Thoughts on Julia by Karie

Here is what Karie shared at Julia's memorial.

My life has been interwoven with the Brown family for sometime now. Val and I have been friends for at least 8 years. At my wedding she was a singing bridesmaid. Bob was present the evening I met my husband and subsequently played the bass at our wedding. Their daughter Mattie and my daughter Claire have been friends since they were babies. And recently I had the privilege of meeting Julia.

Some may ask what impact a 2 1/2 month old baby could have? Personally, I can say Julia’s influence has been immense. Even as God wove Julia in her mother’s womb, she triggered deep soul searching in me. Anticipating Julia’s arrival and all the unknown factors around the challenges she and her family might face, reminded me of my own childhood loss. When I was 8 and my brother was 5 he died from a battle with leukemia. I recalled grief, hospital visits and staying at my grandparents a lot.
My childhood experience and the unknowns surrounding Julia spurred me to ask: Will I be able to be a strong support to my friend? Have I healed from my brother’s death so long ago? What have I done with my pain? If the worst happens can I handle it?
With these concerns, I sought counseling well before Julia was born. I discovered that I was still carrying around an 8 year old’s perspective, living in a world where I didn’t want to cause people pain. While rethinking my past sorrow and implementing healthy ways to grieve, deep healing ensued in my heart .
I’m humbled to think God used such a tiny person before she could even speak to stir thoughts that have laid buried deep in my heart. Before Julia was named I prayed for her affectionately as “Blessing” because of the worthwhile, hard, but good work God was doing in me through her life.
Julia ushered in understanding and God’s peace. I tangibly found that pain doesn’t permanently exclude joy. It is a privilege to have met and held Julia. She’s a cutie. Though I don’t get to know the entirety of Julia’s purpose from God’s perspective. Julia reminds me of what a miracle life is and it is a blessing to have this moment.