Maggie Grace Willis's memory board

Maggie Grace Willis Born 12th March 2015. Passed 12th March 2015. The birth of a pearl is truly a miraculous event. Unlike gemstones or precious metals that must be mined from the earth, pearls are grown by live oysters far below the surface of the sea. Gemstones must be cut and polished to bring out their beauty. But pearls need no such treatment to reveal their loveliness. They are born from oysters complete -- with a shimmering iridescence, lustre and soft inner glow unlike any other gem on earth. A natural pearl begins its life as a foreign object, such as a grain of sand that accidentally lodges itself in an oyster's soft inner body where it cannot be expelled. Initially there is pain, but to ease this feeling, the oyster's body takes defensive action. The oyster begins to secrete a smooth, hard crystalline substance around the grain of sand. This substance is called "nacre." As long as the grain of sand remains within its body, the oyster will continue to secrete nacre around it, layer upon layer. Over time, the grain of sand will be completely encased by the silky crystalline coatings. And the result, ultimately, is the lovely and lustrous gem called a pearl. The name Maggie in many languages means 'Pearl'. Like a natural pearl, Maggie caused us some pain initially but we we continued to wrap her with layers and layers of love and she continued to grow to become the beautiful and lovely gem she revealed herself to be on Thursday. A pearl is formed from a grit of sand that causes the oyster pain. The oyster covers the grain and coats it and keeps it deep in side whilst it grows bigger and bigger and one day is released from the shell and the beauty of this miracle revealed. I like to think, that she was plucked back to heaven and kept because she was the most beautiful pearl to be had. When I sat down to write this I thought about writing about all the things we would miss however it became evident that I could never achieve this. The reality is that for the rest of Cheryl's and my life we will always have a part of our heart missing and we will miss her and wish she was with us in everything we do as individuals, as a couple and a family. I would beg of you all to allow us to always indulge in these moments. Instead I can talk about her brief life. Not just the 15 minutes we had with her in the outside world but the whole life we have given her. In the early days for Maggie, we always chose 4 things for her. We chose life, we chose dignity, we chose respect and we chose love. It is with these 4 principles in mind that Cheryl and I have given Maggie a great little life. Maggie has experienced life in our family, wrapped up and protected within her amazing mother the big belly bear Maggie has been surrounded by her 2 brothers, sister and dad. Maggie has experienced much of what it's like in our home and in our family. If I could speak for Maggie I think she would say this. "Mum and Dad I have listened to music, I have listened to laughter and tears. I have felt what being happy and laughing feels like through you, likewise I have felt your sadness and tears. I have listened for months to the laughing, giggling and arguing of my brothers and sisters, and I know what it's like to hear mum roar when your in trouble. Through you I have felt what it's like to swim in the waves, feel relaxed, be on holidays and to be massaged through your tummy. I have felt your good food, bad food and spicy food. I like you have felt the joys of chocolate and ice cream. I have felt dad prodding and poking me through your belly and asking me what "I'm doing in there". I have listened to music and the sounds of life, I have listened to Harry, Jesse, Dad and Darcie paint my bump. Most of all I have been kept warm and safe by you, you have kept me happy inside and I have jumped and danced around to my hearts content. Know Mum, dad, Harry Jesse and Darcie that whilst I won't be there in person , I know that I will live on in all of your hearts and on every occasion I will be there. I will be with you all forever and my spirit will live on through you. And now mum, dad and I are so proud of you. It's time for you to rest. For so long you have been so strong for me. The Angels know your're weeping, they know your head's bowed low. They feel the sadness in your heart and wanted you to know tears of loss are turned into beautiful pearls it's true. The angels and I know you have shed a few and will shed many more. We want you to rest soon and wipe your tears and remember love. I am your pearl from heaven and the one from dad will bring you closer to me the one you love" We have wondered why? There must be a reason, whilst I don't know what that is yet, I know two things; 1) you have taught us that our principles and values that guide us as the people we ate remain steadfast in the presence of difficulty. And 2) you will have a lasting legacy. Maggie Grace Willis, our daughter our 4th Child, Sister of Harry, Jesse and Darcie. 10th grandchild of my parents, 14th grandchild of Cheryl's parents, 14th great grandchild of Mavis, niece and cousin to many and God daughter of Joanna you will be remembered and lived by all. I have always described to people approaching parenthood for the first time my experience of holding my newborn children as being the purest form of worldly love you can experience. It is a love not tarnished by arguments, baggage and time. It's incredibly pure unadulterated love that is not experienced at any other time in life. It is for this reason my love, that my heart is broken at your passing. Whilst it will always remain broken at our loss, you will remain that perfect pure love in my life. The perfect pearl. And now my love, like I say to your brothers and sister. Good night my love. Love you always, love you more, love you the most. See you again.