I thought I would post the talk Kimaree gave at Brooklyn's funeral. It was such a good funeral and as Kim Thueson said "It was life-changing". Angelie gave the life sketch and told it as a fairy tale. She started the life sketch with "Once Upon a Time..." and ended "And Princess Brookie lived Happily Ever After". It was so touching to hear the Princess story from Brooklyn's own mom.
Derek also gave a talk and the whole time I was thinking, "This is bringing me so much peace, comfort, and closure. And we are the ones that should be comforting them!"
It's been a little over a week since Brooklyn passed, and I still find myself thinking: Why? Surely this is a bad dream! and just overall sadness and I guess what you would consider the typical "grieving".
When Derek called us all to come to the hospital I cried to Mark and told him that I did not want to do this again. It does not get easier the second time around, in fact old emotions and painful memories are just brought to the surface all over again.
Despite it all I know that there is a reason for everything, and I know that we are not asked to bear trials alone. Thanks to everyone who has offered condolences, and I am especially thankful for Mark to give me hugs when nothing else seems to help.
(The lyrics in Kimaree's talk are from the musical Wicked, in case some of you aren't familiar with the play)
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
This has been a tender time for us to review some Brookie memories. Brookie taught us so much in a short time. Each one of us has commented that Brooklyn taught us how to party. When our family walked through the door after picking Dallin up from his mission Brooklyn instantly noticed the sign, balloons, and streamers and cheerfully asked “Is this party for me!?!” Later that night after several suggestions from Brooklyn, we made the signature pink cupcakes because it wasn’t a complete party without them. Just a few weeks ago I came home after my semester ended and mom had hung a welcome home sign for me. Brooklyn saw the sign and immediately assumed it must be my birthday and told me over and over “Happy Birthday Kimaree. We need to get some cupcakes.” She was so insistent on having a party that Angelie made cupcakes and we sat at the table and decorated them.
Brooklyn was a friend to everyone. One day Brookie was outside in the yard and a neighbor girl Brooklyn had never met before rode up on her bike and Brooklyn got so excited and instantly exclaimed “She’s my friend.” I think everyone who knew Brooklyn would agree that they and their children have had an instant connection with her. She had a way of making people feel like dear friends even if they were complete strangers. Everyone wanted to be around a little girl with such unconditional love.
Brooklyn was often seen carrying a purse, wand or even a small toy. If she sat down to do a puzzle or play with sidewalk chalk she would keep those things right next to her on her lap. She never lost sight of those things that were important to her. Brookie was also very concerned with others’ well being.
She was often heard asking in that sweet little voice if you were okay after you had cleared your throat or sneezed or coughed. She was very mindful of those around her and especially loved her cousins. She would often talk about each cousin and the things they had done together and also really loved the babies. She would sit by a baby and admire their coos and smiles.
Much of Brooklyn’s life has been filled with doctors, nurses and hospital visits. We know that she didn’t always feel good and many of her treatments were unpleasant for such a little girl. Despite this, it was never hard for Brooklyn to show her gratitude to her caregivers. She would always thank the nurses after they started an IV or gave her a shot. During one part of her treatment, to give Angelie a break, her grandma Marilyn was giving her daily shots. She was tearful and frightened like any child would be. That’s why it was so amazing that when the shot was finished, she quickly, through her tears, would say, “Thank you Grandma”.
Brooklyn was just so good about soaking up each and every moment. The littlest things became the biggest things and we will forever be grateful for her teaching us that every day is a gift. It’s okay to have spontaneous Princess parties whenever you want. And it’s even more okay to make pink cupcakes for those everyday celebrations. It’s up to each of us to figure out what those pink cupcakes are in our individual families. Brooklyn wasn’t our only teacher. In her last 12 hours on earth, we heard Derek and Angelie recount and list blessings they had received during Brooklyn’s life. Surely she learned these great character traits from wonderful parents modeling them for her.
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a hand print on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...
I do believe I have been
Changed for the better
Because I knew you... I have been changed for good.
