Taught By A Little Girl With A Giant Spirit

Back here I wrote about the passing of little Celia, my sister's granddaughter. Celia's parents asked people to write about Celia and some of our experiences with her. Here is part of what I shared with them - some of what Celia taught me in her short, but eventful, life. Life is full of lessons, sometimes taught by the very young. 

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“… and a little child shall lead them*”

CELIA TAUGHT ME

We can never underestimate the impact one person’s life can have on others – and how far the ripples of a person’s life can extend.

Individuals and families can be strengthened as we support each other through challenges.

Life doesn’t always turn out as we expected or planned. That doesn’t mean life can’t be full and immensely meaningful.

To every thing there is a season+

We don’t know how long our seasons will be or if our season will be the same as someone else’s. There are blessings and beauty to be found no matter the length or kind of season.

Family includes everyone – young, old and in-between; this side of the veil and the other side. Running, walking, talking are not required to be a fully functioning part of the family. We learn and love no matter what. Including everyone is important. Making adjustments so that can happen is important and can change everyone for good.

Sharing is important and helps us bear the grief and sadness and deepens the joy. Andy and Jenni shared Celia and her story enabling many to be taught by Celia and her giant spirit. People learned about Batten through Jenni’s blog, newspaper articles, TV spots, and fundraisers. Awareness of Batten was increased, people became aware of their blessings, and many thought about the big questions of life, death, and what this is all about.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.~

Celia helped us slow down and ponder.

Special times with Celia – These are just a few of them

Being at my sister's and holding Celia – Often Celia needed to be held. It helped calm her and her body. Sometimes she needed to be held a long time. It was at times like this that Celia taught me much and caused me to ponder some of the big questions that can get passed over during the busyness of every day life.

Taking Celia for a ride in the wagon – It was a beautiful day in June. I thought Celia would like to feel the breeze on her face and hear the birds singing. Her smiles and vocalizations indicated she was feeling some pleasure. Helping her experience these beauties of nature increased my appreciation of them.

Having Celia at our house – we had fun entertaining her with Joe’s singing toys – the mouse, the puppet, and Big Mouth Billy Bass. She seemed to like the mouse better than the fish (see picture above).

*Isaiah 11:6

+ Ecclesiastes 3:1

~Luke 2:19