Cuddles

My favourite thing in the world, cuddling both my girls.

Nalah's Ancestry

Nalah has ancestral roots in various parts of the world. Nalah was born and lived in Western Canada. However, her father's family came to Canada from Jamaica in the 1960s.  There are two families there, the Smiths and the Irvins', near Mandeville.   Nalah's maternal roots are in the Mennonite communities of Russia (her maternal great-grandparents fled after the Russian Revolution) and Prussia (now Poland). There are many strong people in her lineage, particularly her grandparents and great-grandparents. One small comfort now, is knowing that Nalah is in the company of these wise and loving souls. 


As an aside, Karis tells me that Nalah now travels the world. Karis says Nalah travels for a couple of days, they comes to visit her (dreams, or in her spirit form). Karis will say things about the world that puzzle me, such as describing the Eiffel Tower in Paris in detail, or mentioning "the ocean in England is brown". When questioned, Karis says "Nalah told me so". I am glad my girls have a connection in their imagination, dreams, and/or spiritually. I do not discourage it and let Karis express her bond to Nalah any way that she should wish. 


If you are travelling Nalah, I would suggest Jamaica. I am sure the sights, sounds, colours and music would intrigue you my girl. You always loved music, and had the cutest "happy dance". Somehow I felt inspired to mention your Jamaican ancestry today. You have strong roots my girl. Very strong. 


To be honest, if bothers me not knowing exactly where you are, but I am sure all these puzzles will one day be solved when we join you "where you are". 

Nalah with her Daddy

Nalah with her Daddy at the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. This is where Nalah had her open heart surgery at six weeks of age. In this photo, Nalah is just a little munchkin in the cardiac unit. I love how she looks at her father. She certainly knew her family, and we are glad to know her.

Opa (Grandpa)

Nalah I had a little talk with Opa today about you. He hurts so much since you have been gone. Opa is concerned he is a burden to us now that his heart is so very weak. I told him about how I considered you a blessing each and every moment, regardless of your situation medically. I explained to him that he was a blessing each day he is with us, regardless of his situation now. It helped him to hear this I think. He is so concerned about creating a hardship for his family. Opa had tears in his eyes when I explained to him, again, what you mean to me and that I will always consider you central to my life whether you are here in person or in spirit, that we still speak, and that I have absolutely no regrets about any hardship we went through since our love for you is bigger than anything. It seemed to bring comfort to Dad to know that both you, and him, are blessings no matter what our days may bring. I know Opa will be so very glad to see you in Heaven. I am just not ready to say goodbye to him just yet. I doubt I ever will be. Nalah, your Opa loves you so very, very much. My only comfort will be knowing you are together someday.  When Opa comes, please give him the biggest, longest, most loving hug imaginable. 

Opa (Grandpa)

Dear Nalah ...please watch over your Opa tonight. He is in the same ER where you passed fourteen months ago today. How can this be? I will be keeping vigil tonight until your time of death, 1:28 am, as I do every month on the 8/9th. Opa needs some help from the Angels tonight sweetheart. We need his heart to be strong.  Opa has a special place in his heart for you. We all do.