REBECCA SIMPSON

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior, for He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for Me, and HOLY is His name."
~Luke 1:46b-49

After fighting her leukemia for four years, Rebecca went to rejoice with our Lord on February 23, 2007.
"Because we knew her,
we have been changed for good."

Journal

Wednesday, May 9, 2012 12:52 AM CDT

Hello, from Mom! Just finished typing a long update and lost it!! So frustrating. Should have written it in Word and cut and pasted!

Yesterday was Rebecca's 23rd birthday. Herbie and I took flowers and birthday cards to her niche and spent a little time there reflecting on Rebecca and how much we miss her. Jeff called from the Appalachian Trail, somewhere in Pennsylvania, and Vinson e-mailed and called. (Ironically, we both wore lavender yesterday. It was Rebecca's favorite color.)

So many thoughts and emotions – much sadness, but even more joy. I have been reflecting on what a privilege it has been to be mother to two beautiful, special ladies. They have done nothing but bring joy and delight to Jeff and me since we brought them home from the hospital.

I was remembering birthdays yesterday – Rebecca’s in particular. It’s hard to believe that she would be 23. We JUST brought her home from the hospital and gave her to Vinson. One of her most frequent prayers up to the day before Rebecca arrived was, “Dear God, please give me a baby sister. I’ll take a baby brother if I have to, but I REALLY want a baby sister!” Who says God doesn’t answer prayers?!?! She and Rebecca had such a beautiful relationship. Yes, they had their moments of squabbling and fussing and disliking each other, but they grew into two loving sisters who were also each other’s best friend. What a joy to be around them. Such laughter and happiness, teasing and understanding, encouragement and support. Many a time Rebecca would pick up the phone and call Vinson at Hollins University to ask for help with a math problem or ideas on how to approach writing a special essay.

We had lots of birthday parties – good ones, not so good ones, disasters, successes – just like life! Then came 2003 and Rebecca’s 14th birthday. We celebrated her birthday in her hospital room. In fact, we celebrated everyone’s birthday there – EVERYONE’s. Jeff and I celebrated our 50th birthdays on 5 Children’s and Vinson celebrated her 19th there. Maggie Patton joined the club and brought her birthday party to Rebecca’s room and all her birthday presents were presents for Rebecca. Such special, caring friends she has. Becca’s birthday party was a surprise orchestrated by Maggie, ably assisted by Jenny her accomplice. They conspired with the nurses and doctors on 5 Children’s and snuck into her room VERY early in the morning to decorate. Rebecca was rather doped up at the time, so she slept through most of it…when she did rouse, Maggie and Jenny froze in place and she went right back to sleep. She had NO clue what was going on until everyone showed up for a party. It spilled out onto the floor of 5 Children’s and all the staff were involved. Such fun!

Perhaps the best was Rebecca’s Sweet Sixteen - a surprise party at the beach planned and coordinated by Vinson and implemented by Maggie and Jenny, Carol (Jenny’s mom), Vinson and Alyssa (college roommate and honorary daughter) and Grandma Hazel, as well as 12 girls who got together for a week-end of food, fun and frolic, laughter and tears, prayer and hope – lots of love. The topper for the week-end was the first of many visits by Ben, Becca’s bone marrow donor, and his wife and daughter, Shannon and Josanne.

The 17th birthday was family. We had such a sweet time with her. We knew we were facing a new unknown as the doctors had told us they didn’t have anywhere else to go with her illness.

Fast forward to yesterday. As I said, Herbie and I went to the niche with flowers and cards. I spent time rejoicing in the time we had with Rebecca – all the birthdays celebrated – and grieving over all the times we won’t have with her…all the milestones missed because she’s not here to experience them. But we are able to experience those milestones vicariously through her friends. And while it is VERY bittersweet to be on the outside looking in, I rejoice in their happiness and successes, in their new loves and lives. And, I know that Rebecca would be rejoicing with us – and is. I fully believe she can see what’s happening down here and is talking to God about it!!

So, this is Mom signing off, thanking you for allowing me to share my feelings about my very special girls and praising God for His entrusting them to Jeff and me.

Blessings to you all,

Emmaline

Hospital Information:

Patient Room: Heaven

At Home with Jesus
2521 Batterhayes Rd #305
Raleigh, NC 27615
919-624-1071

Links:

E-mail Author: emmalinesimpson@gmail.com

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