The Homecoming of an Angel

Yesterday was yet another day that was hard, long, and emotional.  Yesterday we had the funeral of Ansley Kash McCarley at Rock Mills United Methodist Church.  Her aunt Lyndi posted a few highlights about the day and I thought I would share them with those of you who have been keeping up with the girls.  "I want to share a few significant events from Kash's funeral.  First - as the family went up to say our final goodbye's before they closed the casket , Jett Jett pointed to Kash and said "Sissy" - Second when the church sang Victory in Jesus the sun shined into the front of the church right beside the piano (that was Kash letting us know she was there) - 3rd one of Kash's UAB NICU night nurses came all the way here after working 3rd shift last night - Fourth when Roar by Katy Perry started playing Jett got down in front of everyone and danced and showed out for everyone and at the end of the song , he walked up the casket reached out his hand and closed it back . He was telling his Sissy goodbye! Fifth we've been blessed to have been surrounded by so many friends and family and members of this community. Thank y'all so much for showing support today and I personally want to give a HUGE HUGE HUGE thank you to my "second father" Keith Rollins(a Roanoke police officer) for giving the Princess an escort all the way from Roanoke out of the kindness of his heart. We love each and every one of y'all! thank you so very much! what makes it special is that the whole town showed up for a little girl that they didn't know. That's love."  Now my additional thoughts.  I came out of the bathroom to find my husband standing outside of his office.  Why?  He had just witnessed the most beautiful sight imaginable.  When the body arrived at 12:30, Magen and Keaton were waiting on it and carried their baby in the church.  The rest of the family and friends witnessed it at the end when they also carried her out.  It was one of the hardest, yet sweetest things I have ever seen.  Frank and Rev Jimmy Sprayberry did the funeral.  Rev. Sprayberry was an old family friend of Magens and actually married them right there in Rock Mills Church.  I was the music engineer for the day.  Magen gave me a list of the important songs and then asked me to fill the church with music prior to the service.  I downloaded sweet instrumental music to my ipad.  Songs like Cinderella, Remember Me, Amazing Grace, Wind Beneath My Wings, You Raise Me Up, and many more.  I had over an hours worth of music prepared.  When the family entered the church they came into I Can Only Imagine.  We sang Victory in Jesus as a congregation played by our pianist, Beth Kramer, and then I played Who Am I.  After the sermon and prayer but before the benediction I played Katy Perry's song, Roar as the family sat.  When they rose to leave I played it again.  Who would have ever thought that a rock stars song would be so perfect for this moment.  We then drove to the Rock Mills cemetery where Kash would be laid to rest.  After Rev Sprayberry spoke, Magen spoke too and it was the most beautiful act of love I have ever witnessed.  The family was then served a meal at the church and Marcie(the grandmother) spoke there.  I have to admit that it was one emotionally draining day.....but it was a day filled with wonder, first time witnessed things, and love...lots and lots of love.  People have followed the saga of these babies from as far away as Australia.  Once they settled down for the night, Magen posted this on the babies FB page: " Well, today has come and gone.... she had a beautiful service. the sun broke thru the windows during victory in Jesus, it was such a powerful moment to feel her sweet spirit. jett got up and danced to roar.... That was always their theme song, so we played it at her last song.... I have called to check on baby sister, she is doing amazing... Up to 4 pounds 2 ounces today!"  God is good.  Continue to pray for this little family as they heal.  Hopefully my next post on their saga will be when Kruze comes home.  I promise you that there will be a PARTY in the flats.  If all continues to go as it is ....we are looking at the end of January or the first part of February. God bless you all and I pray that you will have a blessed 2014.