In Loving Memory of our angel baby,

Nicole Kathryn Kenney

Born into our family
April 19, 2004

Born into Heaven
May 26, 2005



  

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these...."
And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

MARK 10;14,16



Some people only dream of angels, we held one in our arms.
Her name...Nicole Kathryn Kenney

  


Oh my little angel
you are the flesh and blood
of my flesh and blood
It was God who breathed life into you and,
for me that was his greatest gift of all

Roma Downey
Phil Coulter


 

(This song was dedicated to our Nicole and played at her service)
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WHEN YOU'RE GONE

Hold on to love, that is what I do
 now that I've found you
And from above, everything's stinking,
they're not around you
And in the night I could be helpless
I could be lonely sleeping without you
And in the day everything's complex
There's nothing simple when I'm not around you
But I miss you when you're gone
That is what I do, ba-baby
And it's going to carry on
That is what I knew, hey baby

Hold on to my hands
I feel like sinking, sinking without you
And to my mind, everything's stinking,
stinking without you
And in the night I could be helpless
I could be lonely sleeping without you
And in the day everythings complex
There's nothing simple when I'm not around you
And I miss you when you're gone
That is what I do, ba-baby
And it's going to carry on
That is what I knew, hey baby

Cranberries


 





Forever loved
Forever missed
Forever our little bundle of joy

Mommy & Daddy


 
 
Though actions may be
stronger than words,
I never want to miss
an opportunity to tell you
how much I love you.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

 

 
  

About our Sweet Little Angel Nicole...

Nicole was diagnosed as blind at the age of one month, at two months she began to suffer from seizures and at three months was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder named Aicardi Syndrome.
An MRI showed that her brain had not developed normally and therefore she would be faced with severe developmental delays and many health issues.
Nicole could not talk, walk, sit up, crawl, smile, laugh, roll over or even hold her head up but she was our world nonetheless. She received her feedings through a G-tube since she was unable to drink from a bottle or eat from a spoon due to poor suction, reflux and aspiration. She was on two anti-seizure medications and several other medications. We were overwhelmed with countless Dr. appointments and therapies. She required 24 hour care, yet slept most of the time do to the side effects of her medications and seizures.
Throughout her short life, she also endured many hospital stays and three surgical procedures. Her last hospitalization lasted 41 days, from April 1, - May 11, 2005. She was home with us for only 16 days before the Lord called for Nicole and sent one of his angels down to carry her home.
Needless to say we were devistated with her passing, since she seemed to be doing so much better as far as her health was concerned.  She was gaining weight and was more alert than she had ever been before. She could not make any noise, except to cry, but I could tell that she was becoming more and more comfortable and content as she continued to heal because I did know my special baby so very well.
The evening before her passing I put her to bed at 10:00 p.m. and hooked her up to her feeding pump as usual. At 2:00 a.m. I awoke to check on her and add more formula to her bag and when I peeked in at her she was still lying there awake. I often wish I would have just picked her up to give her a kiss and tell her I loved her, because at 6:00 a.m. when I awoke to check on her again I couldn't believe what I had found. I only remember the drop of my heart once my brain registered what my eyes were actually seeing.  I remember screaming out to my husband as I was running to our bedroom.  He jumped out of bed and ran to her and picked her up.  My oldest daughter began to cry uncontollably as soon as she heard what I said. I was so afraid that I could only peek out my bedroom door and ask "Is it true?" and he said "She's gone." I can remember not being able to leave my bedroom because I could not even believe what had happened, yet actually face it, so I remained in my room while frantically repeating over and over "Oh my God! I can't believe it!, my baby! oh no! 
The sheriff arrived and soon after so did many friends and family members along with our church pastors. I was eventually able to work my way from the bedroom and little by little work my way towards my sweet Nicole. I wanted to pick her up and hold her so tight but just couldn't get myself to do it.  I knew she was stiff and cold and I couldn't accept that. After several hours the mortuary showed up and I knew this was my last chance to hold her so I asked my mother to wrap her in a thicker blanket before she handed her to me.  I carried her to my room where my husband and I took a few moments to tell her we loved her and say goodbye.  The rest of our family took turns giving her a kiss and then I carried her out to the van where I layed her.
For the next ten days or so I was living and functioning in a completely clouded state.  It was nothing like I have ever experienced before. I read that it is called "God's Anestheia" but I also like to refer to it as "A functioning Coma", since every detail of what needed to be done I was able to do. I imagine it is a way for your body to maintain your shock as well as the love for your child kicking in, doing whatever nessesary to take care of their every need.
Her service was held at noon on the day of June 01, 2005. The service was beautiful, the music was beautiful and Nicole was beautiful. I even read the letter to her that I had written.
Nicole is a gift from God. We thank him for each day we were blessed with her presence. She gave us so much more than we were ever able to give to her. She taught us so much and opened our eyes to the importance of compassion towards others and to respect all of God's creation.
 We trust that God had a very specific plan for Nicole and we thank Him everyday for allowing us to be a part of it. No matter how short her life here on earth, or how disabled her little body was, we know that she was perfectly made by our creator and given to our family as a gift with a very meaningful purpose. Nicole filled her purpose and we can have peace in knowing that she joyfully rests in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, her body renewed to perfection and the joy of her new home greater than we could ever imagine......

 

I chose you when I planned creation
Ephesians 111:72

I knew you before you were ever conceived
Jeremiah 1:4-5

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
Genesis 1:31

 

My frame was not hidden from you when I  was made in the secret place.  When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.  All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:15-16


 

NICOLE'S FAMILY


Father & Mother
Paul & Lori Kenney

Siblings
Amanda & Caitlin Mendibles, James Kenney

Grandparents
James & Sally Kenney
Sharon Elwell

Aunties
Mary Ann, Deborah & Patricia Kenney
Lisa Ordinario, Joyce Grasso

Uncles
Sean & Robert Kenney
Ronald Ordinario, Chris Streuly

Cousins
Brittney, Raymond & Ronald Ordinario

Great Cousin
Baby Anthony Soto

God Parents
Sean Kenney & Karoline Kovats

Good Friends
Judy, Laura & Tianna Van Alstine

Church Pastors
George Van Alstine, Connie Larson-DeVaughn

 

 

  


Your precious memory
Remains in my heart forever
My Sweet, Sweet Baby
Little Nicole



 


I AM A CHILD

I am a child with special needs
But I am also a child
With special gifts
And all who have known me
Are more than they were before.

I may not speak with words as others do,
But the day I was born
I carried with me
Words you never thought you'd speak
Words with sharp corners and jagged tips
That stung when spoken or heard
Words that had been neglected or ignored
But have since become soft and sweet
Accepted and embraced.

I may not learn as others do
But each day
I teach lessons of life and love
Strength and courage,
Patience and joy,
Gratitude, faith and hope.

I may not see as others do
But through me
Gifts once unappreciated
Are seen clearly
Life itself is viewed with new eyes.

I may not walk or run or dance as others do
But within my soul-
Pure and radiantly free-
I am

I am a gift to you and all who know me
I am here to teach
To enlighten and to guide
I am here
And I am a special child.
And when I must say goodbye
Do not cry for me
My pain is gone
My work is done
Carry on in spite of your grief-

In honor of me-
For I will always be
Your special child.

Author
Unknown




Nicole was happy in her own way because SHE FELT LOVED,
and that is the greatest feeling of all.


   

A moment in our arms,
Forever in our hearts





 


(This song is one of Nicole's favorite lullabies)
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ALL THE PRETTY LITTLE HORSES

Go to sleep baby child
Go to sleep my little baby
Hush-a-bye
Don't you cry
Go to sleep my little baby

When you wake
You will have all the pretty little horses
Blacks and grays
Dapples and bays
Coach and six little horses

Hush-a-bye
Don't you cry
Go to sleep my little baby

101 Lullabies
Various Artists


 

A Childs Bedtime Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my soul to keep
If I should die before I wake
I pray the Lord my soul to take



 




 

Can't Wait To See You 

I am sad....
I wonder when I'll see you again
I hear people talk about you
I see you everywhere
I want you to be here

I pretend like you were never here
I feel the love you left behind
I touch the things you left behind
I worry about the people that loved you
I cry tears that fall like the rain on a stormy day
I am sad....

I understand that I have to be strong, a solid rock
I say "Why you, why me?"
I dream that you didn't have to die
I try to think about you when you were doing well
I hope you remember me when I see you again
I am sad....

Written by 
Amanda Mendibles
 (Nicole's Oldest Sister)


 

R.I.P. Little Nicole

I am sad that you are not here,
But ever since you left
You did not shed one more tear
Your pain is gone
Your wounds are healed
Your voice can speak
Your legs are not weak
Your happiness is forever
And no more pain, tears or sadness whatsoever!!

Written by
Caitlin Mendibles
(Nicole's second oldest sister)


 

There is a Special Angel

There is a special angel in Heaven
that is a part of me,
It's not where I wanted her
but where God wanted her to be.

She was here but just a moment
like a nightime shooting star,
And though she is in Heaven
she isn't very far.

She touched the hearts of many
like only an angel can do,
I would've held her every minute
if the end I only knew.

So I send this special message
to the Heavens up above,
Please take care of my angel
and send her all my love.

Author
Unknown



  


If I could reach up into the heavens
and grab a star for each time
you've made me smile,
I'd be holding the night sky in my arms

Robert Burns


 

A ROSE

A rose once grew where all could see
Sheltered beside a garden wall
As the days passed swiftly by
it spread its branches strait and tall

One day a beam of light shone through
a crevice that opened wide
The rose bent gently toward its warmth
Then passed on to the other side

Author
Unknown


"It's not how long the flower blooms,
But how beautifully"

  
In Loving Memory
Of Our Beautiful Little Rose,
Nicole Kathryn Kenney


  



Mommy please don't cry...
A beautiful angel carried me here!
I met Jesus today, mommy!
He cradled me in his big, strong arms.
He made me feel so happy inside.

Mommy please don't cry...
Heaven is wonderful!
Did you know the streets are made of gold?
Real gold!
I have lots of friends, Mommy.
We run and play, we giggle and laugh.
I can't wait to show you my secret hideouts!

Mommy please don't cry...
When I fall it doesn't hurt!
There are no tears in Heaven.
I've met a man named Noah.
He told me about his big boat,
all the animals, and the very first rainbow.
Have you ever heard of Noah, Mommy?

Mommy please don't cry...
We have lots of parties here;
with streamers and hats,
and the best chocolate cake ever!
When it's time to rest, angels tuck us in. 
I never get scared Mommy,
there is no darkness here!
Jesus is the light of Heaven.

Mommy please don't cry...
The angels are always singing.
I love to sing with the angels.
You'd be proud of me,
I have a pretty good voice.
I must have gotten it from you.
There is a river here,
in the most beautiful garden
you could ever imagine...
and a huge tree with yummy fruit.
The angels call it the tree of life.
Mommy, it's so wonderful to be alive in Heaven!

Mommy, please don't cry...
Sometimes I just like to be by myself.
That's when I think of you.
Someday Mommy, we will hold eachother tight!
Then you will cradle me in you arms,
and stroke my hair...
And once again, our hearts will beat together.

Mommy please don't cry...
I'll wait right here for you.

A book by:
Linda DeYmaz



 

Dear God,
May all the tears I cry, and all the tears I have not cried but hold within, pour forth into Your hands.  Please take each painful thought and unhealed wound, and send angels here to me.  I long for peace.

Marianne Williamson
" Illuminated Prayers"


 

Calling all angels ~ Calling all angels
Walk me through this and don't leave me alone

Calling all angels ~ Calling all angels
We're trying, we're hoping
We're loving, we're hurting
We're crying, we're calling
'Cause we're not sure how this goes.

~ Calling all angels ~

Jane Siberry


 

For He will command angels concerning you to guard you in
all your ways.

Psalm 91:11


 

(This song is a reminder to us of God's promise)
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HELD

Two months is too little, they let him go.
They had no sudden healing.
To think that providence would take a child
 from his mother while she prays is appalling.
Who told us we'd be rescued?
What has changed and why should
we be saved from nightmares?
We're asking why this happens to
us who have died to live, it's unfair

This is what it means to be held,
how it feels when the sacred is torn
from your life and you survive.
This is what it is to be loved
and to know that the promise was
when everything fell, we'd be held.

This hand is bitterness,
we want to taste it,
let the hatred know our sorrow.
The wise hand opens slowly to lillies of the valley
and tomorrow

If hope is born of suffering, 
if this is only the beginning,
can we not wait for one hour
watching for our Savior?

Natalie Grant




He [God] has sent me [Christ] to bind up the brokenhearted... to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve... to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

Isaiah 61:1-3




After the resurrection the apostles never used the word death to express the close of a Christian's earthly life.  They referred to the passing of a Christian as "at home with the Lord," "to depart and be with Christ," "to sleep in Jesus."

John M. Drescher
"In Grief's Lone Hour"


 

(This very powerful song was also played at Nicole's service)
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I CAN ONLY IMAGINE

I can only imagine, what it will be like
when I walk by your side
I can only imagine what my eyes will see
when your face is before me

I can only imagine, yeah

Surrounded by your glory,
what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you Jesus
or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence
or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing Hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine,
I can only imagine

I can only imagine,
when that day comes,
and I find myself standing in the son
I can only imagine, when all I will do,
is forever, forever worship you

I can only imagine, yeah
I can only imagine

mercyme




As I gaze into the sky,
Far beyond the rainbow,
Wishing for one glimpse of you,
I patiently await God's
 Glorious Heaven
Where you and I
 will reunite
And one more tear for you,
  Will never be shed again

Mommy

  
"Precious Lord, Take My Hand"

Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, help me stand-
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn;
Thro' the storm, thro' the night,
Lead me on to the light-
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near-
When my life is almost gone;
Hear my cry, hear my call,
Hold my hand lest I fall-
Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

Thomas A. Dorsey




(This is the special letter that I wrote and read to Nicole at her service on behalf of our entire family)

Our Sweet, Sweet Baby
Little Nicole

Although your time here on earth was only for a short while, it was not in vain.
The Bible says "You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe, "Everyday was recorded in your book".

Some might say "How unfair", but we say "What an honor", to have been chosen, trusted and given the strength by God to provide you with the care you required and the love you so deserved.  What we have been able to give to you doesn't even compare to what you have given to us.  Our time together has taught us the importance of compassion, forgiveness, trust, sincerity, patience, the will to be of service to others and the true meaning of unconditional love.

The Bible says "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me". You served your purpose in this life and we believe it was to show us a purpose for ours.  God's mission for you has completed and he has called you home.

We will miss holding and touching you, kissing your soft lips, the scent of your skin before and after you were bathed, lying close to you on the floor while you laid quietly listening to the sounds around you or slept peacefully, the way you cuddled in our arms and listened as we sang you songs and told you how much we loved you a thousand times over.  Your beautiful blue eyes may not have seen our faces and you may not have understood the words we were saying, but you felt our emotion and sincerity and you were content because you knew you were loved.

Although the pain of your absence seems unbearable and it will be hard to go on without you, we find comfort in knowing that you are safe in the arms of Jesus.  You have been freed from your illness and are surrounded by the unimaginable, indescribable beauty of Heaven.  How could that compare to what your blind eyes could not see here on earth?

God said "I am your creator, you were in my care before you were even born".  Well, now you will spend eternity in his loving care.  Nothing could be more rewarding than that.

You will be loved, thought of and missed everyday, and we are praying for the peace in knowing that the day will come when we can be together again, forever, in Heaven with you,

Our Sweet, Sweet Baby
Little Nicole

 

When someone you love becomes a memory,
The memory becomes a treasure.

In Loving Memory
Nicole Kathryn Kenney
04/19/04-05/26/05

 
Trusting

Sparkeling angel,
shinning down on me
from up above,
Walking in God's
 fullness and love.

Watching over me,
keeping me safe.
Plead to Jesus
for my dignity
and grace.

Shine your love
upon me,
for I am so alone,
but trusting in
God for my eternity.

Author
Unknown




May God bless you and keep you



Thank you for honoring our angels
memory with your visit