Touch The Sky

Honoring the parents of an Angel

There aren’t many words to describe how proud I am of Josh and Kendria for their courage as parents to Tatum.  Their faith, perseverance, and endurance are inspirational. They came together in unity and love, which fashioned a strength beyond what I believe they even realize. Even now, day by day, they are BIG and STRONG. So, in honor of my beautiful daughter and strong son-in-love, a letter from Tatum.

Mommy and Daddy, thank you. I love you.

You are courageous parents.

You are big and strong.

You taught me to be big and strong.

Through your love, faith, and perseverance, I learned courage.

You complemented one another perfectly, working together as a team. Tireless, steady, and united, you made my journey on earth as peaceful as possible.

You are my amazing parents, and I am glad God chose you to watch over me.

Daddy, thank you for riding with me to the hospital after I was born. I know it was hard for you. Your presence and spirit helped me fight to live. You and Mommy were by my side every day. You whispered prayers and love into my ears. It helped me get through the noises, wires, pokes, and prods from doctors and nurses. No matter where I was moved, you came with me. I felt your loving presence. It was the light that brightened the room, even on cloudy, dreary days.

Mommy, thank you for whispering prayers for me every day. Your love and deep faith are extraordinary. HE told me you would be my guiding light on my journey.

Daddy, you worked long hours so I could have a safe car, a home, a beautiful room, and the best care. You made sure I had everything I needed. You were exhausted after your shift but still relieved Mommy, who had been awake with me all night. Daddy, you were the strength we needed to keep going.

I loved watching football with you. I loved hearing your voice. I loved holding your face. My Heavenly Father chose the right Daddy for me. Through you, I never missed a day of HIS love pouring out over me. Thank you for making my time on earth so special.

Mommy, I love your beautiful voice. I heard you when you carried me in your womb. I heard you whisper songs in the hospital. In the middle of sleepless nights, you were singing to our Father, and He was there with us. I can still hear you, Mommy. Keep singing to our Father, for me.

I saw how tired you were, Mommy. You stayed up with me every night. You drove me to appointments every day. You did everything that all mommies do, but at a much deeper level. You were my nurse, giving me medicine day and night, keeping supplies stocked, and calling doctors and insurance companies. That became your full-time job. Mommy, thank you.

Thank you for helping me do all the things I did.
I smiled.
I cooed.
I rolled over.
I moved across the floor.
I heard voices.
I saw colors.
I sat up.
I swallowed.
I tasted food.
I held things.

You had vision, and I did those things. I sat in my high chair. I tasted my birthday cake. Others didn’t think I would. You believed, Mommy. I did it through your faith, prayers, and love.

On my birthday, all my loved ones—Pop, Glama, G-Daddy, G-Mama, CoCo, my cousins, and Mama Portia—were together in one place to celebrate me. Sharing this day with them filled my heart with happiness.

My journey was hard.
It was painful.
It was a fight.

But Mommy and Daddy, you always saw the best in me.

I loved hearing you laugh together.
I loved our happy home.
I loved being your bug.
I loved looking into your eyes.

Thank you for showing me courage.
Thank you for showing me faith in our Heavenly Father.
Thank you for showing me His love.

Carry me with you as you move forward.
I am at peace. I am whole. I am held.

Daddy and Mommy, move forward with your strength, grace, courage, and faith. Because of it, WE WILL be together again.

Until that day….  May the Lord bless you and keep you and make HIS face shine upon you.

I love you!

Bug

Tatum Sky Kies

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it,” Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)