poemsIII

Lexi's birhtday was just six weeks after her death. We planned to meet at Lexi's grave to release balloons in her memory. January in Indiana is normally frigid. Not this day. It turned out to be in the 40s with a warm breeze.We were able to release our balloons and not have to leave because we were froze. We just kind of stood around and cried. After a bit I suggested we talk about some of our memories of Lexi and started off with one of mine. We still cried, but we laughed as well. Below is a note we put in the balloons and a poem Lexi's grandma wrote for her special day. The poem "My First Christmas in Heaven" was sent to me from a relative.

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees
around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars,
reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular,
please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Chistmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs
that people hold so dear
but the sounds of music can't compare
with the Christmas choir up here.

I have no words to tell you,
the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description,
to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me,
I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away,
We really aren't apart.

So be happy for me, dear ones,
You know I hold you dear.
And be glad I'm spending Christmas
with Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift,
from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory
of my undying love.

After all, love is a gift more precious
than pure gold.
It was always most important
in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other,
as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessing or love
He has for each of you.

So have a Merry Christmas
and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with
Jesus Christ this year.

footnote; This poem was written by a 13 yr old boy who had battled a brain tumor for four years. He died on December 14' 1997 and gave this poem to his mother.

TWO

You could have been two,
Today you could be playing,
With your toys oh so new
With lots of hugging and kissing
On your rosey red cheeks
And fun with your family
Playing hide and go seek.

You should have been two,
You should be blowing out the candles
At the party we gave
Instead of having flowers
Placed on your grave.

You would have been two
If wishes and prayers somehow
Did really come true
You would be here with us now.

You could have been,
Should have been,
Would have been
TWO

From Grandma's heart-Marcia Carpenter

1-1-2000, Today we sent off 22 balloons in celebration of Alexis Brianne Stempien's birthday. They represent each month of her life, before she went to heaven. It is our wish that these balloons reach her with special birthday wishes from her loved ones. Lexi we love and miss you dearly. You are always in our hearts. Should anyone find this message, please don't be sad, just say a prayer for Lexi and be sure to hug your little ones. Love Us All

Lexi B

Lexi B
Today you are three
I see you in my heart
Doing your little dance
For all of the angels in Heaven
It's hard to believe
We only got to have one birthday with you
While you were still here
Now we send our love
To you up above
I thank God for lettong us have you that long
But it still hurts when I remember you are gone
I miss you my little angel
My Lexi B
Is now three
(grandma Marcia 1/1/01)