untanglingknots.com: Sister

by Karla ° Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Ava would have been three, god, almost four this Christmas. The other day Nate pointed to her picture and said “sister.” This totally shocked me because I don’t remember the last time we showed him her photograph. The rate with which a child absorbs the world around them amazes and kind of frightens me, and while trying to hold back the tears welling in my eyes I scooped down and wrapped my arms around his tiny frame in a giant hug and told him that we were going to go and buy a present for him to donate to a special little girl in memory of his sister.

It’s not much, paltry really, in the grand scheme of families in need, especially during these tough economic times, but hopefully, this will spread a bit of warmth and put a smile on a little girl’s face on Christmas morning. I know that’s what I’d have wished for Ava.

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Comments:

Such a sweet and touching post Karla. It's amazing what the little ones absorb, Nate sounds like such a clever wee boy.
That doll will be sure to make a little girl very happy this Christmas.
Has Nate been to see Santa yet?
I hope you are all organised for next week ~ gosh, gan you believe Christmas is just over a week away?!
Hugs,
Amanda x

Posted by Amanda : December 16, 2008

You are such a beautiful person and mother.

Posted by Anonymous : December 16, 2008

Great idea.

We buy an angel every year to hang on the tree in memory of Matthew.

Posted by Heather Plett : December 16, 2008

What a beautiful post!
I am sure that the gift that you have donated in Avas name will bring much joy on Christmas Day.
Love and hugs Tabitha XXXX

Posted by Tabitha : December 16, 2008

I do the same thing. We picked a name off of the Salvation Army tree. I let the little one decide if he wanted to buy for a boy or girl and what age. Though I know he doesn't quite understand what he did, I think it's important to teach a good set of values at a young age.

Posted by Anonymous : December 16, 2008

I think it is awesome that you bought a little girl a present in memory of Ava! And, your son will learn a precious lesson in the process. You are an AMAZING mother!!!

Posted by Anonymous : December 16, 2008

Oh, family!

Posted by Amanda : December 16, 2008

the doll's eyes remind me of Nate's beautiful blues!

Posted by CP : December 16, 2008

aww well Nate a smart lil guy so I'm not suprised he said it without you guys saying anything or recently showing him Ava's picture

Posted by Unknown : December 16, 2008

I work with foster children and sadly Christmas is usually a time for great disappointment for these kids. Just one doll can restore a child's faith in Christmas.

Posted by Wifer : December 17, 2008

Really a great idea. Wishing you and your gorgeous! family a great Christmas.

Posted by Anonymous : December 17, 2008

Oh, happy tear moment..Nate is a good little man, you know?
And Ava is loved..always

Posted by Anonymous : December 17, 2008

Ava has touched so many lives, and this Christmas she will touch one more. Thank you for sharing your story of her with us.

Posted by Lovebuzz38 : December 17, 2008

Great blog.
I have a question, pertaining to your photography. When you photograph people, do you photoshop their eyes to make them brighter or something?

Posted by Ang : December 18, 2008

Love you Ava. ... And warm hugs for you Karla, and Mark and Nate this Christmas.

Posted by Anonymous : December 19, 2008

That's so awesome that he knows her photo. And, yeah, I'm thinking he's pretty much a genius. I'm a 4th year education student, so, I'd know! ;) lol (you know I'm being sarcastic, right? I have soooo much to learn).
But for real, he's a genius.

Also, I thought about Ava today! I had to park my car down near the park where I went with her big pink balloon on her birthday this year. It was an equally pretty day today and I said hello to her. :)

Posted by Alison : December 19, 2008

That's so sweet...both Nate AND you for thinking of someone who needs a little help.

Posted by Joyce : December 19, 2008

Sometimes it takes a moment like that, with the innocence of a child, to help us remember that our loved ones are not forgotten. I think that gesture is a beautiful one. I hope your holidays are filled with joy.

Posted by Brandy : December 22, 2008

I've never commented here before, but I read you all the time. There is nothing about this gift that is paltry. For a child who has never had a doll to love, or a present under the tree, this gift will mean the world. And the spirit of Ava will touch that child, even if in some small way. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Posted by Amy : December 23, 2008

I can't believe she would have been that old! I mean, I guess it makes sense, b/c it was right before Taryn was born that she was born. Wow! I think it's great that Nate knows who she is. That's just awesome.

As for the gift, I still have my Cabbage Patch Doll from when I was six. She's a wee bit on the dingy side, but totally playable with still. Not only did I smile when I got her, but she did not leave my side for many years (and, obviously, is still in my possession...and not just packed away, might I add!). There is not a single doubt in my mind that that doll will bring a HUGE smile to whomever receives it...and will receive all the love that little Ava would have given it.

Posted by Christi : December 25, 2008

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