What an amazing little girl Mari was. My daughter had such an amazing way of being able to jump into your heart and stay forever. Mari didn’t fit the stereotype for someone with autism. So much so that when she was two and attended the early intervention program that everyone kept saying she had autistic tendencies but she didn’t have autism.
She was tested in January 2003 by neuropsychologist. On February 5, my husband, Keith, and I were given the test results. Not only did Mari test on the autism spectrum, but she had severe classic autism. When I told her school this they were dumbfounded. I don’t think they really believed it. I think the longer she might have stayed in that specific program they would have become believers.
We ended up move when she was four. The new program she was in the teacher was very honest with me when she told me she had no idea what to do to help our daughter. It was because of this I called for an intervention to take place. The Special Education Director at that time really worked with us and placed her into the all day program she would have gone to the following year.
This is really where Mari excelled the most and grew into her personality. She captured the hearts of strangers and those that knew her. Her smile alone could captivate a room. This is why ‘A’ is for Amazing.
A is also for adorable and those are some beautiful blue eyes.
So sorry for your loss but this site is a beautiful tribute.
Riann, you are so right and my daughter was truly adorable. Just her eyes alone could draw you in. She had such a sweet personality. For me, my hope is that others can see through my journey that even through a tragedy like losing your daughter that you can still find the many blessings as a result and that by me writing about her people might be able to see her the way I saw her.
She most certainly was amazing.
Thank you Joanne. I sometimes think I am just biased about my beloved little angel but to hear confirmation from others just helps me to see that it’s more than just bias as she truly was a sweet little girl.
What’s amazing is also your ability to see the positive in the midst of tragedy. I wonder if your “B” blog tomorrow will be about blessings? Certainly seems apropos. And wonderful to keep your daughter’s memory alive in your writings.
Kelly, thank you for bringing a smile to my face. Your words mean a lot to me and shows me that my writing is coming across the way I hoped it would. I want people to know that losing my daughter was the greatest tragedy of my life but through that great tragedy I’ve received so many blessings, one of which is the ability to write about it where others are somehow touched by what I think of as a few simple words. It is humbling to know that my words do touch other people.
I love your opening “A” to this month-long writing challenge, Kristena. Sometimes God gives us angels without our awareness. (Ha, two more “A’s” for you. Blessings!
Peg, you are so right. I never thought about my daughter being like a little angel until she left for heaven. I make it sound like a road trip. I guess in a way of sorts it could be. I know that since she passed I have become more aware of things and I try not to take anything for granted. I have tried to make a more conscientious decision about who I will have in my life and who I won’t. For me, it’s people where I know we can count on each other and be there for one another. And I think of my daughter as my little angel in heaven who looks over us.
We never know when we’re entertaining angels, unaware. Perhaps you were, Kristena… 🙂
You could be right. Maybe Mari’s purpose in this life was to show all of us that we must love unconditionally as Christ has done for us.
Such an inspiring start to the month. The beauty of writing is its therapeutic nature, the release of ideas, memories, and emotions. Your daughter’s spirit, laughter, and joy live on through your words.
What is amazing is your strength and courage to share your love with all of us.
With gratitude,
Tonette dela Luna
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Blog: Textploits of the Writerly Persuasion – http://tonettedelaluna.wordpress.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TonettedelaLuna
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Tonette, Thank you for your kind words. You are so right about how therapeutic writing is as this has been one of the most important ways I’ve used during my grief journey. I couldn’t imagine not having writing now that I’ve found the love I have for it. Even when I sit here at the computer crying as I type away whatever I thinking about, it still brings me a sense of peace. I feel blessed that God has given me this ability to write and to have my words touch others by those very things said.
What a lovely way to remember your daughter. I look forward to getting to know her through your writing.
Faye, thank you so much for that. What you said is the very reason I started this site. My sincerest hope is that through my writing her memory will continue to live on through my words. To be able to show the world what a very special person my daughter was.
she really does sound amazing–i share angels in heaven with you<3
Lynn, thank you for your heartfelt comment. Mari really was amazing and a true light in the world. My heart is sadden that you understand the very loss I’ve been through with my daughter. I almost feel a kindred spirit with other parents who have lost a child or children. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my beloved little girl.
What an amazing tribute. I already feel like I know Mari, just from reading one post. You have a wonderful way of conveying, Kristena. Looking forward to reading more…
Oh Jess, thank you so much. Your comments mean so much to me. This is why I write what I do about my daughter. Thank you for stopping by and taking the time to read about her.