August 25th: The day that will never be the same.

August 25th is one of those days that is ordinary for most people. It is a day filled with work or church or hair appointments or lunch plans. It is a day for lamenting the morning commute or thinking about the weekend plans. Unfortunately for my family, August 25th is a day of heartbreaking sadness and remembrance. It is the day that my sister and brother-in-law had to place their beautiful and beloved daughter into the arms of Jesus.

I will never understand why the tiny but mighty Brooklyn had to leave this earth. My heart says that we did not have enough time. My heart tells me that she should be here along with her twin sister and little sister. My heart lashes out at God and cries out to Him “why?”.

So much why. 

My heart feels the pain and burden of living a life without one of my precious nieces. My heart is angry and confused as to why this happened. My heart hurts for the fact that Brooklyn and Adelynn and Brayden are only four months apart and they should have been the little “triplet cousins”.

However, because I have a relationship with Jesus, I also know a few things.

I know that God knew Brooklyn was coming Home at 18 days old. He knew that she would never ride a bike or learn her ABCs. He knew that her family would be devastated. He knew that her mom and dad would use her funeral to glorify and praise Jesus through the immense pain they were feeling. He knew that so many friends and family would show up and surround her parents and hold them up while they dealt with the unimaginable. From the beginning of her life, He knew the exact length of her life and she did not leave this earth one day or minute sooner than was ever planned. 

So, on this day, let’s choose to celebrate sweet Brooklyn and remember her precious family and the tears they shed everyday, but especially today. If you have the opportunity, please say or write her name somewhere. Wear pink or eat a donut (something my sister craved during her pregnancy). Most of all, hug your babies and think about the parents whose laps are empty or who have empty places in their family portraits. You are loved. Your children are important. Your children are missed.

Brooklyn Rayne Reffitt

If you are interested in learning more about the Atlanta Walk to Remember then click the link HERE!