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