Four weeks early, and to the almost instant surprise of all, Micahlie was born on August 6 1997. Dad managed to arrive five minutes later. And together we received the news that something was different. Micahlie was born with Downs Syndrome.
It didn't take us long to realize how blessed our family had become. The Lord had allowed us to be a part of Mikie's life. As I looked back on the events that had passed, I knew Mikie's life was in the hands of the Lord. It was our privilege to love her and care for her. Although she struggled to mature through the first month of her life, we felt she had beaten the odds, as she became a very healthy baby. The Lord gives everyone talents to improve upon in this life. Mikie's talent was the giving of love. Her soft relaxed body was so huggable.

Sometimes at Church, I literally had to hide her from all those who wanted to hold her. Everyone loved Mikie and she loved everyone back. And when she learned to move her wrist, her greatest talent unfolded --- the "Miss America" hand wave. She waved to everyone. She waved hello, she waved in passing, she waved goodbye. Her smile and wave were unconditional. She gave love and happiness to all.

As our talents come from the Lord, so do our lives. We faced this realization as Mikie smiled and waved to the nurses and doctors that eventually diagnosed her with Leukemia in November of 1999. At this time we relied on our knowledge and remembrance of all the times the Lord had shown his hand in the development of Mikie's life. We again put her life in his hands hoping, for our sakes, she would respond to modern medicine so we could continue to be filled with her love. It did seem that all was well and our wishes would be granted, but the treatment for Leukemia left Mikie too weak to fight. In a sudden day's time, her body slowly wore out and on January 28, 2000, quietly her spirit was released to greater things. Immediate peace filled our hearts, as we know the Lord is watching over Mikie. Although physically she was with us for a short time, now her spirit can grow and develop for eternity.

We want all who have been taught by Mikie's life to understand that we know the Lord has a plan for his children. We know that our family is sealed together for eternity. It is our greatest desire that Mikie's life is remembered as a witness that God lives and loves his children.