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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Parent (11/16/06)
I never understood the power of Love until I held my daughter in my hands. Her tiny body fit right into my palms and she was beautiful. Her eyes were closed for eternity, and the smile that was on her face is engrained in my memory forever.

I am the father of a child who was stillborn. Her name is Baby, and she is an angel sent from God.

There are many things that can happen in our short lives and each one has their own special significance. I can tell you great stories of learning how to fly, bittersweet moments from high school, and the wonderful times that I have with my wife. I can look back into my past and pick out numerous moments of joy, happiness, and peace. I love memories of family holidays, vacations, long hikes, and reading until the sun goes down.

All of those things pale in comparison to being present at your daughters birth and not being able to hear the beautiful sound of her cry. I remember when the nurse gently placed her into my hands and I saw Baby for the first time. I just stared at her, trying to memorize every little detail that I could. I carried her over to my wife and we sat in dazed silence…my family and I…all three of us…just sat.

My life changed that day and I have since put in motion a chain of events that is designed to make sure that my daughter’s life means something. I had a choice and I decided that if my daughter wasn’t able to live on earth, that I would do the living for her. Her life was going to change others. Her short time here was going to save lives. Her death would be a victory for many. I would make sure that people knew who she was.

She was going to live.

Being a parent is a God given gift, and I want to express my gratitude for giving me such a wonderful treasure. My little girl may not play soccer, she may not pick up an instrument, she will never walk across a stage, and I will never escort her down the aisle.

Those are personal things that I must deal with, but they have no relevance on the life of my child. She is destined for bigger things and therefore her goals are much loftier. What will my daughter do? She will change the world, she will make people smile, she will inspire others to move, and she will leave a mark on this world.

I write for my daughter. I sit down and type these words for the simple fact that I want people to know what she means to this crazy place we live in. I am doing what any parent would do, and I look forward to seeing what type of future my daughter has in front of her. Like many of you, I take great joy in watching my child interact with the world and love seeing how people respond to her. Her faith is strong and that alone will take her far.

I am proud of my daughter. She is the apple of my eye and the angel in my life.

I am a son. I am a husband.

I am a parent.
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This article has been read 1066 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marilyn Schnepp 
11/25/06
Bittersweet story of love, family, death and parenthood. You keep using "Is" and not "was" which had me confused as to whether the parent lives in reality or if this is wishful thinking...The story is well written, however; and shows the depth of feeling that comes from loss. God Bless.
Betty Castleberry
11/28/06
So very touching. You really should warn your readers they will need a tissue for this one. This is well done.
william price
11/28/06
Very touching story. The emotions and writing were real and honest. A very good entry. God bless.
Shanti Singh
11/28/06
Wow, thank you so much for sharing your heart with us. This was a tough one to read, but I'm so glad you shared it. You are right; your daughter will touch the lives of many!
Donna Haug
11/28/06
The picture of that child in your hands and the silence - it's ingrained in my imagination right now. Powerful.
Jan Ackerson
11/29/06
Oh, wow--just beautiful, and very, very touching. Thanks for having the strength to write this.
Joanne Sher 
11/30/06
This is amazingly emotional and poignant. Congrats on your Highly Commended, Todd! It is well-deserved.
Valora Otis
11/30/06
This was all of the above and more. The emotions that you shared with such honesty hit me right in the heart. Thank you!
Leigh MacKelvey
12/05/06
I will have a new viewpoint eveytime I read an article written by you, after having read this endearing and touching entry! It's a wonderful reason for writing.
InHim, Leigh