Thank You Allison

Inspired by the day, granddaughter, Allison Combs, was born, already in the Father's arms. February 16, 1996.

In memory of Allison Ramona Combs who was stillborn on February 16, 1996 ...

Without ever seeing your first golden spring sunrise, you made us dream of tomorrow-
you made us see the future can and will be bright.
Without ever filling your new lungs with sweet air, you reminded us that life breathes
not in the ferocity of what we see in the evening news but in the love of our brothers
and sisters, mothers and fathers here.
Without ever etching your laugh forever deeply in our memories, you brought us to
know that the saddest of all in this life are the empty arms of a mother and father.
Without ever grasping our fingers with your tiny hand, you reached into our hearts
with the courage and strength and grace and beauty of your young mother.
Without ever sitting at the place at our table we have set for you since before we
knew you as Allison, you showed us the huge hearts and souls of your mom and
dad whose love for you was greater than all the risks, greater than all the pain,
greater than all the maladies and greater than all the sacrifices.

Thank You Allison

Paul Schlein