Holly's Gifts

As I was getting ready for the day, I suddenly came to realize that it was four years ago today that Holly's earthly mission came to an end and she was called home to heaven to continue her mission there. Just like many who knew her, I still miss her terribly, and every once in a while still find myself shedding tears over the loss that I still feel. Today has been especially hard, and I turned to the poem that I recited at her funeral to remember some of the many reasons why I love and miss her.

This poem was written by my cousin Jessica Duersch from the thoughts and memories that I gave to her. She did a wonderful job capturing who Holly was, and what she meant to us that loved her.

Holly's Gifts

I've been collecting angels ever since my birth,
To me God sent a real, live angel, Holly to this earth.

My room is full of figurines, angels of all sizes.
Holly, my dear sister is my angel of surprises.

Hide and seek her favorite game, we'd play most every day.
My books and things would turn up missing, "Go ask Holly," they'd say.

She'd take my hand and lead me, all the house around
To the spot she'd carefully hidden - my books -
A treasure found!

As sisters we would share a room and settle in at night.
Scared of the dark she always wanted - just a little light.

Of course I'd have to study and would read my books in bed.
I'd leave the room to get a drink and return to see instead...

Holly snuggled in my covers, taking up my place;
Reading my book - upside down - a studious look upon her face.

She'll walk to Winder Dairy and likes to swim all on her own.
I'd find her asleep on the kitchen stool, sometimes when I got home.

She's small enough to carry, with a big heart full of love.
Holly brings us lots of joy - our sweet angel from above.

Holly dances to the music when the movie's at the end.
Her tiny, flexible body has many ways to bend.

Just last week I washed my car and Holly came to help me.
She got the rags, a bucket and a yellow sponge. You see,

We worked together washing - to make the car so clean.
With the rags we'd wipe it down so no dirt could be seen.

Then Holly climbed up on the roof - cleaning with her might;
Leaving a trail of muddy shoe prints; not to my delight.

But then when it was my turn to pull all of the weeds,
There was my little angel, with just the help I'd need.

Running with her sweater and her backpack on from school.
My sister came to pull the weeds - and that was really cool.

I love her hugs and kisses - she'd always meet me on the run.
Those tender times of greeting show her love shines like the sun.

Everyday she'll call, "Mon, mon"- from the topmost stair.
She'd make sure that all us kids were there for family prayer.

Picture Holly standing still - with arms folded just right;
Her head bowed low and then you'd see her eyes were shut so tight.

I know that heaven sure took note of every prayer she led.
God knows His children, He understands the prayers that can't be said.

"A little child shall lead them and take them by the hand."
Just watch my sister Holly and then you'll understand.

That love that Jesus told us we should have for all mankind.
That's the love that Holly gives with heart and soul and mind.

Oh how she loves our neighbors and lived the golden rule;
She'll walk right in their houses and sit upon a stool.

The Bassetts and the Yorgasons often had a breakfast guest.
Her unexpected visits - left there homes so blest.

At Christmas time, Holly Noelle would put on a "Rudolf show,"
Fingers on her head like antlers and a cheery, "Ho, Ho, HO."

With few words and her persistence, she could say so much,
Her gestures, her example and her patient, kindly touch.

It doesn't take long to figure out exactly what she means;
She'll point at you, then model too, it's easy so it seems.

At our houses, Holly's the boss, you'd better all take part.
She'd want us all to do the actions and sing with all our heart.

So if you please would join me, with song and action too;
Once there was a snowman - Holly this song's for you.

(Sing - Once There Was a Snowman)

So my angel sister, thank you for your gifts.
We know you're on a mission, though your smile we all will miss.

Thanks to Heavenly Father for the real angel that He sent.
Our days with Holly will always be
Time that was well spent.


I love you, Holly Noelle!