Readings from Juliet's Memorial Service

This morning I asked Juliet to send me a little of her strength and courage to get me through the day. For once, she did as I asked and got me through the memorial service and reception following. It was so touching to see the number of people that crowded in the chapel for the standing-room only service. There were at least 275 people who came to show their love for Juliet and our family. Thanks to each of you who came to give us hugs, share your words of sorrow, and show your respect to Juliet. Special thanks to Rev. Sharon, Adam, Shannan, and Shannon who spoke so beautifully about Juliet and gave the readings that meant so much. It was a beautiful ceremony for a beautiful little girl.

For those of you who were unable to make it to today's service, here are the three readings that were presented. I am trying to post the slide show and Chris' reading, as well - but that will be in a separate post.

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an adaptation from John 14 - read by Adam Pequignot (Juliet's uncle and godfather)

Let not your hearts be troubled;
believe in God,
believe also in me.
In my Father's house are many rooms;
if it were not so,
would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
And when I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and take you to myself,
that where I am you may be also.
I will not leave you desolate;
I will come to you.

Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more,
but you will see me;
because I live, you will live also.
These things I have spoken to you,
while I am still with you.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit,
whom the Father will send in my name,
will teach you all things,
and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.
Peace I leave with you;
not as the world gives do I give to you.
Let not your hearts be troubled,
neither let them be afraid.

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A brief history of Juliet Grace by the numbers - read by Shannan Hoelle (Juliet's godmother)

25 minutes by helicopter to Norfolk from the Outer Banks

30 minutes after liftoff Juliet Grace Smith was born

1 lb 14 oz and 13 inches at birth

4 of 7 babies named “Smith” including Juliet in CHKD NICU pod D (and no, it was not done alphabetically)

100 percent of Juliet’s arm around which daddy could slide his wedding band in first days of life

2,800 miles driven collectively by mom and dad between Norfolk and Arlington

40 minutes sister Mackenzie spent crying in daddy’s car after leaving mommy in Norfolk

3 am marked daddy’s departure from Norfolk to get to Reston by 6 on Monday mornings for work

2 helicopter rides

3 intensive care units

2 very tiny titanium heart clips

5 chest tubes

3 different belly button shapes (as re-figured following each abdominal surgery)

16 Arlington Strikers who said “Run for yourself, Run for your mates, and Run for Juliet Grace”

8 attending physicians, 5 nurse practitioners, and 9 primary nurses

28 6^th graders at St. Teresa’s in Prince William County who kept her in their prayers

1,500 oz of frozen breast milk

7 freezers throughout Arlington that were used to store that milk

3 phone calls in the middle of the night

130 x-rays taken

15 different antibiotics administered

150 times her father asked “How much did she pee?”

17 times she faced the surgeon’s scalpel

31 centimeters of small intestine removed

14 times Addison sang “Daisy, Daisy” by her bedside

9 over-stuffed three-inch binders of medical records

7 lb 1 oz on her 6 month birthday

97 posts to julietgracesmith.blogspot.com

As of this morning, 51, 039 views to the blog…from 10 different countries

186 days on earth

1 special little girl

Countless people inspired by her life

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read by Shannon Wells - representing Juliet's nurses

"I’m only a small child, not much do I know.
God holds onto my hand as I look down below.
I’m here with the Father in the most beautiful place
yet I can’t feel much joy when I see your sad face.

...Your heart has been broken, I can see from up here
as you struggle along and you wipe every tear.
If I only had words I could send you today
that would tell you I’m home and I’m really okay.

Heaven is beautiful with sparkles and white wings,
and the angels are teaching me so many things.
I’ll grow and mature in this Heavenly land
while holding on tightly to my Father’s soft hand.

Then one day you’ll join me in this home in the skies.
Our joy will be full with no more goodbye’s.
So don’t grieve for me now but find peace in your soul,
and know God has finally made your little one whole.

Now, even if you can’t seem to understand why,
please know in your heart that our love didn’t die.
He tells me that just for a time we must wait
and then I can meet you at Heaven’s front gate!"