The Hall family had a bitter-sweet experience this month. Michael and Chalyse had their 4th child, Kate, born on February 8th. Unfortunately there were quite a few complications with her tiny body. She was diagnosed with Trisomy 13 and her kidneys, liver, and lungs were basically non-functional. They had to drain her poor little belly of a large amount of fluid because the levels were too high. Kate fought hard to come to this earth but her sojourn would be short. Michael and Chalyse had to make the heartbreaking decision to let her return to Heavenly Father. She was able to be held by both sets of Grandparents, her siblings Talmage and Elle, and her parents. She passed away on February 11th.
While Kate was in the hospital, we had a family fast for her. On Sunday, February 10th, I was doing music with my nursery kids when I heard the news that Kate would not be with us long. In all honesty I was so very sad and disheartened. I came and cried to James saying that I hated fasting because it never works. It didn't work for Chase Hunt and now it didn't work for Kate. My faith wavered I won't lie. I was just so sad.
James and I decided to attend both funeral services. The first one was on the 14th in Dallas, Texas, where Mike and Chalyse live, and the next one would be in Tremonton, Utah on the 16th. James was in Baltimore that week so we both flew into and met in Dallas the afternoon of the 14th. Dallas was beautiful, their home is beautiful. And for what had just happened their countenances were bright. But that's the type of people they are. They are and always have been strong examples of saints. I'm truly blessed to call them my family.
The first service was beautiful. Ryan and Maria and their kids came down for this service as well. It was good to have them all there. The service included a talk by Chalyse's father Bob, a few musical numbers by the kids, and a talk by Michael. When the kids got up and sang I Am a Child of God it brought in such a sweet spirit. But James and I both felt the truthfulness of the gospel and of forever families when they sang Families Can Be Together Forever. Talmage sang loud and clear and it rang true in our hearts that the family is an eternal unit. It brought strength to my wavering faith. It helped me remember that just because fasting "didn't work" the Savior is there to lean on and we can get through anything with Him. We are given trials to help strengthen our faith. I'm grateful for a children's song and faithful singing children to help me remember that.
Michael's talk was beautiful. I hope to be able to type it up and share it. I have such a weak spot for Daddy/Daughter stories. I used a lot of tissues during his talk. :)
A meal was provided from their Relief Society and it was delicious. I even got to eat a sweet treat because it was Valentines Day :) And some laughs were shared as well; thanks Michael ;)
The next morning was an EARLY morning. Like, leave at 4am to go the airport kind of early. I was feeling for those that had to do that, which was everyone but me and the Beasley's. The Beasley's drove from Kansas and James was a designated driver for the people that had to go to the airport. He came back about an hour later and we got to get a little more time to rest. We left around 11ish to head off to our own flights and the Beasley's locked up the house.
We arrived in Tremonton around 6ish that night. Utah looked beautiful and again made me want to move there (even with all the snow). We came home to a beautiful sunset. I just had to shoot it. James willingly obliged and pulled over. I love sunsets.
The next day, the 16th, was the service in Utah. This time I was better composed. I had had my hope restored and my faith strengthened. I hope that others felt the same way. I did take pictures of Kate and others, she looked beautiful. The funeral home took such good care of her to make her look beautiful. Debra told me that the dress that Kate is wearing was Chalyse's, Elle's and Reece's blessing dress. And it hadn't yellowed at all. It must have been preserved for such a special little spirit :) When you look at her you can just tell she is a Hall. How lucky we were and are to have her apart of us.
In the Tremonton service, it was arranged similar, with a talk by Michael, songs by the children, a song by the brothers, and a talk by Kevin. Kevin's talk was really good. He had a "Family Home Evening" with us. He shared how Kate was a fighter, that she knew what was important - to gain a body. Her experience was shorter than ours but she was a valiant spirit and was born of goodly parents who will get to raise her again some day. She is a Celestial being and helps us be motivated to live righteously to be with her again. How lucky we are to have an angel among us.
Another sweet thing that happened was by Jessica - we were all bummed that Jessica was unable to make it out for the service but she did a very sweet thing and went to the temple on the 16th during the time of the funeral. A tender mercy is that at the time that she went, sister patrons were needed in the sealing area to seal daughters to parents. The Lord was truly watching over us and letting us all be apart of this experience in our own ways. Thanks Jessica :)
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| One of my favorite shots - its a generation photo, Mom with Daughter, Mom with Daughter. |
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| Putting on her bracelet |
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| "Kate" means "Pure" |
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| All the brothers and Talmage carried the casket. It was sweet to see. |
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| Balloon release. The weather was BEAUTIFUL that day. Another tender mercy among many. |
To Kate Cheree Hall - Feb. 8th-11th 2013. We love and miss you and are thankful that you are a part of our family.
