This morning I had to break the news to my daughters. Naomi responded with textbook 3-year old comprehension about death.
At one point when I explained that Laura’s body would be taken to the funeral home and later we would bury it in the ground, Naomi said, “but not her face.” “Yes, her face,” I said. “But not her eyes,” she said. “Yes, even her eyes.”
Tonight as we were washing up, Naomi ran into our bedroom, returned, and said, “I said 1 2 3 magic, but Mommy didn’t come back.” And then she paused, her eyes lit up, and she said “I know what we can do!” in that airy, tiny but confident Naomi voice that many of you know. “What if we all say 1 2 3 magic together? Then she’ll come back!”
Not her eyes
Sun, Oct 5th, 2008 9:14pm by dkulp
Tags: Uncategorized
6 responses so far ↓
1 Suzette and Jen // Oct 5, 2008 at 10:02 pm
David, we have wanted to post all day but just couldn’t think of anything that hadn’t already been said. My aunt Glenda is still here visiting for the wedding. She loves the beach so today instead of sitting at home crying we drove to Santa Cruz in honor of Laura. It made us feel closer to her and you all since we can’t be there with you today. Our hearts are broken and we can’t begin to understand your grief. Just know that we are with you in spirit and will be with you soon in person. We are better people for knowing Laura and you and the girls. We love you all and wish there was something that we could say or do to make this time easier but we know there isn’t. Laura was one of the best people we have ever known and she lives on in you and especially in your two wonderful girls. Peace be with you all as it is with Laura.
2 Deborah Miller // Oct 5, 2008 at 10:26 pm
My heart is with you and the girls this evening. I am sure you are drained beyond words and full of the most painful grief at losing Laura. I have wished for freedom and peace for Laura this past week. I am so very very sorry for you and the Naomi and Lily. Please know you are surrounded by strengthening love.
3 Heather Hall Mahmoud // Oct 6, 2008 at 11:28 am
I just recently found out from a college friend, Ali Walsh, about Laura’s battle. Laura was on my hall our freshman year in college and I remember her well. We didn’t keep in touch and I regret that because she was a truly special person.
I’m just so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family. I feel blessed to have been able to know Laura for the short time that I did. The world is truly a better place for having her in it.
4 Mark Taggart // Oct 6, 2008 at 11:46 am
Sign me up for Naomi’s plan… I’d like to see her eyes again, too.
5 Julia Flannery // Oct 8, 2008 at 11:43 am
123 magic…123 magic…123 magic…
6 Kate O'Shea // Oct 13, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I am thinking about you at the end of this weekend–a string of resplendent autumn days filled with tears, laughter, and song. I saw you this morning on the porch at Elmer’s smiling at your children as I passed on the way to play tennis. The three of you (and Laura’s family as well) have been in my thoughts and prayers.
I am sending light and support your way. I also want to say how I admire your open heart in the sharing of your journey with us, as a community.