Thursday, February 19, 2009

She is Gone


August 10, 2000 - February 18, 2009
Carmen Marie Galbraith passed sweetly away this evening. She was 8 and one half years old. Carmen was a beautiful child, and very bright. Who could have imagined then that we would lose her.

Her battle began shortly after her 7th birthday. She became very ill. Once a brain tumor was discovered, she entered surgery, where it was successfully removed. It was diagnosed as a medulablastoma, a very aggressive form of brain cancer. From September 2007 until the summer of 2008 she underwent radiation and chemo treatments. How we rejoiced that summer when the treatments were over and the cancer was gone. Carmen rallied; the sparkle returned to her eye, she smiled and laughed. All seemed to be working out. She would survive. But soon another tumor was found. More treatments followed. We prayed for a miracle. God can grant healings and we felt hopeful that we could still keep our little girl. And then one tumor became many. Very soon she was overwhelmed with cancer. Nothing more could be done. We had to face the fact that she would not survive. The past few weeks have been a waiting game. We watched her lose her battle, little by little. Up to the end she fought leaving. But tonight she went peacefully away.

And so the battle is over. I am happy for her. How can leaving this troubled world be a bad thing? She will be happy and free now. But there is an ache in my heart to have her gone. I will so miss seeing her grow up. We will go and be with Reed and Dorothy tomorrow and help in any way we can.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, what a sweet little angel has blessed your family! It is now a time to celebrate such a wonderful granddaughter and daughter. I am sorry to read the news and tears are in my eyes even though I've never met her. I, too, being a grandmother know how this is such a mixture of emotions this AM. However, for Carmen, what a blessing to now leave this life of pain and sorrows but also wonder and awe of a loving family! She can now go on and do the work her Heavenly Father now wants her to do! I'm sure that smile on Carmen in this picture is as wide as it can be now. And, too, she is now the beautiful young woman who will be near you often as you think of her.
Life is a perplexity of many things. A wonder has now happened as you contemplate her existence in an Eternal sense. Go forth dear Carmen and fulfill your mission. Your family will miss you but isn't it wonderful to know that you will meet your family again one day. And what rejoicing will that be for all!

Nancy Boyce said...

My prayers continue to be with your family.

Jen said...

We love Carmen. We love you and your beautiful family. You have filled our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts are aching.

Much love.