Week 3.6: Going Home is a photo I took last autumn on the road between two of my homes. This drive home was insanely spectacular and very memorable.So is the story I want to share with you.
As much a part of the fabric of my life as anything else is a town in the great Southwest. And in that town is a family of good standing who have been faithful on many levels. Not famous, not rich, not extraordinary...and yet, all of those things and more.
That family is a loving one. A happy one. A busy one.
A family that has seen many tears.
A family that has shouldered many a burden with unspeakable joy.
A week ago they evidenced this in a way that is so amazing I have to share it here.
Jessica and Adrian. Husband and wife. Parents.
Adoptive parents. Their daughter: Estrella. (For those of you who don't speak Spanish: "Star.")
At 4 days old, Estrella suffered a severe heart attack, among other issues, leaving her blind and with many special needs. Doctors informed her parents that she would be lucky to see her first birthday.
Her fight and her attitude surprised and delighted her family as time wore on. She was doted on, love on, cared for. She had a collection of shiny, sparkly shoes to make any girl jealous. Her room was done up to the hilt in frills. A cherished, precious daughter. A Star.
Jessica and Adrian, her parents, adopted 4 little boys. Estrella had 4 younger brothers.
Last week on Estrella's 8th birthday, she was escorted down the aisle of a church, by her 4 younger brothers and her father...in a coffin.
And you know what broke my heart, shamed me, and inspired me all at once?
Surrounded by brightly colored helium balloons, shiny decorations and Estrella's shoe collection, Adrian shared with beaming face: "Today I walked my daughter down the aisle."
Estrella's suffering is over. She is bright of face. She is in heaven.
Going Home. Estrella has gone. We are all Going Home. It's a beautiful journey and an honor to have this life. This one life. I can only hope my life is celebrated in the same way.
4 comments:
i have no words..just tears of sadness for that family..they r in my prayers..
You did a really great job in your descriptive words Sarah, I could see the picture in my mind.
S
...tears....
Aaaaaahhhhhh........piercing beauty! Pain and ecstasy, how is it possible?
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