Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Sarah... and Marie

Because my two girls are forever entwined, it feels right to share these together.

Please meet our dear Sarah Kate.

Those of you who have met Josie's friend Bunny can appreciate the bottom picture.

Now, Marie.  I felt it only right that I wrote her final piece of this world though trust me, this is by no means the end of Little Mama's story.


Marie Isabel Schlachter woke in Jesus’ arms on August 28, 2009 finally being fully healed from her battle with Leigh’s Disease. 
Marie was born March 3, 2007 in Holyoke to Lucas and Shannon Schlachter.  She was diagnosed with a debilitating neurological mitochondrial disorder early on but that did not define her.  Marie was a lesson in faith, joy, and hope and she bettered the lives of everyone who knew her.
Her final days were not spent suffering but in swinging, eating ice cream, and being with her family. 
She is survived by her father Lucas, her mother Shannon, big sister Josephine Ann, little sister Sarah Kate, Grandparents Steve and Judy Schlachter, Grandparents Bob and Debbie Gullet and Robert McNevin, Great Grandparents Kenneth and LaRue Schlachter, Great Grandmother Lola Wicker, Aunt and Uncle Glendon and Stacey Price, Aunt Annalee McNevin, Aunt Marika McNevin, Uncle Mickey McNevin, cousin Gavin Price, and many great Aunts, Uncles and extended family as well as many close family friends. 
We are blessed to have held her for as long as we were able and look forward to the day we reunite with her again. 
A memorial fund has been set up at First Pioneer National Bank.  Memorial contributions will be divided between Eli’s Angels and Hospice of the Plains.


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21 comments:

The VW's said...

Oh Shan! Sarah is just gorgeous! (Just like her Momma, and her big sisters; Josie and Marie!) Thanks for sharing her with all of us!

Thank you for sharing Marie with all of us too! She has blessed my life in so many ways, and as you said, her story is far from over!

What a beautiful write up on her! Words just can't say enough!

Praying for you often! LOVE and HUGS!!!

kirstd said...

Ohh those little toes!!!

Anonymous said...

Sarah is beautiful Shan! Aww! Marie is watching over her now! Such precious little girls!

You always were amazing at writing, beautiful!

Much love,
Michelle Wolff

nat said...

Darling little lady :)
Bless.
Thinking of you.
nat

Anonymous said...

miraculous and amazing beyond words.

thank-you, marie, for captivating us.

that's why we live with such good cheer. you won't see us drooping our heads or dragging our feet! cramped conditions here don't get us down. they only remind us of the spacious living conditions ahead. it's what we trust but don't yet see that keeps us going. do you suppose a few ruts in the road or rocks in the path are going to stop us? when the times comes, we'll be plenty ready to exchange exile for homecoming. 2 cor 5:8

2awesomekidz said...

Beautiful Shan. I am soo looking forard to getting my paws on that sweet little girl!!
Youare an amazing family and we are soo blessed to be in your lives. Our angels will keep us together forever!
Tami and Paige

Colleen said...

I am so sorry you have to share your words of joy with words of sorrow! My prayers are with your family. I am sure when you see Marie again she will be running to you to give you a big hug! Thank you for sharing all you have with those that only know you through your words and pictures. Sarah is just beautiful!

MyLinda said...

Beautiful...both your words and dear sweet Sarah!

mom.wife.woman. said...

Sarah is precious. I love the pictures Shannon. If she is anything like her sisters, you will certainly have your hands full for sure.
When I read on about Marie and got to the part about the ice cream, it made me smile. I loved reading your posts about how much she enjoyed her ice cream - that and her angry eyebrows. Marie definitely knew how to let people know what she did and didn't want. Thank you for sharing. My thoughts will be with you on Thursday.
Amy McWilliam and crew.

ANewKindOfPerfect said...

Shannon, what a beautiful baby! I just love her pictures, and look at those toes!!

I am sorry to have to read such joy and such sorrow in one breath. It makes me weepy just imagining.

I do love reading about Marie and her ice cream and swinging. She was a happy little girl. Josie and Sarah are lucky to have such an amazing angel watching over them!

Holly said...

Shan Sarah is a beautiful little princess. She is just darling. Congratulations.
Marie is perfect the words were perfect.
Love you so much momma. Hugs to you and the family.

Jenniebean said...

just beautiful

-jennie

RC said...

truly inspiring, beautiful, amazing. as i wipe away a mountain of tears, i am struck by the conviction and strength in your words. ah shan, my admiration for you and your family is beyond words. marie is so missed already. an inspiration, a healed angel, a beautiful soul...

The VW's said...

Thinking of you lots and praying for you lots today too!!! May God grant you peace, strength and hope! HUGS!!!

Melinda said...

Just wanted to let you guys know that I was thinking of you today and praying for you too. Many hugs to all of you!

sarah said...

Congratulations Sarah is just beautiful ~ And thank you so much for sharing your beautiful Marie with so many ~ Reading your story has touched me in so many ways, and today I sit and cry reading your beautiful words, sending prayers, love, and comfort to you and your family.

clarissa said...

Shan, Just now able to get online... I heard Monday morning of Marie going Home. How shocked and brokenhearted I was. But, I am praising GOD that sweet, amazing, beautiful, precious Marie is finally at rest and safe with our Heavenly Father. It was a comfort to hear that she went peacefully, in her sleep, and in her daddy's arms... how appropiate for her! Daddy's little girl... she went from her earthly father's arms to her Heavenly Father's! I am still so sad for you all... *hug* how are you doing??? Stay close to Jesus!! I have been blessed beyond words with knowing your family and Marie Isabel! Abigail's little soul sister... they will meet yet! It was bittersweet to hear how she went, as I have imagined Abigail going that way as well. I can only pray for a passing so peaceful for Abigail! I will try and get back on again soon... know that I am thinking of you all constantly! My heart aches for you!! CONGRATS on sweet Sarah! What a blessing! Love to you all and many prayers always! Love Clarissa with Abigail Rose and family

Holly said...

Your family has been in our constant thoughts and prayers. Sarah is so beautiful and such a little gift. We are grieving with you for your sweet Marie - I know she is resting peacefully in our Lord's arms and will be waiting to see you all again! Sending lots of love - hugs and kisses.

Unknown said...

Dear family,

It is so sad that Marie left this world, I am very sorry! I have followed her story the last two years.
Welcome to Sarah in this world, I hope that her path will be easier than her sister's.
I wish you strength, courage and faith in the Bigger plan to go through this so confusing, sad and happy time!

Lori said...

I am so glad to hear about your new joy. I last checked your blog when you posted about the upcoming delivery. I checked to see how you were doing as we have been dealing with hard times these days. I was awestrucken to see that your sweet Marie also went home. My daughter's homecoming will also be very soon. I don't wish this path for anyone. My heart breaks for you too as I understand the lasting effects of Mitochondrial Disease. My sweet Megan is a month shy of her 10th birthday we were hoping to celebrate. Much love and many prayers for your family from ours.
The Burrow Family

Milk Mama said...

Such precious teeny feet!

I was thinking just the other day... and I'm glad that you're on the same page... that often our prayers are answered and we just either don't realize it or we want it to happen our way... Marie WAS healed. Not in the way we 'wanted'... but right now she's running and dancing and singing and we couldn't want more for her. She's happy and healed and no longer in pain.

I don't know if that made as much sense out loud as it does in my head, but... I think it's true that she's in Jesus' arms, which is the place we all want to be. She just beat us all to the finish line.

I hope she's remembered on earth for all of the joys and blessings she brought every day to your lives.