But a lot of good things have happened in the past year too.
Stephen McKay NeSmith was born November 19th, 2014. Rachel was going in to be induced that morning. I had to take Grandma Ollie to the doctor before I could leave Tuscaloosa. Daddy Stephen called and put the phone on speaker so I could hear the birth and delivery. I was bawling along with the baby and pulled over right as I was getting into Prattville. I had not gotten there before he was born but I was so thankful to be able to hear that first cry!
Paige Elizabeth Barnes was born November 24, 2014. I was in Daphne the day Natalie and Brent left for the hospital in Mobile. I checked Jackson out from school and we, along with Sam and Eva, headed for Mobile. The baby had not come by the time we got to the exit of the Interstate so we went in McDonald's for lunch. Daddy Brent called and put the phone on speaker so I could hear the birth and delivery. To this day I regret hitting the record button on my phone! I grabbed the children from the table where they were eating (the dang TV was so loud in McD's) and huddled them in a corner where we all hear the first cry of Paige. Little did I know at that time the doctor was not even in the room with Natalie. The nurse delivered her and it was 5 minutes, so Nat and Brent told me, before she could get help.
Rhada and Harper did stay until the last day of the year. I tried to stay positive and enjoy Harper, knowing I would only be with her for a short while and then not knowing when would be the next time I'd get to see her. Also to this day, I regret not enjoying Liesl as much as I would have had I known it would be the last time I would see her. How I looked forward to that trip to UT in February. Liesl was walking then. Mamas have their babies until they walk and then they are mine according to this grandma.
Grandma Ollie joined us at the cabin for Christmas. So did Lance and Katie.
February's trip to UT is a ball of emotions. How I looked forward to the genealogy conference. I wanted Jacob to come the last day to see, among other things, the cast of the TV show, Studio C. Matt and I had spoken Wednesday and we were trying to work out the logistics of Jacob's basketball game (he would miss the following week because of their Disneyland trip). I had offered to give my hotel room to Matt and Robyn for Saturday night and me take the four kids to church in Provo. "We could do that anytime" Matt said. I finally decided to forgo the Saturday sessions and the family was coming to get me Friday night. But all that changed the next day. I was volunteering as an usher for the opening session of RootsTech and I remember telling the lady I was seating about a voice message I had just gotten on my phone, "two year old grand daughter..... full cardiac arrest...they want you here". "I don't have a 2 year old granddaughter" was my first thought and the lady I was showing to her seat said, "it's probably a scam." I agreed but decided to call the other grandma just in case. Matt answered Hilda's phone and confirmed the horrors of the morning. "Don't come to Provo, Mom. She is be airlifted to Children's Hospital in SLC." I left immediately, getting my coat from the volunteer room, which was about to be locked for that opening session. I remember asking for prayers and writing "Liesl Hutchison" on the page of volunteers and rushed out the door. I started to go to my hotel room and get a $100.00 bill I had tucked in a book but said no, everyone takes cards so I had the hotel guy to get me a taxi. I also asked him to pray for us all as I exited. I began my text to LeGrand and the other children and Bev. I beat the helicopter to the hospital so I was there when Robyn and Liesl came through the doors.
This is as far as I can go now. LeGrand was there by the end of the day. Garrett came the next day. All other children and spouses were there by the time of the funeral except Rhada. I had spoken with Rhada while waiting in the hotel lobby for Matt and Robyn to return from the hospital the morning of the 14th, the morning Liesl was removed from life support and she died 10 minutes later in the arms of her parents. There was comfort in being all together but the sadness was overwhelming. The missing continues. There were never any why's that I remember. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Our arms will always ache in emptiness. We are not the only one to lose a child. The best way someone who had lost a child said to me was, "I don't know your pain but I know the pain." I have also had increased appreciation for our Savior, Jesus Christ. Sure it is only through Him that we have hope to be reunited with Liesl, but we can lay all our sins and our sorrows upon Him. He lightens our load.
In May I found out another precious grandchild will join our family. Lance and Katie will have their first in January, expected one day before Lance's birthday, on the 18th. Joy fills up our hearts. It does not erase the sadness and a new grandchild does not take the place of Liesl but we all learn something from all our experiences.
