The following was written and presented by Faith’s big sister Abigail at her funeral mass today. No further words are needed:

Eight years ago on November 2nd a little princess was born. The name Faith only seemed fitting because we as a family trusted in God’s plan for her and our family.Before we knew she was a girl we had a bet going. Jon wanted a boy of course, Jess wanted a girl and I wanted a potato with carrots for arms and legs, where that idea came from I have no idea. We surely did get the world’s cutest little princess and we sure did get a potato. It’s funny how it worked out that Faith’s favorite food would be chips and french fries and she would be the second best couch potato, next to dad. Faith was lucky she was born a healthy little baby with something special that couldn’t be fixed, Down Syndrome. Faith required some extra help like physical therapy and speech but she was quick to learn and overcome her obstacles and challenges. Faith grew up to be a cute little girl with her own obvious likes and dislikes with subtle influences from her siblings. Faith liked going to see trains with Jon and dad but she also liked playing basketball with Jessie. I taught her all about makeup, nothing about hair though, and she even knew the names of things and exactly how to use them. She loved to do what her brother and sisters did. Faith though had her own distinct likings as well. The greatest would probably be swimming in big pools or at hotels. She also loved Spongebob and Toy Story or Toys as she would call it. Her Woody doll was her best friend and stayed by her side everyday. Faith’s favorite vacation we went on was back in November when we went to the Great Escape Lodge in NY. There was a lazy river that Faith spent most of the trip floating around in,swimming under the waterfalls and pushing us along in the floating tubes. Everyday after she would mention that weekend and sometimes we would catch her with a laundry basket filled with pajamas, socks and bathing suits and empty dresser drawers next to it because she was packing to go on another vacation. She loved to play tricks on people. Sometimes I would go to give her a hug and I’d feel her reaching in my back pocket to grab my phone or when dad was busy she would grab his phone and play with it. Just the other day mom was looking through her closet and found at the very back a hairbrush that we were sure was long gone, nope Faith hid it to avoid the oh so dreaded hair brushing. She also was quite the talented Chapstick thief: when you eventually got it back it wasn’t something you wanted. She loved to play games like hide and seek, although she wasn’t great at hiding: she loved to yell out “I’m here” when you were looking for her. Faith was also a great helper and she loved to do anything you asked her and she did it willing with a smile on her face. Faith had a special heart that touched anyone that met her. There’s no mistaking she was like her brother and made friends with anyone and everyone she met. Faith was a strong fighter who had quite the punch. Faith was very close to me and my very best friend. She was my little princess and my inspiration to want to become a special ed teacher. Faith taught us so much while she was here and the memories we made will certainly last and be remembered forever. She had an important mission and purpose what it was exactly I’m not sure but if it was to spread love and happiness she most certainly did. Although it’s hard not having her here everyday I know she is much happier in heaven and helping to serve a very important plan.

I Do Not Think My Song Will End

I do not think my song will end
While flowers, grass and trees
Abound with birds and butterflies
For I am one with these.

And I believe my voice will sound
Upon the whispering wind
So long as even one remains
Among those I call “friend.”

I shall remain in hearts and minds
Of loved ones that I knew,
And in the rocks and hills and streams
Because I love those, too.

So long as love and hope and dreams
Abide in earth and sky,
Weep not for me, though I be gone.
I shall not really die.

–Johnny Hathcock