Edie

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“The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18

“For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:7-8

“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'” Matthew 19:14

Late Monday night when I was asleep, I got a phone call from my brother. I knew my four year-old niece Edie was in the hospital with what we thought was a bad cold, so I answered after one ring.  I was told that Edie’s cold had quickly escalated to pneumonia and her tiny body was unable to beat it.  Our Edie had left us for heaven.

In times of deep sadness, it warms my soul to think of her above, completely free of all pain and handicaps, in a perfect body with a bow in her hair. I know she is rejoicing with her Maker, and in that I will continue to find peace.  I’ve shared bits about Edie here, here, and here, and I recently shared some photos from our Memorial Day weekend trip here, but this little girl has stolen all of our hearts in a big way, and life will never be the same.

Edie blessed us with four years of love and changed our lives for the better.  She showed those of us on earth (those who knew her and those who didn’t), what selfless love is and taught us how to trust His plan.  While our hearts are broken, we know she has left us for a more wonderful place and we will celebrate her life until we meet again.

I ask you to please pray for our family during this devastating time and lift up my brother and his wife as they welcome Edie’s new brother in just a few short days.  I am grateful to God that I have always lived near them since Edie has been born, both in Mississippi and California.  Because we’ve always lived in the same place, I’ve have had the great privilege of being there for the good and sad, the highs and lows.  It is a blessing I’ll never take for granted. I’ve never loved another person in the way I am madly, over the moon, head over heels in love with that little girl.  I can’t even explain it, but my love for her is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

I’ve shared so much about our Edie over the years, and even with tears running down my cheeks, it just didn’t feel right not to share this life-changing moment with those of you who have shared your love for our girl, both near and far.

Thank you for your support and prayer during this time.  We have arranged a small memorial in Los Angeles for family and close friends this weekend, and then we will be having a butterfly release – such a beautiful symbol of Edie’s little body, which has now spread wings and flies around above us.

If you know Patrick and Anna and would like to help, we’ve set up a few options:

Take Them A Meal

Eat24 Gift Card | email: patalbwil@gmail.com

Donations to RhizoKids

We appreciate your prayers for P & A as they welcome their second son next week. XO –

“You were only waiting for this moment to be free.” The Beatles

105 Comments|See Comments

105 thoughts on “Edie”

  1. I am so very sorry for your loss Kathleen, my heart aches for you and your family. I will definitely be praying for all of you. Sending lots of love your way!

  2. Kathleen that was a very touching a beautiful tribute to your niece and I have always admired your ability to share your faith with those who read this blog. My heart is broken for your brother and sister in law and my prayers will be with them and your whole family during this difficult time.

  4. How heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for you and your family, Kathleen. My deepest condolences ?
    Knowing she is in a better place will help heal your pain.

  5. I am so sorry for your loss. Every time I saw her on Snapchat she just warmed my heart. She was such a beautiful little girl and is now a beautiful little angel looking down on you and your family. Praying for you all!

  6. I am so sorry for your loss, Kathleen. I can’t imagine the heartbreak you must feel right now. Edie and your family are in my prayers. Xo

  7. My heart is breaking for you and your family. Praying for peace for you all during this time.

  8. I’m so sorry to hear about sweet Edie Kathleen. Sending endless prayers and big hugs to you and your family during this difficult time.

  9. Kathleen I am so sorry for your loss. Edie was a little angel on earth and I am praying hard for Patrick, Anna, and your entire family during this time. She was so loved and even though it’s hard to imagine life without her, she will be honored in so many ways. Stay strong sweet girl.
    “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

  10. So sorry to hear of your loss. Although we didn’t know Edie personally through your sharings we could tell how special she was and her little smile so precious. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love and comfort your way.

  11. Kathleen, I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Those photos you have go to show how special taking photos regularly can be! All of you are blessed with the most beautiful guardian angel now. I will be sure to keep you and your family in my prayers! XO

  14. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

  15. What a lovely tribute. I remember reading your previous posts.

    May the Lord bless you and keep you.
    The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you.
    The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace.

    You will see her again.

  16. Kathleen, I am so sorry for this tremendous loss to you and your family. I will keep you all in my prayers and pray for comfort and healing during this time and over the coming year.

    Anne Benton

  17. Dear Kathleen,
    I am so sorry for your loss, my heart is breaking for you as I read this tribute. I am sending love and prayers to your family during this tragic time. How blessed is Edie to have an aunt as warm, kind, vivacious, and lovely as you are.
    Sincerely,
    Kathryn

  19. I have tears running down my cheeks — I am truly sorry for your loss. What a precious, perfect girl and what a precious, perfect tribute to her you gave. Praying the Lord surrounds you with a comfort only He can provide. And prayers for strength for you all as you welcome this new little miracle — I pray you can still experience the unexplainable joy of new life while in the midst of such deep sadness. No doubt Edie is doing her part to make sure her little brother arrives safely — he has a fine escort holding his hand along the way. Prayers and hugs from Kentucky.

  20. Kathleen, there are no words. You bring daily joy to so many of us . . . I think I speak for us all who would love to hug you right now. Heaven has gained a sweet angel which all of you will be with again one day. I bet she is telling her new baby brother how awesome all of you are in addition to a plethora of big sister wisdom. May God’s love surround you and your family. XO

    1. You’ve brought a smile to my face – thank you so much for the kindness Jess! Appreciate you –

  21. So very, very sorry for your family’s loss. May you all find solace knowing she is at peace now and watching over you all and her soon to arrive little brother.

  23. Prayers to you and your family. I enjoy your blog as you are one of most authentic ones out there.

  24. This news breaks my heart. I am so very sorry. I only knew that little beauty via your posts and photos, but her smile was so perfect and her eyes seemed so wise. Like she always had a secret. 🙂 Please know that I’m praying for your family and that new bundle from Heaven coming soon.

    1. Her eyes DID seem so wise, didn’t they!? I love that. She would look into an empty space and start laughing and giggling – it’s almost like she has known angels this entire time. So beautiful. Thank you so much for the love and prayers.

  25. Thinking of you and yours during this difficult time. So sorry for your loss, may the Lord lift you up.

  26. This post broke my heart for you and your family and the loss of such a precious little girl. Sending so much love and prayers to all of you in this difficult time. xx

  27. I’m so very sorry for your loss. She was an amazing little girl and so strong and beautiful. She was so lucky to have been so loved and touched the lives of so many people. Sending you all prayers and love.

  28. I’m not sure who said it above but I love picturing Edie in heaven preparing her little brother to meet all of ya’ll! ❤️ She was the purest of blessings and this tribute truly captures all the love y’all have shared in the past four years! Love all of y’all so much and I’m praying for God’s comfort as you begin this special weekend! XO Katie

    1. Isn’t that the sweetest? Thank you so much for being the most amazing friend. Love love love you. You’re going to be one amazing mom! XOXO

  29. I am so sorry for your families loss. My God bless you, and your family. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

    God Bless, Lesley

  30. Kathleen, I am so very sorry to hear about sweet Edie. We don’t know each other, but I’m a fellow Mississippi gal who’s been following you for years. I started reading Edie’s caringbridge site when you posted it after her birth, and it made me fall in love with your sweet family. When it went private not too long ago, I had worried that her health might be declining. I’m just heartbroken. Sending huge hugs to all of you.

    1. Wow – how beautiful that you have intentionally followed her journey! She has had a full four years of life, living in Mississippi and California and visiting cities all over the world. How blessed we were. Hugs to you!

  31. I am so incredibly sorry Kathleen. I know of the immense bond you feel with your niece because I feel it too with my six-year-old niece. I cannot imagine what y’all must be going through and your family will be in my prayers.

  32. Still praying for you and your family, KittyKat.
    I still can’t believe it, but you are right, she was one of the most precious souls. I am thinking of you and your family during this heart shattering time.

    Love, Cassie

  33. My heart! So many prayers are being said at this moment for your family. Solace can found knowing she is with our Maker and you will all be reunited in the happiest place which dreams are made of. How special it must be to know she met her brother before y’all will. She is teaching him of the unconditional love to be found in your family. Sending each of you a hug.

    1. I just love to think that. 🙂 Thank you so much for the uplifting words Lindsay. Hugs to you!

  34. I’m so sorry for your and your family’s loss! Your posts about Edie have always been so genuine and I feel like we all know her a little bit through this space. You are so right that she is in a better place now, and will be watching over your family with her beautiful smile. Thoughts and prayers to your family in this difficult time.

    1. My brother and sister-in-law have allowed me to share her story and it has been such a privilege. Thank you for loving E alongside with us!

  35. I’m so sorry for your family’s loss Kathleen. I know just from being a blog reader the past few years that she was a very precious and cherished little girl, who in a few shorts years made a tremendous impact on all she knew. Your family will be in my prayers. I can’t fathom the emotional strength it will take to welcome and celebrate a new life while mourning the loss of another. I’m so glad that you shared her with us so that we could be touched by her life and also surround your family in prayer.

  37. I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful niece. Thank you for sharing Edie’s stories with us and the love and strength of your family. Prayers to you all.

  38. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss Kathleen. From all the posts I’ve read about sweet Edie she seems like such a lovely light. She will continue to shine through your family. The butterfly release is a beautiful way to honor her. Sending my thoughts and love to your whole family.

  41. I am sorry for your loss & I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
    sending strength. xo

  42. So terribly sorry for your loss. She looks like an absolute angel and I am sure will be missed by many. Praying for your family.

  43. Kathleen and Family,
    Thank you for sharing the story of Edie with us. How lucky you were to have known her! I have enjoyed seeing her on your Snapchat and Social Media over the past few years. Her smile was contagious. I also want to thank you all and Edie for everything that you have taught me. It is stories like these that continue to open my eyes and my heart and help me become a better person. I hope that I can positively impact others in the ways that you have impacted me. I especially hope that I can teach my son the mindfulness that you have taught me. I am so very sorry for your loss. Many blessings to you and your family as you say goodbye to Edie and welcome new life to the family. I will not forget Edie or the many lessons that she has taught me through the stories you have shared.

    1. Wow – Bev that is so touching! Thank you so much for your kind words and for loving Edie with us. She was that kind of gal – and has tugged the hearts of people all over the world. We appreciate your heartfelt words. Hugs to you and your son!

  45. Oh Kathleen, I am so sorry for your loss. I’ve been following your blog since the SL days, and love when you give Edie updates. I’m thinking of your whole family–I know you’ll take care of each other.

    1. Oh Betsy – God bless you because those early days were interesting, weren’t they!? Ha! Thank you so much for sharing and for loving our girl with us. Hugs to you – appreciate you!

  46. Thank you for sharing Edie’s story with us! Sending thoughts and prayers to you and your family from Arkansas.

    I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you. -Philippians 1:3

  47. I really enjoyed seeing peeks of Edie on Snapchat and reading about her on your blog. Your love for her was palpable. So sorry for your family’s loss. <3

  49. I’ve been reading since Edie was born and I am so heartbroken by this news. Sending so much love and comfort your way. I can’t imagine dealing with this kind of loss but it looks like Edie was, and still is, a very lucky and loved girl.

  51. You’ve shared many times about little sweet Edie, so I appreciate you sharing her passing. I’m so very sorry for your family’s loss – I know you’re all just heartbroken right now. Try to remember the good times and the fact that you all gave her the BEST possible life she could ever have dreamed of!

  52. Sending lots of love and prayers from Arkansas. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and God always has a plan! Much love to your family.

  53. I’m SO incredibly sorry to hear about your loss, but I hope you find comfort knowing that she is resting peacefully now in a beautiful place. I’m sending you and your family the hugest well wishes and lots of love! XOXO

  57. Kathleen, my heart breaks for your brother, wife, kids, and your entire family. These little ones have a way of coming into our lives and taking over our hearts, and before I had my little guy, my nephews and nieces were and still are my first born babies. My prayers are with your family, I pray for healing hearts and comfort during this difficult time <3

  58. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for peace and comfort for your family during this time. Sending love and light from Mississippi.

  59. Ahora estará jugando con León Rhizo (mi amoroso sobrino que tanto extraño) les mando un abrazo desde Argentina. Cris.

    1. Que calienta el corazón pensar de Edie y León ! Gracias por compartir. Abrazos a usted desde California –

  61. Kathleen I’m so sorry to hear about sweet beautiful Edie. Sometimes when things like this happen I try it figure out what god’s plan is/was. I hope that Edie is up in heaven enjoying the sun, the music, the dancing, and the pure happiness. I know from your previous posts that she held such a special place in your heart. It’s amazing how much a child can teach us in such a short amount of time. I will keep you in my family in my prayers and as for Edie I hope she is enjoying every second of gods kingdom,

    1. Isn’t it!? I think she is running around for the first time, tasting food for the first time and resting at night in the arms of Jesus. Thank you so much for the prayers.

  62. Kathleen, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying that God’s love, grace, and peace would comfort and strengthen your family during this time. Psalm 91 always brings me comfort, and I pray it does the same for you.

    ‭‭“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

    “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him.”
    ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91:4, 14-15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

  63. Kathleen, I am so sorry for your loss and I’m sending love & light to you and your family! Heaven has another beautiful Angel watching over all of us! May God bless your whole family. ??

  64. Kathleen,
    I am so sorry for your loss and am praying for your family. As you stated, she is in heaven with a perfect new body, running around and playing without a care! What a comfort that is to know she is in the arms of her Father. Thank you for sharing and being authentic, now and always. Your faith is such an encouragement to me, and I’m sure it was to sweet Edie as well. Lots of love from Texas ?

    1. Amen! Thank you so much for all of the beautiful words – truly, they touch my heart. XO

  66. So sorry for you family’s loss – she was lucky to have been loved and cared for by such good people! Sending prayers and energy your way.

  67. Hugs and prayers from Oklahoma for you and your family. Thank you sharing your life with us both the good and bad. Heaven gained a sweet little angel in Edie. God bless.

  70. I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Like the first few Bible verses you shared there is comfort in scripture. I am praying for you. Love, Kirsten

  71. Praise God for your faith! I work with infants with congenital heart defects and they normally do not come out smiling! Edie was held by God from the moment she was born, & she was put on this earth for His glory! Your sweet family is in my thoughts and prayers.

    1. So beautiful – I read this out loud to my sister. Thank you so much for sharing and for all that YOU do!

  72. I’m so sorry for your loss, Kathleen .My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this impossible time. Hugs xoxo

  73. God bless you for your sweet dedication to your beautiful niece. I am so glad that your family knows Christ’s love and can process this experience through Him. I know she will be dearly missed, but there are no barriers in her life where she is now. Praying for you and your family and your nephew to be!

    1. Oh my – I don’t know how we could get through this without faith! Amen – thank you so much for the love and prayers!

  74. Kathleen,
    I’m so sorry for your loss! I’m keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for sharing. She was blessed to have surrounded by such a warm, caring family and I know she had such an impact during her short time here.
    Nicole

  76. Kathleen, Thank you for sharing your precious niece with us, your readers. You and your family have my deepest sympathy and prayers for peace and comfort. Edie couldn’t have had a better earthly family, and now she is with our Heavenly Father.

  77. I’m so very sorry for your loss and I hope that you and your family can find comfort in your memories and knowing that Edie is at peace.

  78. I read this post the other night and shared it with my fiancé and mom because it brought such emotion – what a gorgeous angel of a child. A close friend of mine’s mother passed away the same night, and though it is so difficult, I know there are that many more Angels now looking after us and there in Heaven taking care of each other. God bless your beautiful family during this difficult time and your incredibly strong brother and sister-in-law for providing Edie such wonderful several years filled with love and joy. xoxoxoxo

    1. Wow. How powerful! Hugs and prayers for your friend. I know that has to be so difficult. Thank you so much for sharing your kindness and for sharing Edie’s story. XO

  79. I am fairly new to your blog and have read your posts on Edie and what a beautiful girl! This touches my heart so and my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this very difficult time. May God bring you all strength.

    1. Thank you so much Delina – and welcome to CBL! I promise, normally the blog is more of a happiness hub!!

  80. Thank you Kathleen. Thank you so much for sharing. Jesus said, “When you give, you receive….” I saw and felt this over and over as your family welcomed and loved a little girl. Surely the more you loved her, the greater “we all” experienced the love of God through her. It was as if she had been sent for a time. Patrick and Anna’s love, your love and the love from each of you grew every time Edie smiled or found her safe place in each of your arms. You let Edie teach you more about the love of God than you will ever know from 10,000 sermons about love as you recognized the gift that came from the Giver. To all of you, especially Patrick and Anna, thank you for sharing and in this way letting us learn and open our hearts a little wider. In my prayers today, I have, once again, thanked God for Edie.

    1. Wow. I had to share your beautiful words with Patrick and Anna. They were so moved – thank you so much for these inspiring words Dr. Morris!

    2. Kathleen
      Your words are so beautiful and our heart aches for all of you .. What a beautiful girl to learn so many important things from. Please know our prayers and thoughts and Love are with all of you ! Love your Texas family. Mike and Sandra and cousins.

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