Smile!

I’ve been gone for awhile.  Maybe you didn’t notice.  Keep reading and pretend you did though.  It will give me the “feel goods”.

This has been a crazy month for my family.  Of course the 4th of July always brings fun and happiness.  Then on the 6th was my 9 year anniversary.

On the 7th was when our world was totally turned upside down.  I got the worst phone call anyone could ever get.

My 16 year old niece was killed in a car accident.  It was a very tragic situation and one that I hope no mother or father has to endure.  Being my niece it was very hard on my immediate family but my heart just aches for my brother and sister-in-law.

Kylee Nicole was a very sweet, old soul and it was evidenced by the beautiful service that was given for her.  Looking back at her life, many of us have seen that maybe somehow Kylee somehow inherently knew that her time here was limited.  I know that no one ever knows for sure, but looking back at some circumstances, we wonder.  She has a license plate on her bedroom door that reads “4-Ever 16”  It’s strange how things work out sometimes.

“Smiley Kylee” was her nickname because she always wore a smile wherever she went.  No matter her mood, she smiled.  She was a follower of Christ who made it known to anyone that she met.

Life won’t be the same without Kylee around to boost everyone’s spirits.  There are so many trivial “words” that can be said but none of them really seem to matter anymore.  It’s simply too young for a girl to end her journey in this place we call home.  She is forever home waiting for us now.  While we struggle to understand why, she will be looking down on us and reminding us to “SMILE”.

So tonight before you go to bed, give your babies an extra hug and “smile” from Kylee.  She is smiling down on us in joy that we are spreading the love that she was put her to give.