Emily's Experience on Earth

Emily’s Experience on Earth

Before I was born and I still lived in Heaven,
Heavenly Father explained how life would be.
He said that it would be full of challenges and trials,
But that I would have a family who loves me.

I would have friends and loved ones who would do all that they could,
To make sure I was joyful and happy.
And when I asked him what my purpose on earth would be,
He smiled, with a tear in his eye, and simply said “You’ll see.”

My life on earth had a difficult start,
I could no longer see nor hear.
But it didn’t take long to understand,
That my parents loved me so dear.

They stayed at the hospital for the first seven weeks,
And had faith that I could breathe on my own.
And eventually the wonderful day came,
They were able to take me home.

I made so many friends along the way,
I was able to learn so many things.
And although I had my share of pain and struggles,
I felt the joy and the love that the Gospel brings.

I have a Mother, who sacrificed everything she could,
Who did her best to keep me healthy and strong.
I have a Father, who provided me safety and peace,
Who’s whistling and roaring helped me as my life moved along.

I have a Sister, who loves and cares for me,
Even though she liked to pull my hair.
Who when the time came for me to die in their arms,
Gave my parents peace with her happy stare.

I have grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins,
Who always treated me as one of their own.
I have classmates, friends, and fellow 18th Chromosome family,
Who reminded me that I’m never alone.

Through all of my challenges and obstacles overcome,
I began to realize my mission.
There would be so many people whose lives I could touch,
Even without hearing and vision.

And now I can tell them at the end of my earthly life,
That God has a plan for everyone.
That because of the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ,
We can return to him in glory and perfection.

Now I can run, and see, and hear,
I can talk, and help, and serve.
I can help others know that the Gospel of Christ,
Will lead them to the happiness they deserve.

As a final request to all who know me,
As we part, at least for a while:
That when they think of Emily Hammond,
They share with me a laugh and a smile.

Losing My Mind!

I know that's pretty typical during pregnancy but seriously, I can't get two coherent thoughts together sometimes. Today Lance got his hair cut and the total was $17.95. I thought, "Oh great, I can tip 20% and the total will be $20, not realizing until my way home I'd given her closer to a 10% tip. I just do silly things all the time. And I know it's proven you lose brain cells while you're pregnant. I'm just not loving it.
          Yesterday at church I totally lost it, due to Emily's Angel Day being next week and some things that happened. But I was like uncontrollable crying, in a ward where I really don't know anyone well enough to talk to them about why I'm so emotional. It was quite embarrassing. I had to take myself out for a walk in the freezing cold to calm down.  And while I do have reasons to be emotional, I don't think I normally would have been quite so emotional. I just wish I had my breakdowns in my bedroom, not in the middle of Sacrament meeting or the middle of the grocery store, which is where I had it when I was pregnant with Lance, before Christmas the first year after Emily had passed away.
         We sold our house and are starting the hunt for one here, though there is not much available. Especially with what we are looking for.  Hopefully we'll find something!
     I am sick of people looking surprised when I tell them I'm not due until March. I'm short. I have no place to go but out. I don't always feel huge until I look in the mirror. And then I get annoyed because I was really enjoying not knowing what I weighed this pregnancy, and then at my new doctors office they give me a piece of paper at the end of each visit with the weight plastered at the top! Its a bit hard not to notice; I tried to fold it down last time so I wouldn't see it but did.  I think it's because I still exercise for about an hour a day, it messes with my mind that I manage to still put on that much weight!  I'm just going crazy.  Because I do truly know how lucky I am to have healthy, normal pregnancies. I am very grateful for that and know I have nothing to complain about.   And Janica is coming up this weekend with Akaila for a girls night, and then she's going to watch the kids while Robby and I go to the temple, so I'm super, super grateful for that. Horray for being by family!