She certainly left her mark on this momma-heart of mine.
Willie and I spent months searching through our photo bank looking for just the right ones to portray the
essence of Lydia.
How do we tell the world about the gift God gave us and took back in His perfect time?
So, how do you tell the story of your child's 7½ years in such a small space?
You look through countless pictures countless times.
You laugh.
You cry.
You relive her days through images. over and over and over...
Searching for the ones.
Reflecting on her life.
Reflecting on His grace.
It took way too long.
The project seemed too much to bear at times.
Too hard.
After much deliberation, Willie and I finally chose the ones that seemed to tell her story best.
With the creative talent of "Lasting Memories",
Lydia's life became etched in stone.
Here's an explanation for each picture we chose .....
Lydia holding a flower (or weed?)
She admired the small details of God's creation.
{June 2010, Yates Mill in Cary, NC}
Photographer: Julie Faith Johnson
♥ I remember Julie gently approaching Willie and me at Colonial Baptist and offering to take some family pictures. Truly a blessing.
Lydia collecting treasure on the beach
{August 2011in Rodanthe, NC}
moment captured by her momma
♥ our last family vacation
Wooden bead necklace
She LOVED making jewelry.
{Midlothian apartment, Summer 2011}
photo taken by her momma
♥ She made this piece a few months before she left for Home.
Lydia looking down and smiling at her brothers
The pumpkin reflects that Fall, when our faith was tested.
{front porch of our Clayton Nest, Oct. 2009}
Photographer: Angela Blankenship
♥ Angela heard of our story through some Greenville friends and graciously offered us her time and talent. Her gift still brings me joy.
Family portrait
{front porch of our Clayton Nest, October 2009, right after Lydia's diagnosis}
Photographer: Angela Blankenship
Lydia's Art
{painted by Lydia, August 2011}
photographed by her momma
♥Her artwork expressed His heart-work
For where your treasure is,
there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:21
~ Lydia's favorite Bible verse ~
{Grace Bible Church, Midlothian, VA, August 2011}
Not sure who took this picture.
She learned this verse at VBS and it quickly became her favorite. She left for Home 2½ months later.
I love how God weaves the details together to tell His story through our lives.
Final photo template...
A place to remember her ....
She'll always be 7½ in my thoughts,
but these boys will grow up before my eyes in this place.
Thankful He gave us her.
Even if only for a little while.
Thankful He used her days for His glory.
