Michael, Farrah and Ciara

On June 21, a friend from Murrayville who is now living in Winnipeg, posted this as her status on facebook:
K is hoping that A starts contracting soon....don't want to think about C-section for her. Her water broke yesterday at 10:30 a.m. but the baby is being stubborn....like her father's birth.
(A is her daughter-in-law and the baby, her grandchild.)

Later that day she wrote:
Asking everyone to pray for A. - she has now been on oxycocin for about 18 hours with no success at all. Please pray that she will start to progress and that the baby keeps healthy. Also please pray that she will be able to get some sleep (they have started an epidural to counteract the pain) Thanks all.

She didn't update again til June 23, and by then we were on our way to New York, so it wasn't until the following day that I saw her update:
To update everyone, Ciara was born June 22 at 8:13 am at 6 lb 14 oz, however, there are severe complications. She is in critical condition due to the difficulty of her birth. She has multiple, multiple problems and needs lot and lots of prayers. Please pray. Thanks to all.

On June 25, while the kids and I were cruising around Manhatten on a 3 hour boat ride, we heard the announcement that Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcet have both died. And in New York, that was a pretty big deal. MJ songs were being played everywhere and the Times Square had the news flashing on the screen continously.

A shrine had been set up for him in Harlem (!) at the Apollo Theatre (!) (we had been there the night before).

When we got back to our suite after midnight, I checked K's status and it said:

My heart is heavy. Don't want to lose our little girl Ciara but if that is what God's will is then I know that that is what is best for her even though we grieve. Pray for her, pray that God's will is done.

And the next day:
Ciara (June 22, 2009 8:13 am - June 26, 2009 8:13 pm) Grandma and Grandpa miss you greatly already. Rest comfortably and sleep well in the arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We will love you always baby girl grand-daughter. Lots of precious little hugs and kisses. We will see you again when we get there.

Just like that she was gone.

And it's just so sad, you know?

And so quiet. And not-headlining the news.

Sweet Ciara just slipped out her dad and mom's arms and into the arms of Jesus.

Maybe there's something peaceful about that?

.

H family - know what there are many, many people walking alongside you as you grieve. Praying that His peace, which surpasses all understanding will flood your souls and give you comfort.

Shalom, friends.