We bade farewell to our precious daughter Ashley Joy Sim on a bright and breezy Saturday afternoon - the same type of day she entered our world and gave us a short but meaningful privilege of being her parents.
About thirty family members and close friends, many whom have prayed and stood by us through this agonising ordeal, were present. Everyone was given cream-coloured gerberas, specially selected by Angie upon entry. The congregation sang three songs: Amazing Grace, I was Made to Praise You and 'Pokarekare Ana' a traditional Maori folk song. These were songs which we would sing to Ashley every night.After a brief 30-minute memorial delivered by Pastor David Chan, each guest bade their solemn farewells and paid their final respects to Ashley by placing their gerberas alongside our Princess in her tiny white casket. Her grandmother gave her a hand-knitted red cross to symbolise God's presence is always with her. Among the items which accompanied baby Ashley were a crocheted beanie hat from Aunty Teresa which she wore, a cute lil' lamb, cards drawn by her cousin from KL, fresh flowers from Uncle Allan Heng and lots of love and tears from everyone who loved her dearly.
It is said that a picture paints a thousand words but really, no amount of words nor pictures can ever represent our immense grief and sorrow of losing and burying one's child. We seek solace that even God Himself buried His only son for our sake and we seek comfort in knowing that one day, just as He did, we will be reunited back with our beloved Nathaniel, Joash and Ashley in Heaven.
But still...we miss them all so much...
Photo Copyrights 2007, Alan Ng.
21 comments:
If the God who revealed life to us, and whose desire is to bring us to life, loved us so much that he wanted to experience with us the total absurdity of death, then - yes, then there must be hope; then there must be something more than death; then there must be a promise that is not fulfilled in our short existence in this world, then leaving behind the ones you love, the flowers and the trees, the mountains and the oceans, the beauty of art and music, and all the exuberant gifts of life cannot just be the destruction and cruel end of all things; then indeed we have to wait for the third day.
Henri Nouwen, A Letter of Consolation
You are in our prayers.
Jasper & Jasmine
I happen to come across your blog and was very touched by your story. Tears were welling in my eyes as I read about your sorrow, your pain and your love for your daughter Ashley. I am very sad for you that you had to go through all that. Although we don't know each other, but my heart goes out to you. Most importantly, don't give up hope. Thank you for sharing your story. It has inspired me to try to be the best mother that I can be and to cherish my little girl even more than ever.
It juz breaks my heart to see the pics and read the messages....
Dear Mr and Mrs Sim...
I just couldn't handle sending Ashley off on my birthday(It was my most unhappy BD).
I dun know how to tell u both just pretended I was busy "celebrating".
At 1.45pm on 9 of June I looked at my watch and thought of Ashley...
I...I...I...am also very very broken.
Cry, scream, yell..go ahead.If u need companion I can cry, scream and yell with u. Call me anytime to talk.
I'll talk to God about you two.
Love you both.
Corinne
God has his plans and one of it is for me to read about this strong girl and her strong parents. I am battling with depression and each day I try my very best to see the good side of life and my two daughters, aged 6 and 5 months. After reading your blog, I realised that I have been too naive and spoilt. From this day on, I would pray for your 3 little angels and yourselves and borrow the strength from you.
Take care and may God continue to watch over you.
Wendy
So sorry for your loss. Happened to chance upon your blog.. Couldn't help but cry after reading your entries. Be strong and have faith.
Rest in peace , dear Ashley.
Dear Mr & Mrs Sim,
We are Christians and yes, like what you said, you don't need those 'churchy' stuff but we want to thank you for sharing. It makes us appreciate our kids even more. Love them even more. We try our hardest never to put our children thru' the kids' rat race, never to make them over-scheduled kids. We make sure that they have the best childhood.
Mr & Mrs Sim, you demonstrated STRENGTH, FAITH and LOVE.
Dear ashley's parents,
i happened to chance upon your blog and i just want to express my heartfelt condolences to your 3 angels. I believe that time will heal all wounds and miracles do happen. Please dont give up hope because i have a family friend who lost 2 of their babies at birth before finally having 2 beautiful and healthy kids. I am sure God has his plans and I believe you will be blessed with one soon.
stay strong and keep the faith
I believe everything happens for a reason. There must be something why God wants them back.. You both are brave parents.. =)
Rom 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
You probably have heard this quoted to you by many people. Our God is a loving God and Father. Take good care of each other... I will be praying for you.
Allan Ng
be strong Mr and Mrs Sim, live your life well so as not to break your angels' heart, who are looking upon you from heaven.
from the bottom of my heart, I wish you the best and happiness to follow you no matter where you go, regardless what happened.
= )
I happen to come across your blog and was very touched by your story. Tears were welling in my eyes as I read about your sorrow & pain & your love for your daughter Ashley.
I just want to express my heartfelt condolences to your 3 angels. I believe that time will heal all wounds and miracles do happen.
Take care and may God continue to watch over you.
hi, i chanced upon your blog by a friend and im deeply moved.
just wanna send my condolences but as the same time..ill pray for blessing upon you and your family that indeed, God has a greater and brighter future ahead, and that once again, the family will be able to have the strength to pick themselves up again.
thanks for sharing your story, it has certainly helped me go through my own difficult times, knowing that even when times may be bad, but God remains good.
once again..thanks your story has certainly touched me.
i can understand the lost of ur love ones i lost my sister 3 yrs ago and im really very very sad at that time but now i noe she's in a place without any pain n sadness...
i felt so sad & sorry..
Take care & God Bless..
My husband and i were both very touched by your story.
Take care and Be strong.
Hi David & Angie,
There is nothing I could say to lessen the pain and grief you are going through.
I do believe that Ashley was proud to have your love even if it was just that short moment.
Angel,
I followed your blog from the link from a motherhood forum. Was v.sad to see the pics as they speak a thousand words.
We all can feel the unbearable pain in every words. I noe nothing that i say can make you feel better, perhaps its gd to just cry and let go of all your emotions, rather than suppressing them inside.
For all that you have done for them, im sure your 3 kids would be able to feel your love for them.
A big big hug to you..take care..
Hi Mr and Mrs Sim,
I am a media student and I just wrote a report on the application of psychological aspects on newspaper articles and I have decided to write the article that is dated Sept 9 2007 on Sunday Lifestyle. I have taken every effort that there won't be any words of discomfort or negative vibes in my report. It is about this psychological aspect of flashbulb memories and how people use every effort to remember their loved ones. and you guys are the perfect definition of doing it.
My sister had a miscarriage earlier this year too so I can feel your loss.
God bless and feel loved by all who loves you.
:(. rest in peace,little Ashley.:(
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