THE MORNING OF AUGUST 9TH
DETAILS WILL COME VERY SOON!!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The out pour of support
Anna, Mark and family feel very blessed to be surrounded by such amazing family and friends. Your constant prayers, thoughts and requests to help are so much appreciated.
Now, here is an opportunity to reach out to Anna and Mark to help and show your love and support.
Please save the date for the morning of August 9th. A pancake breakfast will be held in honor of our angel Cecilia. All proceeds from the breakfast will go to Anna and Mark as they see fit and donations are welcome. After the breakfast there will be a brief dedication.
More information will becoming very soon on this but for right now, please save this morning to eat a hardy breakfast and spend some times with our dear friends Anna and Mark.
Please join us...
Below is information on the visitation and burial for Cecilia Evelyn McKinley. Please join the family in honoring her life.
Visitation:
Saturday August 1st from 3:00p – 4:30p at
Murdoch Funeral Home,
3855 Katz Dr.
Marion, IA 52302.
319.377.1553
Services and burial:
Saturday August 1st, 4:30p at
Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery
4200 First Avenue NE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
319-393-8000
Any donations to the family can be made to the
“Cecilia McKinley Memorial Fund” c/o Jen Thomason,
Collins Community Credit Union 319.393.9000
Mark & Anna’s address is
1924 2nd Ave. SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
A new angel Cecilia
Our world stopped turning for just a moment this afternoon as our sweet baby Cecilia passed from this world to her new heavenly home. She was held sweetly in her mommy and daddy's loving arms and her caring family nearby.
This beautiful little girl has blessed so many people in her short time on this earth. It has been a privilege for us to be chosen to make this journey with her.
Cecilia's parents, Anna and Mark have been so brave and a beautiful example for all, they love her so much they want her to be free of the pain she endured. We honor their courage and faith in knowing our family members who have passed before her have met her and lifted her into God's loving arms. We are sad and grieving beyond measure-it is the price for loving with all our hearts. We would gladly do it again.
Thank you for prayers. We will be posting funeral arrangements soon.
Peace and love,
Cecilia's Family
Preparing for Goodbyes
On Monday July 27th the family once again rallied together for their little Cecilia. A prayer service was given in her honor at the University of Iowa NICU with Cecilia present. Anna, Mark, family and friends joined together to say their goodbyes and give her a blessing.
The following exert is a beautiful story read at this service. Please take care in reading it as it is so fitting for what Cecilia means to all that love her...
The Brave Little Soul
By: John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, "Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?" God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts." The little soul was confused. "What do you mean," he asked. God replied, "Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone." The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, "The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle for the good of all humanity."
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you". God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.
In parting, God said, "Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed." Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.
Cecilia's prognosis
Cecilia was born with many different obstacles. She had difficulties with her respiratory function. Making her unable to breath on her own. She also had a neuromuscular disorder that would prevent her from being able to control her muscle function. Cecilia would probably never be able to speak, swallow or control her body movements.
Cecilia had other hurtles to battle as well, but really what needs to be known is what a unique adorable little girl she was. I believe the love of her parents and family as well as her stubborn spirit gave us the chance to meet this special little girl.
She truly beat the odds and anyone that met her was blessed by her short life.
Cecilia is here!
Family and friends held their breath awaiting news on Cecilia's condition. And things truly looked optimistic. The doctor even came out saying he was never so happy to be so wrong. Cecilia, from the start, was a little miracle. A lot of the conditions they feared plagued her seemed less of an issue than originally thought.
But still many tests would have to be done to find out the nature of her condition and what her future would bring. As the week progressed, however, her condition dwindled each day. It began to become clear that our little angel would not be able to be with us for very long. The following letter was written to prepare family and friends for some very sad news...
We have not had regular posts since Cecilia's birth on Monday because her condition has been evolving through peaks and valleys all week. We have been on the roller coaster with her and barely able to do all that we need to help her and ourselves. We appreciate your patience and prayers and the ways you have chosen to let us know you care. We are so grateful.
We are reaching a point rather soon where decisions about Cecilia's future are going to profoundly affect her quality of life. We struggle with wanting to be with her and "love her up" day and night, yet we want her to be comfortable and not fighting the tubes, the pokes, the inevitable surgeries, and the confinements of her very profound constrictions. Our hearts break as we contemplate letting go. Every moment we have with her is cherished and she and her welfare is our only focus. We will update as we have new information.
Peace & Love,
Cecilia's Family
Drumroll please..............
..........Anna and Mark are very proud to announce the birth of their daughter Cecilia Evelyn McKinley. Our prayers were answered when she came into the world at 9:00 a.m. weighing 7 lbs 12 oz and able to breathe on her own. Ceci is in the NICU being tested and monitored. We are excited and grateful for Ceci's vigor, but recognize there are many questions and obstacles yet to come. Your prayers continue to sustain us. As we know more we will share the information.
Cecilia's Family
Final preparation for Cecilia's arrival
Anna and Mark in the weeks before Cecilia's birth had to continually make very hard decisions about how to prepare for the many difficult situations that their little girl would be faced with. Would she live past birth? If she did, what quality of life would she have?
They made the selfless decision to plan a c-section so that they would give Cecilia the best chance of survival. With the big day getting closer and closer the family rallied together and even threw Cecilia a birthday party. The following post was written the day before her birth...
A big thank you to all of our family and friends who have continued to be so supportive to Anna, Mark, and Cecilia. We want to let you know that they will be going to the University of Iowa hospitals bright and early Monday morning. A planned C section is scheduled for 8:30 AM. Our sweet Cecilia will be making her entrance into this world. We all know her health issue’s are very serious and Anna and Mark are committed to what is best for her. As her parents and they remain hopeful, because that is what parents do. We ask for your prayers and positive thoughts to be with all of our family Monday.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
News from the University
Anna and Mark began making weekly trips to Iowa City for appointments with the high risk doctors at the University of Iowa. Cecilia's condition became a roller coaster of ups and downs and mildly good news and very bad news. The following letter was written after one of these many visits.
Mark, Anna and their families began to prepare themselves for a difficult journey in which the fate of their sweet Cecilia is very unsure.
Dear Friends and Fam,
We want to share the finding of our latest trip to Uof I hospital with Anna and Cecilia.
All of the high risk Drs. had met and reviewed the data from the weeks prior. It is their unanimous conclusion that Cecilia’s prognosis is very poor. They find just too many unchangeable conditions for Cecilia to survive long term.
When she is born she may live a few minutes or a few days because she will enter the world having had the benefit of Anna’s body doing all the work for her. When she needs to do basic human functions like breath and swallow and eliminate for herself her body won’t be able to function at a level that will sustain her life for very long. Her bones are not forming correctly and just holding her may cause them to break.
It is hard for us to take in and process this information but we stay committed to wanting what is best for her. Anna and Mark are very brave in knowing this and still moving forward with the day to day process of pregnancy. It is the Drs. opinion that allowing her birth to happen as naturally as possible is in the best interest of all. We expect that to be mid to late July.
We feel blessed by and thankful for the many notes, hugs, and prayers we have received. It truly helps to know we are supported through this difficult time. While this is painful and we are grieving there have been many beautiful and loving moments that have touched us in a way that we are forever changed. For those moments we are grateful and we honor Cecilia for bringing them to light. We thank God for the grace and strength to see these moments. We thank you for your prayers and ask you to keep us in them for the weeks to come.
The Month of May
In May Anna began to show signs that concerned her doctor. Her baby belly was much larger than it should have been and ultra sound pictures made doctors decide there was need to look a little closer to see what was going on. The decision was quickly made for Anna and Mark to go to the University of Iowa Hospital for further testing and to take a closer look at their dear Cecilia.
On May 27th Mommy and Daddy became aware of Cecilia's unique course. For Cecilia a "normal" life was not in store. Below is a letter written by Anna's mom around this time that further describes some of the process that Anna and Mark endured at this time...
Hi all, my mother wrote up a note to send friends and family regarding our status, and that of our daughter Cecilia. I decided it would be best left in her words, as it summed up the information we have at this time. If you have any questions, feel free to write back.
We just returned from our testing in Iowa City today and we want to let you know that we are very appreciative of all the prayers for Mark, Anna and Cecilia.
They took 3.3 liters of excess amniotic fluid from Anna. The procedure went well and Anna tolerated the tedious process like a pro. She is more comfortable now and will hopefully stay that way for awhile.
After the fluid was taken away they could get better pictures of Ceci. The pics confirmed the suspected muscular/ skeletal problems but the Drs. are hesitant to guess the severity. They do believe it is significant. They also believe these problems come from a genetic disorder of some kind but will need more information and study to know what the prognosis for Cecilia will be.
For now we are grateful that today went smoothly. We go back next week on Thursday and will hopefully get a few more pieces to the puzzle with each visit.
The Dr’s are very good and kind and have taken a special liking to Miss Anna and Sweet Cecilia. It is very comforting to the rest of us for them to be under the watchful supervision of these skilled physicians in the high risk pregnancy unit.
As we know more I will share. We ask for your continued support through prayer and words of comfort and love. It helps us more than you know.
Anna and Mark's Pregnancy
Anna and Mark embraced Cecilia from day one. Many big changes were made to prepare for her arrival and a lot of excitement brewed from all family and friends.
Anna began her pregnancy wearing the most adorable shirts including; knocked up, baby on board and many other novelty t-shirts that showed just how happy she was to be pregnant. She also started referring to herself as "we" or "the two of us" at all times.
They began their check-ups at St. Luke's and Mark took great pleasure in waking up Anna each morning to take her prenatal vitamins. The two of them eagerly made preparations for the big changes and new addition to their family.
One big change was their address. Anna and Mark decided to find Cecilia a new home. After house hunting for a while they found the perfect place to call home and the changes began. Anna's growing belly prevented her from lifting but didn't prevent her from giving out orders : )
Other baby preparations were also made, such as a family baby shower held at her sister Kate's house and beautiful maternity photos (the first family pictures).
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