Grandma’s Page
A Note From Grandma
The following poems were written during the first months following Hailey’s death. Yes, they are very sad, but those were the worst of times. As her grandmother, not only was I heart broken over the loss of this precious baby girl, but also for her parents who adored her and an entire family that would miss her forever. Hailey touched everyone with her joy. Even the nurses in the hospital would “kidnap” her from her bed on her good days because she was such fun and made everyone smile. With each child that Hailey’s Wish is able to help, I know that we will be honoring Hailey and all that she has meant to us.Losing Hailey
You’re in the hospital once more
We still don’t know what’s wrong
Prayers go out across this land
To keep you safe and strong,
They say your illness is a mystery
And as we look at your sweet face
Each one of us who loves you
Would gladly take your place
We adore you and we’re here with you
Each night and every day
You’ll never be alone sweet girl
We’ll be here come what may
As the days turn into weeks
We hold on to the hope
That you’ll grow up and live your dreams
It helps us all to cope
Your parent’s hearts are aching
Their eyes shine bright with tears
You haven’t smiled for quite some time
Enhancing all our fears
When at last we have an answer
The doctors sad and sure
This is a rare and cruel disease
There is no hope or cure
This all seems so surreal to us
You’ll leave us soon they say
We cry and kiss you tenderly
And with the priest we pray
Dear God, please care for this sweet child
When she departs this earth
She’s brought pure joy and sunshine
Since the moment of her birth
Then in your Daddy’s loving arms
Your dear Mommy at your side
You were released to heaven
Now with the angels you’ll abide
We left the hospital that night
At the culmination of our fears
It was the walk of broken hearts
Each one of us in tears
For you the time had come sweet girl
Your perfect spirit free to soar
For us the grieving had begun
We will miss you evermore.
Grandma
July 6, 2006
Missing Hailey
I long to kiss your tiny nose
Your cherub cheeks, your little toes;
I long to sing you lullabies
About kitty cats and butterflies;
I long to see you day or night
Hug and hold you oh so tight;
I long to caress your little head
And place you gently in your bed;
I long to watch you pat-a-cake
And click and clap and cute sounds make
I long to hear your sweet little voice
If only I could make that choice
I long to play “peek-a-boo” and laugh
And tell you “I see you!”
I long to see your precious smile
And linger there for a lengthy while
I long to look in your eyes so blue
And tell you how much I love you
I long to know why we had to part
My first grandchild, my angel, my heart;
I long for most that God will see
What the gift of you has meant to me.
Love,
Grandma
Visiting Hailey
As I approach your special place
I think about your precious face
I speak to you in a quiet tone
You see I know, we’re not alone;
For up in the tree right next to you
Under a sky so very blue
An angel and fairy are dancing
And twirling right on cue;
Placed there by those who love you
They have been there for awhile,
In hopes you’ll look down and see them
And they will make you smile;
I feel your smile here in the sunshine
I feel your breath in a breezy hush
I hope you can hear me when I say
I miss you so very much!
I kneel and place flowers in your vase
Tears begin streaming down my face
What might you have been like at three or seven?
Are you oh so happy now in heaven?
As I stand to leave your special place
I ask you for a sign,
Let me know angel girl that you’re okay
And then I will be fine;
I like to picture you laughing
And playing oh so free,
When I look up a pretty butterfly
Is landing right next to me;
The butterfly lingers for quite sometime
Then flutters its wings and flies away
As I watch it go, I surely know
You were here with me today.
Love,
Grandma
Remembering Hailey
Each time you came through my front door
Wrapped in Mommy or Daddy’s arms
Your joy was such a presence
Just one of your many charms
When you first said “Hi Num Num”
Your name for me so clear
I thought those were the cutest words
That I would ever hear
Your smile was like a beacon
As you reached out to me
It’s become a snapshot in my mind
That I will always see
Because I was your Grandma
Treasured time I spent with you
I was building on the memories
I hoped we would accrue
You’d snap your little fingers
When music filled the air
And as we danced around the room
I thought we’re quite the pair
May I have a taste of that I’d ask?
As we sat at the table alone
You’d grin and raise food to my mouth
Then place it in your own
You silly baby Girl, I’d laugh
As you would clap with glee
You knew that you were funny
And so adored by me
Bath time for you was lots of fun
You’d get us both so wet
Those really were such special times
I know I won’t forget
When you’d awaken in the night
You’d pout so I would see
You knew I’d promptly pick you up
And lay you next to me
After you lost your vision
You seemed to take it right in stride
You’d play and smile and keep right on
And fill my heart with pride
Toys with parts you’d known before
Were challenges to you now
I’d sit and watch you so amazed
You figured it out somehow
You were just so smart and precious
You gave me reason to rejoice
Although you could no longer see
You’d reach out to my voice
When Mommy and Daddy would come for you
I could tell they’d missed you very much
I could hear it in their voices
And see it in their touch
The three of you were so happy
As you walked out my door
See you again real soon I’d hear
Be safe I would implore.
Love,
Grandma