Two years, five months, and twenty five days...

That is how long Marie was with us.  Today, that is how long she's been gone.  Tomorrow we will have been without Princess Marie longer than we were with her.  It's just another marker.  Another milestone in the passage of time. 

To be honest, I thought it would hurt more.  I cried my tears Sunday night in Luke's arms.  A Mommy and Daddy hurting for the little girl we don't kiss goodnight anymore.  But Jesus does. He gives the hugs and the kisses, and I know that.  I am grateful for that.

Still, we miss her here.  This Saturday we will celebrate the day she would have turned five.  We are going away as a family to the mountains.  We are going to be quiet and be together.  We are going to celebrate the blessing that she was when she came, and rejoice in every single moment of two years, five months, and twenty five days that we got Marie. 

I have said it before, but.... "We would welcome you again Mama.  And again, and again, and again.  We love you!"