I have just returned home from Hannah's funeral, the impact of this little one's death on our community was plain to see, the church was packed, we used every possible extension, and the choir had to squash up on the balcony in order to make room for the many who wanted to be their for the family. The Primary School closed for the afternoon to allow teachers the chance to say goodbye, and although everyone wore the requested bright colours there was not a dry eye in the place, even the usually stoic undertakers were moved.
We did celebrate Hannah's life, each person that spoke during the service shared something to smile about, Hannah's headmaster was visibly shaken by the loss of such a young, and much loved pupil. Lucie, her sister led us in singing Twinkle twinkle little star, and her grandfather read a poem he had written.
Hannah's message to us: Jesus loves me, written in red felt pen, and signed Hannah, showed us strength of faith this little one had, so many people remarked after the service that they had been challenged to re-evalutate life, to reconsider their priorities, for families are important, and love is important and things aren't.
I will always remember a joyful vibrant little girl who was always one of the first to join in with a joke, who sang her way through life with all its ups and downs, and who believed in prayer.
It has been a hard day...
Please pray for Hannah's family, and for all of those who have been touched by this special little girl.
