emotional day

February 20, 2009...What a day! I completely underestimated the feelings I would have the first time I met my precious little niece. I remember the anticipation and sheer excitement I felt each time I met my best friends' children on the day they were each born, and I expected to feel that again...I did, times 100! She took my breath away! What a tiny miracle Ellie Caroline Pratt is! I love her so much! I can't wait to watch her grow.

The waiting room was packed with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends waiting on the arrival of sweet little 6 lb 15oz baby Ellie. She was a stubborn little thing and did not want to come out, so after 3 hours of pushing she was finally taken by c-section. As we are all waiting, pacing the halls unable to sit still, my mom gets a phone call from her sister. A hysterical phone call. My cousin had passed away. Such devastating news on such a joyous day is difficult to process. You're unsure if you should continue being happy or if you can allow yourself to breakdown and sob. Just 2 weeks shy of her 30th birthday, Lindsey Vinson Cardone, was called home. My heart aches for her, the girl I grew up with as a sister, as my friend. I will miss her terribly. My heart aches for my aunt. I can't even imagine the feeling of losing a child. She had struggled for years with drugs, alcohol and mental disease. I pray for her soul. I pray everyday that she finally has the peace she longed for. I know she is in heaven now with Mamaw Rie and Papaw Doc cutting up, laughing, and smiling down on the newest addition to our family.

Needless to say, we have all had and emotionally exhausting weekend. Thank you Ellie, for being the beautiful silver lining on a cloudy day. Welcome to the world my sweet angel!