KKSmith.net

In June of 2002, I posted the words to a quote that is quite familiar in the Wiersma household; it appears more than once in mom and dad’s home. It reads: “Our family is a circle of strength and love. With every birth and every union, the circle grows. Every joy shared adds more love. Every crisis faced together makes the circle stronger.”

God has given us strength to face devastating, unexpected events. We deeply mourn the December 6th loss of our precious little Abby, and today we reflect on the five year absence of Kristin. Part of our strength comes from the knowledge that Kristin and Abby are exploring the wonders of Heaven together, and some day, in God’s perfect timing, we will join them.

When I hear family described as a “circle of strength and love”, the picture that comes to my mind is each of us standing together in mom and dad’s kitchen, joined hand to hand, giving thanks for our food and His many blessings. Whether rejoicing over the births of Sienna and Caleb, or comforting one another in times of loss, we are family, and that bond gets sweeter and stronger each year.

Happy New Year to all.

Dear Kristin,

It is impossible to put into words how difficult these years have been. Now we are imagining you and Abby together and pray you both know how loved you are and how much we miss you.

Our love,

Grandma and Grandpa

Dear Kristin,
Today is the memorial celebrating little Abby’s life. It is difficult for me because it brings back so many memories of losing you.
Your mother, bless her heart, knows how I get lost, and emailed me detailed instructions of how to find the church in Chandler. She set up the instructions to include what I do from the minute I walk out of my house until I get there! (Turn north off Bromley St., etc.) I am sitting here, with tears in my eyes thinking of you as a little girl, remembering doing your hair, tieing bows on your beautiful dresses and how you used to laugh.
I just realized, today, when I was reading through Taryn’s directions, that the memorial was in the evening. Logan’s band has a show at Skrappy’s tonight, and on December 7th there was a large fight there, with one young man shot to death and another with his head cracked open. I realize Logan still has to play the gig, but, as a mom, I have to be there because of the shooting. I realize there is nothing I could do if another fight breaks out, but at least I’d be there if there is shooting.
I am thinking of Amy, Virginia and Taryn, as well as all members of the Oldham and Wiersma families, and the pain they are going through. I know you and your dad will take good care of precious little Abby, and help make things easier for your family still here on earth.
I love you,

Stephanie

Dear Kristin, I am having an especially rough night. I am so sad about little Abby, but I know you are taking great care of her now. Please give her a hug and kiss from Caleb and me. Losing her has been so hard because not only am I missing her, my sadness is bringing me back all the pain I have from losing you. I don’t understand why our family had to lose both of you beautiful girls, but I guess it isn’t up to any of us to fully understand God’s plan. I love and miss you both so much!
Love always,
Haley

Abby, Kristin’s 7-year old cousin, is now dancing with Kristin in heaven.