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Sara Elisabeth was born on January 29, 1997, and like any father would be, I was immediately in love! I had never seen a more beautiful girl in all my life. Those of you that knew her personally will never forget her china doll complexion, beautiful hair, and her pretty smile that always made my day.
Sara was always the one that made sure I didn't leave the house without a hug and a kiss. Her favorite thing to do was to sit on my lap as I whispered how much I loved her and how wonderful she was. I always told her God had big, special plans for her life. Some would say that can't happen now. I would like to disagree--just look around you and all around this community and several others around the country. This beautiful life has had an impact on people.
Just as Philip had his "comfortable hugs", Sara had "jump hugs." I can't demonstrate this to you physically, but it would be as I was coming up the steps in our split-foyer house. Sara would be at the top of the stairs, get a running start and jump into my arms, hugging me tight.
One of my favorite memories of Sara was breakfast at Cracker Barrel. We did this a few times for her birthday, where we would go and spend time, just the two of us. She ate up the personal attention and gave a lot of love in return. Sara always said that when she grew up and got married, she and her husband would build a house right next to us and we could even live with them if we wanted!
In addition to being a little mother to her brothers, she was very nurturing to anyone that was sick. She liked to pretend she was a nurse and wait on people, especially her Daddy and her Pa. I have never seen a little girl with such a great capacity to love!
She was very feminine and enjoyed playing dress-up. At the same time, she was a little daredevil! She liked to roller blade around Rebecca's parents' house, including sometimes up their long driveway!
We noticed from a young age how flexible she was and how much energy and vitality she had. She attended several gymnastics classes, and teachers commented about her potential. It was not uncommon for her to do cartwheels around the house. This was done for several reasons: 1) She enjoyed it, 2) She wanted to get better at it, and 3) She was showing off for us and entertaining her brother Joseph. He loved it, of course, waving his arms and laughing--urging her to do it again.
Sara had a concern for other people's spiritual condition as well. At her urging one Saturday, we walked up and down our road, inviting families to church and Sunday School and giving suckers to the children. She was very concerned for Philip's salvation and was thrilled when he trusted the Lord.
I would be lying if I said Sara didn't have a feisty streak. If pillow fights ever got too rough and Sara got hit the wrong way, watch out! More than once PJ received a scratch, kick, etc. for his actions. She usually won the fights, too; not because she was stronger, but that she would not fight fair. I recall her facing the couch with her hands on it and letting fly with a donkey kick that usually ended the conflict.
Of course, my favorite memory of Sara is of her salvation experience. In the summer of 2000, Sara was 3 1/2 years old. The family went to Daytona Beach on vacation. I was with PJ, Sara, and Philip at the kiddie pool while Rebecca watched from the balcony because she had Joseph in the room. PJ had accepted Christ two months earlier and became concerned for his sister. So he tromped up to Sara, and in his best backwoods country preacher voice, he boomed "Sara, you just need to get saved!" Sara, in her best politely feminine voice, responded, "Well, not right now, because I'm in my swimsuit in the kiddie pool and people are watching." Later that night, as we returned from dinner, a small voice called up to me and said, "Daddy, I'm ready to accept Jesus now."
As I practically slammed on the brakes and pulled over, I had a short conversation with the Lord. I said, "Lord, she's only 3 1/2 years old. Does she understand?" He said, "You leave that to me, just do what she asks." And that night, my princess's life was changed. She guaranteed herself a place in Heaven by simply accepting the free gift of salvation.
I called Sara many things, from Sara Lou to Saralita, to Princess, to Baby-Love, to Sweetheart. All of these things and many more I said to her in love. Nobody else can know what I had with her. My heart is truly broken today, but my grief is not permanent. I know I will see her again.
So Princess, wait for me. Have Jesus fix for us a breakfast that even Cracker Barrel can't touch, and I'll see you soon. I love you!