her medications and therapies, we all developed a deep and special love for Sara.

Through loving Sara, we learned to turn to the Lord in constant prayer and to rely and trust in Him like never before. Loving Sara gave us a perspective that each day with our children was precious; she united our little family as well as our extended family in prayer and brought us all closer together. Loving Sara taught us patience as she fought against meds and pokes and doctors and even food. Loving Sara taught us to sacrifice, as her needs often came first. Loving Sara taught us compassion for other children and families living with medical conditions. Loving Sara helped us to experience true joy as she brightened each day with her radiant smiles! Most importantly, loving Sara confirmed to us that Heavenly Father knows each one of us personally and that because He loves us so much and knows us best, we need to trust Him and accept His will for us. Sara gave us that wonderful gift with her life.

Steve and I were blessed to both greet Sara into this life as well as to be with her as her spirit left this earth to go on to a better place. We fought to get Sara from the beginning. Sara fought to be here too. In the end, she also fought to stay with us and we fought for her too. To be with Sara as she took her last breath was as special and sacred as giving birth to her, but in a completely different way.

Steve and I consider it a privilege to be Sara’s parents and to have been given the gift of four years to be with her and get to know her. Some of Sara’s favorite things were to sing, dance, play chase, hide n’ seek and dress-up, do puzzles, go to Disneyland and Pretend City, watch her favorite TV shows and Disney movies, play at the park, have books read to her, have dance parties with her Daddy and sisters, listen to Mommy sing bedtime songs to her and tell her silly made-up bedtime stories, and most of all, she loved soaking up the attention of relatives and playing and laughing with her sisters and Mommy and Daddy.

Steve, Cate, Anna and I take comfort in knowing that our precious Sara, with the feisty personality and beautiful smile, will always be part of our little family and that she is wrapped in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. We know that through God’s plan of happiness, we can be perfected through the Atonement, receive a fullness of joy, and live forever as families in the presence of God. What a joyful reunion that will be one day!

Posted May 16, 2011 1:34am

by Jennifer Bob

Melinda, thank you for sharing here. Your family has been in my thoughts and prayers for these several months. May you continue to feel these blessings, and may the light of your bright little Sara shine down on you and warm you when you do have a dark moment.
Wishing many blessings for you and your family - Jennifer

Posted May 11, 2011 3:40pm

by Corrie Holloway

This is a beautiful tribute to your beautiful little Sara. I find comfort in your strong testimony of the blessings of forever families.

Much love to you all!

Posted May 8, 2011 1:54pm

by Jennifer Anderson

Posted May 7, 2011 9:17pm

by Vaughn Nordes

Melinda and Steve,
Thank you so much for sharing this message. Your spirituality and testimonies are always inspiring. I hope that Cate and Anna feel that same peace and comfort and Heavenly Father's love that you two do. I've always prayed for that. I hope that everything else is well with you all. Love you!

Vaughn

osted May 7, 2011 4:12pm

by Sandra Ferraro

Beautiful Melinda, We send our love!

Such a beautiful tribute to Sara. Sending big hugs to you, Steve, Anna and Cate.

Posted May 7, 2011 3:36pm

by Joanna kokx

Melinda tears ran down my cheeks as a read your beautiful words to my son. We feel so blessed to know Sara and your family. Your words are a message of hope and faith. As a mother you have given me the gift of appreciation. I have learned to enjoy the moments we have and truly lean on God in all areas of our live. I know the day you all unite with Sara will be full of joy, may you and your family always be comforted by her memory until that joyful day.
Fondly,
Joanna

Posted May 7, 2011 1:56pm

by cathy andraszczyk

Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts. Your family has been an inspiration to all of us.
We love you!

Posted May 7, 2011 12:54pm

Melinda,

What a sweet and tender tribute to a beautiful little girl! I'm sure days like yesterday's funeral couldn't be easy for you. I think you will always be reminded of Sara and your loss when you hear of someone else losing a child. In time, you will be able to help them through those trying times because you can empathize when others can't. You'll be able to share with them what you've learned and help them recognize the Lord's hand as you have.

Thank you for the wonderful reminder of the gift our lives and our families are. May you have a sweet Mother's Day, one filled with comfort and peace. You are still in my prayers!

Posted May 7, 2011 12:34pm

by Mary Lou Andrea

What an amazing family you are. I feel privileged to have known Sara for such a short but wonderful time. You are blessed!! Mary Lou Andrea

Posted May 7, 2011 11:28am

Melinda,

Thank you for sharing some of your most intimate feelings. You and your family are as the scriptures say, "A light unto the world." You have strengthened so many through your testimony and words of inspiration. Thank you for sharing Sara with us too.

Posted May 7, 2011 10:58am

by Joni Vincent

Your a beautiful mother inside and out! Thank you for sharing your thoughts that are so special, you are an inspiration to me.

Posted May 7, 2011 5:36am

by Mesia Kempton

I loved your message. Thank you!

Posted May 7, 2011 12:45am

Since I was given this URL I have been reading silently and thinking of little Sara often. I can't read without getting choked up. Although you do not know me, I wanted to reach out and tell you how incredible I think you and your family are and these brave writting a blessing. God works in ways we are unaware. My sincerest wishes of continued love and healing for you and your family.

Warm regards 

Posted May 6, 2011 11:51pm

by Sherrie B

Melinda,
You're a wonderful mother and I really enjoy seeing Sara's beautiful smile from the pictures.

Posted May 6, 2011 11:27pm

by Elena Nguyen

Thank you so much for sharing your feelings Melinda!

Posted May 6, 2011 9:10pm

by Lisa Jarvie

Melinda, so beautiful, thank you so much for sharing your heart and for being such an inspiration!

Posted May 6, 2011 8:18pm

by Elizabeth Lattin

Beautiful Melinda, just beautiful!

Thank You!!!

Posted Feb 14, 2011 1:01am

by Melinda

I already posted this on fb but.....

Thank you to my dear friends, family and everyone who participated and helped with the funeral and family luncheon yesterday. It was absolutely perfect! And thanks to all of those who were able to attend the service to celebrate Sara and support our family. Our hearts are touched and full of gratitude by the outpouring of love upon our family!

Love,

Melinda

Posted Mar 15, 2011 11:55am

by Dan Andersen

I just picked up Brian's email and went righ to the link to this page. We're so sorry for your loss and that we weren't more timely in contacting you. As I told Susan about what had happened neither of us could imagine what it would be like, let alone come up with words that might give you any comfort. We hope you are doing well and are comforted by knowing that you will see little Sara again. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dan and Susan Andersen

Posted Mar 15, 2011 1:54am

by Brian Smith

We are so sorry to just hear about Sara's passing. Please know that our tear-filled love and support goes out to your family. Your little miracle girl has touched our hearts since we heard the news. She was a strong little spirit and we are lucky to have spent some time with her. Thanks Steve and Melinda for your strength and great examples. Godspeed. Love, Brian & Joyce

Posted Feb 17, 2011 12:13am

Melinda & Steve,

I was not able to attend Sara's service, but I herd it was beautiful. I have followed your updates on this blog and just wanted to let you know I was very touch by everything. I am sure you have both grown closer to the Lord and your family from these experiences. I just wanted to let you know that reading your thoughts and following your experiences have drawn me closer to my father in heaven and my heavenly family. I think of your and your family often.

Posted Feb 14, 2011 12:12pm

by Ede Streiff

It was a lovely and very touching service, You are obviously a remarkable family,
ede streiff

Posted Feb 14, 2011 12:11pm

by Sheila Browning

What a beautiful tribute to a "miracle girl"!

We hope the healing comes quickly!!

Love, The Brownings

Charities Close To Our Hearts

Posted Feb 10, 2011 3:01pm
by Melinda


Many people have asked to make a donation in memory of Sara. What a wonderful way to honor Sara! The following charities are close to our heart! Donations can be made directly by visiting their websites listed below:
http://caheartconnection.homestead.com/
(helps connect families and adults with heart defects, and provides valuable information to physicians and those living with heart defects)
http://www.hopeful-hearts.org/
(builds awareness of congenital heart disease, provides support for families, and advances medical research, care, recovery and healing for children with cardiac disease and heart defects)
http://www.agoodgrief.com/
(helps pay for headstones for children so that their families will not be further burdened with the cost of something so difficult yet important)
http://www.childrensheartfoundation.org/
(medical research for children with congenital heart defects)

Viewing

Posted Feb 10, 2011 2:46am

We have decided to have a public viewing at the church prior to the starting of the funeral service.

Viewing: 9:30 - 10:15 am

Funeral Service 10:30 am

Sara's funeral will be held this Saturday, February 12th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 22851 Aliso Creek Rd. Aliso Viejo, CA 92656.

Everyone is welcome.

Thanks again for your outpouring of love!

Melinda

Posted Feb 10, 2011 3:28pm

Dear Melinda,
I want to send my love and sympathy ahead of time as I will be out of town and will miss the funeral services this weekend.
We have been following Sara's illness through our many contacts with your family, and have been sick at heart to know of your pain.
What a precious little bundle these children are, and how close we hold them next to our hearts.
It seems at once trite and yet profoundly satisfying to aknowlege that this separation is temporary and that it is only but a "sleep" as the scriptures tell us. I can only imagine how your family will miss her in the interim.
Please know that our family joins with yours in praying nightly for the peace and the comfort that the Lord has promised us. I know that He will pour out His spirit and His love, and somehow you will get through this.
With love and our fondest regards

Posted Feb 10, 2011 3:12am

Hoping you are doing as well as can be. I can't imagine your grief and pain. You are thought of so often! When I see the pictures on this page, it makes me smile. She was a joyous and happy looking little girl!