Lisa Notes: When time runs out, or Happy 18th Birthday, Kali

When time runs out, or Happy 18th Birthday, Kali

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.
Revelations 22:1

Know any 18-year-old girls?
Or rather, 18-year-old young ladies?

They straddle the fence. One foot lingers in childhood, the other dips a toe into our world when necessary and/or pleasurable.

Time marches quickly. Eighteen-year-olds soon walk away from the teen years altogether.

And are forever changed.

The change came early for Kali.
18 years ago.
On November 13.

One foot stepped in at 5:19 a.m.
The other led out by 6:36 a.m.

Forever changed.
In 77 minutes.
A little girl.

And a grown woman.

Don’t count Kali’s life by footsteps. My little daughter’s feet never touched the ground, if you don’t count being buried in it. A cystic hygroma made her life here impossible.

So she took the shortcut home.

I used to imagine the spring in her step though. It helped. I would picture her by a stream, picking flowers, laughing, skipping around like little girls do.

I would watch.
But always from the other side of the stream.
The other side of time.

I thought time ran out too soon with Kali.
I wanted more.

Eighteen years later, I still want more. Our time together got used up too fast. None left.

But I think wrongly. Our time has NOT run out.
It has yet to really begin.

We’ll have all the time we need when time runs out.

And on that day when I skip out of here, I’ll be forever changed there, instead of only thinking I was changed 18 years ago.

Because I’ll have crossed over to the other side, too—dancing with Jesus. Dancing with my daughter.

The clock still ticks here. My feet still hit the ground every morning. Sometime I stumble.

Yet I walk on. I’m taking the long way round. The grand tour with more footsteps.

But when the hourglass drips dry, I’ll no longer have to settle for “Happy Birthday, Kali, from here to there.”

Our feet will be doing the same dance.
For all eternity.
When time runs out.

The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
Revelation 22:17

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.
Revelation 22:21

* * *

RELATED:

11/13/2008 – I wish...but I am
11/13/2009 – All roads lead home
11/13/2010 – Dear Kali, Today you’d be 17

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tinuviel · 705 weeks ago

Happy birthday, Kali. Dear Lisa, I'm sorry for your loss. It is beautiful for you to honor your daughter this way. May God continue to comfort you and strengthen you with the hope of the resurrection and world to come. Grace and peace to you, friend.
My recent post By His Wounds...

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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

You're sweet, Christina. What would we do without the hope of the resurrection? So glad we don't have to find out.
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pamela · 705 weeks ago

I had my Sarah 9 months. The birthdays are hard -- Sarah's number 24 next month. Just think when our feet touch Heaven's ground -- our girls will be waiting!

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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

That's a beautiful thought, Pamela. And until then, we never forget our children, no matter how much time has passed.
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ideni 87p · 705 weeks ago

With tears in my eyes, I think how lovely this post is. I was blessed with my daughter's presence for 29 years. Her leave taking was so swift - and unexpected. Yet, I too, had a vision of my lovely daughter, twirling joyfully in the tall grass, wearing gossamer white - hands outspread. She had a look of pure joy on her face as the bright sun shined down on her. It is how I envision her now - so different from what she last looked like on this earth. I thank you so much for sharing this - as it affirms the picture I've imagined, and put words to my thought. I thought of our reunion as dancing among the stars - with our Lord of the Dance, leading ...

Be blessed.

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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

Your situation was such a difficult one, Deni. I can't imagine the pain you have felt and continue to feel over the tragic circumstances of losing your daughter. I'm glad we can share the same vision though of how happy our daughters are now--whole and complete and no pain! I love the thought of dancing among the stars at our reunion...
My recent post When time runs out, or Happy 18th Birthday, Kali

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Shirley · 705 weeks ago

This post, and the following comments are so beautiful! I am sitting here with tears pouring down my face.tears of sadness for your loss, and tears of gladness for the reunion day that is coming. One day God Himself will wipe away the tears, and there will be no more death and no more crying.
Blessings on you!
Love,
Shirley
My recent post The Right Path

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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

Isn't that such a beautiful promise of no more death? Being fully in the presence of God is worth our wait. Thank you for your tender heart, Shirley. I am shedding a few tears myself reading these sweet notes. Thank you for yours too. It helps.
My recent post When time runs out, or Happy 18th Birthday, Kali

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beckypliego 14p · 705 weeks ago

{{Hugs}} Thanks for sharing this... 18 years... life is vapor.

I am praying for you even now.

1 reply · active 705 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

Thank you, Becky. Your prayers are valuable to me, friend.
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Kim · 705 weeks ago

Kali is blessed to be loved so much! I know she's eager to dance with you once you cross that stream. Until then, you'll continue to touch lives here with grace and song. Abundant Life. Overflowing with love, blessings, Christ's presence. Now. Forever.
My recent post Bound with Love

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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

And I am blessed to have you in my life, Kim. Truly. So thankful we are sisters.
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HisFireFly · 705 weeks ago

Mourning and rejoicing with you as the Lord continues to reveal the truth of eternal life in Him.

Beautiful words - you will stir many hearts - as does Kali
My recent post His plans

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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

So thankful that he does give us eternal life. That promise means so much. And also thankful that we can rest on his truths. Aren't they awesome?
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Cherry · 705 weeks ago

Oh, so sorry to hear of your loss 18 years ago - and so thankful that you can look forward to seeing her again with expectancy. Thank you for sharing this.
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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

"with expectancy." Yes, being able to hope does help heal hurting hearts. Thanks, Cherry.
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Nancy · 705 weeks ago

This is a beautiful testimony of a mother's faith and love. What a blessed hope we have, blessed assurance! We do not grieve as those who have no hope. Yes, we grieve, but we do have hope, hope in Jesus Christ, for eternity!
My recent post Gratitude #9 and #10

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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

It was interesting to me to see how when I grieved over the loss of my baby, my mother grieved not just for the loss of her grandchild, but also for watching her own child hurt. She was a great help to me in never forgetting Kali, even in the midst of her Alzheimer's. I thank God for mothers!
My recent post When time runs out, or Happy 18th Birthday, Kali

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barbarah 65p · 705 weeks ago

Oh Lisa -- I think one of the hardest things a parent can endure is the loss of a child. But I so love this: "We’ll have all the time we need when time runs out."
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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

We all need grace, for whatever we have to go through. As Ann V. would tell us, "All's grace."
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Elisabeth Smith · 705 weeks ago

Happy Birthday, Kali! That is a beautiful tribute.

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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

Thanks, Liz, for never forgetting her either. I know she would have loved her Aunt Liz.
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Shanda Oakley · 705 weeks ago

My heart went out to you in your every thought, word and emotion. I know one day you will dance with your daughter and pray, until then, that God continues to give peace, comfort and HOPE>

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Lisa notes 103p · 705 weeks ago

I appreciate your words, Shanda. I'm glad that we serve a God who is faithful to keep his promises. I rest in that.
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Elizabeth · 705 weeks ago

I can't imagine what you have gone through...so, so thankful that we have real hope of eternal life!
My recent post Open my eyes…

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bev · 705 weeks ago

I was blessed for 21 years. Happy birthday Kali x

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Julie · 705 weeks ago

My heart is feeling the message here...one of sorrow of what was not to be, and yet the joy of what you know is to come. The "grace of the Lord Jesus"....indeed. a hug for you Lisa.
God bless.
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Dianna · 705 weeks ago

What a well written post from the heart and spirit of a mother looking forward to that sweet reunion with a child whom she only knew for a few fleeting minutes on this side of Home.

Hugs and love to you, Lisa.
Dianna

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samismom22 18p · 705 weeks ago

Oh Lisa you do have such a way with words. Happy Birthday to your daughter!! Yes this is not our home......we press on to that day when we can all meet on the other side. I think of that often......this home is not our home. There is hope...... :)

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Chloe · 705 weeks ago

Remembering Kali helps me to be extra grateful for every healthy little girl I see come into this world. What a blessing that Christians know that we do have a future to look forward to with our loved ones! ((Hugs))

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Joan · 705 weeks ago

Lisa - this post is so touching. My brother and sister-in-law lost a daughter (born prematurely). She would now be 25 years old. I often wonder what her life would have been like, but take comfort in the fact we will see her in heaven. I can't imagine how it feels like as a parent to lose a child.

God bless you.
My recent post Every Morning ~ Every Evening

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Brenda Maddox · 705 weeks ago

Lisa, what a family reunion you will have one day. As sweet as heaven sounds to me it would be a little sweeter longing to look forward to see my child.
Beautiful tribute to her and to our Lord.
My recent post This is My Father's World

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floyd · 705 weeks ago

"When time runs out." My heart is aching for you and your heart. I had know idea. Thank you for sharing with us the most tender part of your life. It is a gift for us to share your personal pain and gain the heavenly perspective from the wisdom gifted to you by God.

I've read many great words from you. I've never read anything more moving, powerful, and full of love and insight as this post. This is one for the ages my friend. Thank you falls an eternity short of fulfilling what this post can teach us.
My recent post CALL OF THE HEART

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nikolehahn 45p · 705 weeks ago

I just now prayed for comfort for you today, Lisa.
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Nikki (Sarah) · 705 weeks ago

This went straight to my heart Lisa. As a mom I felt your words...your love for Kali....your trust in Him. Sending you tons of hugs and a huge Happy B to Kali.

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KayTCarter 6p · 705 weeks ago

Thinking of you today, Lisa. I love the thought that 'we'll have all the time we need when time runs out.' I always think about how Kali would be as old as Mackenzie and wish they could have been friends. It's a comforting thought that one day we'll ALL get unlimited time to know each other in heaven. :) Love you!

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Trisha · 705 weeks ago

Dear Lisa,
Oh, my heart aches for you in this loss, though I know you rejoice for your sweet Kali. Beautiful words from your heart that desires to glorify Him in all things. Much love to you, my friend.

My recent post You Can Count on This

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Carrie, ReadingtK · 705 weeks ago

This is a wonderful post. My mother lost both a son and a daughter. (He was 6 mo. old- SIDS - she was stillborn.) I lost a brother and a sister And every year my mother marks the calendar and reminds us about them. (My brother is more real to me than my sister, because there are pictures to see and talk about.) I have no imagination for what this is like from the parent's perspective. And I have no desire to know.

My heart is encouraged though when I hear stories like these. I love that you value life - and Kali's particularly - and say so. It's absolutely beautiful to me that you still talk about her. And I like the quote that Barbara pulled out.....when time runs out we WILL have all the time we need. Amen and hallelujah!

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Ruth · 705 weeks ago

My heart aches and rejoices with you all at the same time! Mourning is morning in His kingdom. Blessings.

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Connie@raiseyoureyes · 705 weeks ago

Thank you Lisa, for tearing your heart to share your dear Kali. Perhaps all our children who have passed over all dance together "where time is no more."

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char72 44p · 704 weeks ago

My goodness, you really made me cry with this one. It is hard to type because of the tears in my eyes. I had an 18 year old daughter. She is now a 51 year old daughter. She just had a birthday. I can't imagine my life without her in it. How glorious it will be when you and Kali are reunited. You will have all of eternity to make up for lost time. Thank you for sharing your heart.
Blessings,
Charlotte

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karyn · 704 weeks ago

What a beautiful post!

I have 2 little girls on the other side of the stream. Maybe they are playing with Kali.
My recent post Friday's Favorites

1 reply · active 704 weeks ago

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Lisa notes 103p · 704 weeks ago

I love that thought, Karyn. Thank you. Lots of happy, sweet faces awaiting us.
My recent post Friday’s Fave Five # 120

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