Remembering...

We had Chinese take-out for dinner. She gave Brock her fortune cookie...which said inside, "You will live a long and prosperous life." She wanted "to be four forever".
I made tapioca that day...one of her favorites. We topped it with Reddi-wip. She wanted to 'save the rest for later'.
No one told me it would bring me to tears...days later. When she never returned.
Chip tucked the kids in one final time that night. I pulled out a magazine {which I rarely had time to read by myself} and read a story of one mom's tragedy that claimed the life of her 18-month old beautiful little girl named, Isabella. I was touched, and moved to tears. I couldn't imagine losing a child...but I had come close- just 6 months earlier with my Wyndham.
Less than 24 hours later I would know her pain and then some. As my whole family would be helicoptered and air-lifted downstate to their respective ICU beds.
I was totally unaware. I was totally oblivious that such a reality awaited all of us- at Sunday brunch the next day. I never would have closed my eyes and slept so peacefully that night had I even the slightest incling of what awaited my family.
I would have held Teagan and never let go. I would have smothered Chip and Brock and Wyndham with kisses. I wonder if I had known if I would have taken the opportunity to tell the woman responsible for such devastation that there was Hope available to her in her hopelessness. I wonder if I knew what lie ahead if I would have been moved enough to do something outside myself and my family to make a difference. I really have no answer. I only know that I've been given the chance to share my thoughts and my heart. I thank God for giving me more time...to live, to love, to laugh and to touch others. I love that I can remember. And in so doing, I share a part of Teagan with all who care to hear.
I love you, Teagan Mackenzie. And I always will.