Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Preslie And The Terrible 2's


Two years ago today our beloved angel returned to heaven. Preslie Quinn Martin, our future tennis star, our first born baby girl, our daughter, our angel, our baby Princess and our hopes and dreams.

I still remember the day like it was yesterday. Getting a panicked call, running home from work on that cold autumn day, and rushing to the hospital. I remember the movie we watched the night before, the green polo I wore for the next three days, the sound of silence, and the breaking of two young parent's hearts. I remember my courageous bride who was able to hold me together and deliver Preslie only as a Mother could. I remember the beautiful baby P who had curly hair, long legs, big feet, and chubby cheeks.

How time has passed. My Dad and I were talking the other day and he stated in some ways it feels like it was just yesterday and in other ways it feels like its been 20 years. I think it is a mixture of both and while it does seem like just yesterday that Preslie returned to heaven, time does heal and although we will never forget there seems to be more good days than bad.

I drive by a day-care on the way home from work every day and look at the little two-year olds strapped together and smiling. Even though it makes me sad to do this it brings me happiness to know that little Preslie is two. I often think of Preslie as a two year old and what she would be like.
I think she would be a little adventurer getting into mischief. I think she would love playing with Chewy and Arista and teaching them new things. I think she would love to make a mess and then laugh about it. I think she would love to smile and cuddle with us. I think she would love to play dress up and change her outfits a million times.

I often told Rylie that I didn't know if I would be a good Daddy with an infant but once they started walking and talking that I would do a good job. I still feel like that is the case but how I was looking forward to teaching Preslie how to play tennis, having tea-time with her and watching Princess movies with her. Tonight I sat here and watched cartoons and looked at pictures of her and the sweet little angel that will always be in our hearts until that sweet day we are reunited.

Friday we will lay Preslie to rest in the Murray City Cemetery. We want to thank all those who have loved and supported us through all the ups and downs of the last two years. The list of names would be too long to list but you know who you are and we are eternally grateful for your Christlike acts.


Happy Birthday Preslie-

In honor of your 2nd birthday we bought a little tikes castle with slide and swing for your baby sister to play with. When we saw it we knew that you would have had so much fun playing with her that we had to get it. Your brother Chewy loves it too and even slides down the slide. We want you to know how much we love you and wish the very best for you. Have a Happy Happy Birthday up in heaven and enjoy the balloons that we are sending up.

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, Chewy, and Arista

14 comments:

McGinnis Family said...

I feel TERRIBLE!!! I had Preslie's birthday written down on the calendar as October 22nd! Dang it! Please know you've been our minds this month as we've thought about you guys and Preslie's 2nd birthday! We love you and will be thinking of you guys on Friday! YOu are an amazing family and amazing parents! I know that Preslie is in heaven, smiling down on you guys, and loves you all so very, very much!!!!! I know she is missing you too!

Stephanie said...

Oh my goodness that was a beautiful post! That last sentance really got me...
Congrats on conquering law school and the new phase you guys are on to!

Danny and Lauren's Blog said...

Wow, that picture of Preslie is amazing. She is SO BEAUTIFUL and I love how her mama is holding her little hand. A mother's love is always something that leaves me awe and wonderment. I am thinking you all at this time. Thank you for sharing this with us. Happy Birthday sweet Preslie. PS I looked down after typing this to see that my "word verification" word is "humble" That is a fitting word for how I feel after reading this. Humbled that I know people who handle such big trials with such strength and grace. Thanks again.

The Morgans said...

I cannot believe that it has been two years. I feel the sentiments of your dad. I have been in overload as I try to get things accomplished and I started to make plans for the first weekend in November and I was taken back 2 years. I am so happy that Preslie can be laid down to rest with other famiy members. I will keep you in my prayers as you revisit those emotions. I pray that you will have peace throughout this time.

April said...

OH wow isn't it crazy how it still hurts 2 years later? I hope today brings you peace and comfort. She is an amazing little baby to be born to such amazing parents. And how fun to buy her the castle. She really would love it. I'm sure she's there in spirit playing. Thinking of you today. Happy Birthday Preslie.

Brittanie said...

It's always interesting to get the Dad's perspective. I think as women we get so much more attention. It's more culturally acceptable for us to express our grief. I hope my husband would say the same wonderful things about me as you did about Rylie. You're a wonderful man, husband and father.

((hugs)) I always envision Cora as her would-be age too. Thoughts and prayers, I hope you had a peaceful day.

Erin Darrington said...

Oh no! I had Preslie's birthday written as the 22nd too! Jane and I are planning to put a balloon in the air for her again this year, I hope it makes her smile to see all the pretty balloons being released just for her.
Hugs and Thoughts your way...

Justin and Shannon Sotelo said...

Chris, I cried when I read this. I admire you and your wife so much for being so strong and such examples of what it means to truly love. I keep updated with your family and Curt's family through your blogs, I hope you don't mind. You two are obviously such great parents to both your girls. I am sure Preslie is proud of you.

Katie @SwimBikeQuilt said...

Pretty much breaking my heart. Love you guys.

Our Family said...

Been thinking about you all month. Hope you have a beautiful peaceful day in the beautiful fall weather we are having here as you lay her to rest again. Kappy

Nic said...

You guys are in my thoughts and prayers today. I drive by that cemetary often and will now forever think of you guys and Preslie when I drive by :)You guys are such an amazing and strong family.

Anonymous said...

For anyone who follows this blog. Chris and Rylies were amazing yesterday and everyday. They gave a wonderful tribute to Preslie. It is good to know she is with her great grandfather and is home. I love you my angel "P", Chris, Rylie and Arista.

Alissa said...

Happy belated birthday in heaven, Preslie. Hugs to you and all other babies up in heaven. Hope you had a wonderful party in heaven...your family did a wonderful job of honoring you on your special day.

Aubreydoll said...

I've been thinking about all of you so much this month. I just cannot believe it has been two years. I feel like I've come to know Preslie a little bit through both of you and I miss her, too. I've said it before, but she is so lucky and blessed to have you as her parents because there isn't a moment that will go by that she won't know she is loved so unconditionally. Love to your whole family from Michigan!