Wednesday, July 15, 2009

My Girl

RaLee and I were bored so we took some photos...yes this post is all about RaLee. Jessica's little girls want a "Photo Shoot" too so I will do that tomorrow evening but for now...it's all about our princess.
So that's some of my favorite shots from this evening. It may seem that I focus on RaLee a lot but I can not tell you how much I love and appreciate this amazing daughter of mine! She is special in every way and has a way of just lighting up the world around you and making you happy. She is loving and very compassionate.
For instance...this evening we were sitting at the computer looking through the photos when my cell phone rang. It was Crystal and she was experiencing the horrible and gut wrenching sobs that are so over powering that it can take her hours to get it to stop. She had not slept in three days and she is exhausted. You see Friday Sage would have been celebrating his first birthday and all Crystal wants is to get to buy wrapping papers, a riding push car (a tradition she started for their first birthday), his own special birthday cake with the number one on top and a new birthday outfit. But instead she's planning a party to remember him. Her kids were in bed and the tears began and wouldn't stop and Spencer was at work...I feel helpless and try to listen and calm her down...I don't have a car...I'm watching Jessica's children...so I can't get to her this time..."just breathe honey just breathe please. Oh Crystal honey I'm so sorry"...RaLee could hear it all. She looked at me and wispered, "Mom I'm going to her...she needs me." She jumped on her dads bike and rode all the way to Crystal's just to be with her sister. It was after 10pm, dark and still a hundred degrees outside, and Crystal's house is many miles away. I said a prayer for her safety and let her go. I didn't tell Crystal that RaLee was comming and I was so relieved when I heard RaLee's knock on the door over the sobs on the phone. You can only imagine Crystal's amazement to see her baby sister standing on her door step with her jeans ripped from the knee to the zipper. So much for her favorite old pair of jeans she wore in the photo shoot.
You see RaLee can't ride a bike...she quit riding when she was 8 after a bad wreck and many stitches. RaLee is also VERY afraid of the dark. She was just telling me yesterday how she can't ride a bike any more and how scared she is of them...but she heard Crystal sobs and pushed her own fears aside and went to be with her sister. She spent the night with her hoping she would finally be able to sleep.
That's RaLee...that's the kind of daughter, sister and friend she is and I'm so very proud of her.

11 comments:

Sharron said...

It's amazing what RaLee has learned from the hard knocks life has dealt her. . . and there have been a lot, haven't there? I'm proud to call her one of my friends and grateful for the lessons she teaches me by her example.

Tamra and Jim said...

Having a sister like that is so important and such a blessing for all your girls. Thanks for sharing. I hope Crystal can find some peace real soon. I know she's doing her best and trying so hard. She's lucky to have such a supportive family. RaLee is a beautiful young woman. I love all the pictures. You always take such good photos.

Amanda Griggs said...

RaLee is such an amazing young woman. I am impressed by her everyday. She lights a room by smiling, she has the most out going personality.

Rae I love you. Thanks for being such a wonderful sister, and overcoming your fears to be there for Chris.

Grandma a/k/a Kathy said...

Wow, Liz! First of all, I think your daughter is amazing! It takes a special love and compassion to put your own fears on the back burner so you can go and help someone you love. That story brought tears to my eyes and I'm at work so people are probably thinking I am having some sort of melt down. ;-) Second, my heart goes out to Crystal and her family. It is a pain you never recover from. My mother lost her first baby in 1957 and she still cries on birthdays, holidays, etc. It is especially hard for her since she doesn't have the comfort of believing in the plan of salvation. Someday.... and Finally, I LOVE love love the pictures! What a gorgeous girl and I especially love the "western" look! Have a great day!

Jessica Caldwell said...

I'm so glad RaLee was able to help Crystal. I hope she finally was able to get some sleep. I wish I could take her pin away.

RaLee is such an awesome person and so talented. I love watching her do her cheer dance it is so GOOD! I love you RaLee

Laurie said...

Liz, I found your blog thru Crystal's which I found on a prayer list blog several months ago. I felt it was time to quit lurking and leave a comment. I just wanted to let you know how much your faith has touched, inspired and motivated me. More than any other blog I have read.

I had to leave a comment today after reading about RaLee. I am blessed with a 21 yr old daughter who is like her. I am humbled by her goodness and kindness at times. Daughters like these are truly a blessing from Heavenly Father. My daughter also loves horses and dogs, so the photos of RaLee made me smile. Especially the one of her kissing the horse, since I have some of my daughter doing the same thing, Lol!

Please let Crystal know that she is loved and prayed for by more people than she will ever know. My heart breaks for her sadness. I will hold her in my heart and prayers on Friday.

Take care,

Laurie Green
Dixon IA

Anonymous said...

Ralee is certainly the sunshine! She's an amazing teen and for her to brave the dark and dreary hot night to ride on a bike she claimed not to ride anymore...just goes to show that Ralee is an AWESOME daughter of HIS Royal throne! We are so proud of you, Ralee!! I feel so bad for Crystal...wished there was something we could do to help her through this time...sooo sorry!! We can only offer our sympathy and prayers and love to you all!!!

Brenda said...

I love that Ralee girl! Liz...CALL me if you EVER need a car! PLEASE!!! We love your family and think the world of you guys. Thanks for another wonderful example!

Marie said...

That literally brought tears to my eyes. There are so many spoilt teenage divas out there, and here is a teen who went out into the night on a bicycle (I also had a bad bike accident that scared me off bikes, I know how she must have felt!) for her sister. I remember also someone had a birthday around the time Sage died and she organized a celebration. What an amazing and caring young lady. You must be very proud.

Zona Bosted said...

She gets more and more beautiful. Good job on the pictures

Allen and Terri said...

Dear sweet Liz and your precious daughter(s),
Each time I check on to your blog I am always reminded of ALL that our Father blesses us with. And you have taught your daughters through your own beautiful example. Our prayers are still w/ your family and know that "He holds all of you in the hallow of his hands".
You take Amazing pictures, and not to mention all that sewing. I love the Cowgirl Pictures w/ her in a hat:) love ya , Terri:)