February 22, 2001 my baby sister returned home to our Father in Heaven. I remember the day like it happened only a moment ago. I was seven years old, bouncing around our home, anxiously awaiting the phone call that would announce the arrival of my baby sister. I thought finally, another girl in the home to help keep the boys at bay! Finally a baby sister to dress up, teach dance to, laugh with and love. The phone call letting us all know we could go visit her and our parents in the hospital couldn't come fast enough. When the phone call finally came I could barely stand still long enough for my grandma to tell me my mom wanted to speak with me. Full with so much excitement I thought it might spill out of me, I answered the phone. My mom sweetly said, "Avalon had a blood clot. Do you know what that means?" At the age of seven I instantly knew what had happened. I knew baby Avalon wouldn't be coming to our home, instead she was with our Father in Heaven. I know the Spirit spoke the words to me that my mom could not, and shouldn't have had to at that time. I know in that moment Jesus Christ was carrying my mother and holding my hand.That was one of the hardest days of my life. However, that day I learned more, felt more love, relied more on my Heavenly Father than ever before. I gained the important testimony of Eternal Families. I am so grateful for that incredible blessing. It has now been 12 years since my family said goodbye to her and I know we all still miss her everyday. I can't wait to meet my sister in Heaven. I so look forward to that joyful day when we will chat, hug, giggle and love. Until then I am grateful to have an angel in Heaven looking over my family. I will do all I can and be all I can to make her proud and be able to live with her again as an eternal family.
Read at Avalon's funeral by my parents:
"One of the ways we have chosen to remember Avalon is by registering and naming a star after her. The Star will bare her name and will stand as an eternal memorial to her and as a symbol of our undying love for her as a cherished member of our family.
We have a goal as a family to live together forever with our extended mortal family and with our Heavenly Father. Just as the wise men on that storied night so many years ago had the new star to guide them to the Christ child, we will have our star in the heavens as a constant reminder and navigation point to guide us to our eternal destination. As we struggle through the storms of our mortal journey, we will have our star to shine down and brighten us during our darkest nights. As her brothers and sisters experience the trials and triumphs of this life, they will have their star shining down on them to share their tears and their laughter. As her parents, we will labor to fill the void left in our lives, but we will have our star to warm and to heal our broken hearts. We will have our star; forever we will have our star."
Avalon, we love and miss you. Please lead us home.
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