For those of you who don’t know my family and I’s story, let me tell you about my niece Mckinley Jane. Mckinley was born on March 6, 2012 to my brother Jordan and his wife Randi. A precious little girl who stole everyone’s hearts in her short time here. You see, Mckinley was born with anencephaly, a disease where the brain and skull do not form completely. She only lived here with us for 8 hours before Jesus took her home to be with him. Those 8 hours went by so quickly…boy, I wish we would have had more time with her. But I’m so glad I got to hold her and cuddle her while she was here, if only for a little bit.
Mckinley’s life on earth was so short. It was and still is difficult for me to wrap my head around why. Why God did you take her away from us so soon? Why God would you put my family, especially my brother and sister-in-law, through such pain? Although I know Mckinley is in heaven with Jesus which, let’s be real, is a pretty awesome place to be, it’s still hard. It’s hard that she’s not here with us…it’s hard that I can’t play with her and watch her grow…it’s hard that I can’t spoil her and buy her cute clothes and fun toys.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
These words have always given me hope. Yes, Mckinley’s death was hard and it’s difficult to understand why. But God has caused good to come from it. First of all, it drew our family closer together. We weren’t at odds beforehand by any means, but going through this together definitely caused our bond to be stronger. Also, through this Jordan and Randi have gotten to minister to multiple people…the nurse at the hospital where they stayed with Mckinley and even other mothers who have had babies with the same disease. I’m sure there are other good things that have come from Mckinley’s life that I don’t even know about.
And there is one more that I can add to the list now. Today Mckinley’s story helped to encourage a young African woman named Glory who had experienced the loss of her little girl 3 days ago. I met Glory while going door-to-door in a small village here in Zambia. She was staying with her mother during her grieving period for her child. I was able to tell her and her mother that I identify with what they are going through. I told her that I know it is hard and that right now she probably doesn’t understand why, but God cares for her and is holding her in the palm of His hand…she hasn’t been forgotten. I also told her that there is hope! And that if she keeps her focus on God, he will bring good from her situation. I told her how God has blessed Jordan and Randi with 2 healthy girls and another little boy on the way and I was able to pray for her, that God would bless her with more children.
I’m so happy that my little niece’s short, but oh so meaningful life was able to encourage Glory, a woman who lives halfway around the world. And although I still think of Mckinley often and miss her…it makes the pain of her passing that much more bearable knowing that she is still touching lives here on earth. And I can’t wait to see who else little Mckinley’s story will touch.
Mckinley Jane, Auntie Rita loves you so much! I miss you and can’t wait to see you in heaven someday!
