Marissa, Our Angel.
She was blind.
But her eyes were gazing.
Her arms were tangled.
But always open.
She couldn't speak.
But laughed often.
She was different.
She was beautiful.
She was my sister.
It sure sounds different, but she was no different to me, than any other person I knew.
She of course wasn't just another person, though, she was my sister, and the only difference between her and anyone else, was that her name was Marissa.
Marissa was born on November 8. She was born a healthy dark-haired baby filled with vibrancy! However at just a couple days old, she contracted meningitis and as a result, was handicapped from that day forward. She may have lived her life in a wheelchair and endured many struggles, but she was happy!
I learned a lot from her, though she never said a word. I learned that life is truly too short, so live NOW; I learned that we shouldn't take even the simplest things for granted (like walking, talking, feeding ourselves); I've learned not to take life so seriously; and most importantly, that laughter truly is the strongest medicine. Marissa spent a lot of time in the hospital, and even when she wasn't, it looked as though she was. She endured a lot of pain, but one thing remained: her laugh! She loved to laugh... I think one of her favorite things was my dad's crazy kisses. He'd come over and give her the biggest, loudest smooch EVER -- not only could she feel it, but she could hear it. To this day, even though she couldn't see us, I think she knew that dad was her dad, mom was her mom and that she had some pretty crazy siblings that loved her.
This past July 31 marked the 10 year anniversary of Marissa's passing. I wish I didnt have to experience life without her, but more importantly, I wish you all could have met her. She touched so many people's lives without even knowing, and I'm sure she would have touched yours. I would give anything to talk to her, to hear her laugh or just to even see her, one more time! Even though I can't, I pray one day, I will! She was truly a blessing to our family and thank I God for giving us our very own Angel.
I love you and miss you, Marissa!
But her eyes were gazing.
Her arms were tangled.
But always open.
She couldn't speak.
But laughed often.
She was different.
She was beautiful.
She was my sister.
It sure sounds different, but she was no different to me, than any other person I knew.
She of course wasn't just another person, though, she was my sister, and the only difference between her and anyone else, was that her name was Marissa.
Marissa was born on November 8. She was born a healthy dark-haired baby filled with vibrancy! However at just a couple days old, she contracted meningitis and as a result, was handicapped from that day forward. She may have lived her life in a wheelchair and endured many struggles, but she was happy!
I learned a lot from her, though she never said a word. I learned that life is truly too short, so live NOW; I learned that we shouldn't take even the simplest things for granted (like walking, talking, feeding ourselves); I've learned not to take life so seriously; and most importantly, that laughter truly is the strongest medicine. Marissa spent a lot of time in the hospital, and even when she wasn't, it looked as though she was. She endured a lot of pain, but one thing remained: her laugh! She loved to laugh... I think one of her favorite things was my dad's crazy kisses. He'd come over and give her the biggest, loudest smooch EVER -- not only could she feel it, but she could hear it. To this day, even though she couldn't see us, I think she knew that dad was her dad, mom was her mom and that she had some pretty crazy siblings that loved her.
This past July 31 marked the 10 year anniversary of Marissa's passing. I wish I didnt have to experience life without her, but more importantly, I wish you all could have met her. She touched so many people's lives without even knowing, and I'm sure she would have touched yours. I would give anything to talk to her, to hear her laugh or just to even see her, one more time! Even though I can't, I pray one day, I will! She was truly a blessing to our family and thank I God for giving us our very own Angel.
I love you and miss you, Marissa!