I prayed for my family. I prayed for YEARS, unbeknownst to them; for unity, for their growth, and ultimately for them to stop wandering the earth looking for what only HE can give. but I heard nothing. Finally, knowing full well what I was asking for, I turned to the Lord and said, "Lord, I need a miracle. It's been too long and nothing has happened; I need a miracle before it's too late." HE paused then said " you KNOW what that means don't you?!" I knew. I said I did and then thought what that meant; ultimately pain, for not only sunshine but also rain is needed for growth. HE said okay. About 3 months later my sister announced her pregnancy and I knew this was the miracle I was waiting for. I had always wished for my sister to have a baby because I knew ti would change her for the better and that somehow she NEEDED it. But I had no idea what was to come. The pregnancy did go how I had always envisioned it, my sister and I always together, and discussing her pregnancy; she kept to herself. Things changed however; when Sequoia arrived. When Bethany went into labor, I succumbed to being the errand girl, but she wanted me to stay. She said I couldn't leave. I stayed with her for 60 hours coaching the baby out of her, for she felt that she could not do it without me. When Sequioa was out I felt her eyes make a special connection with me that surprised me, she recognized me. At one point when I knew things were not right she squeezed my finger and looked me in the eye in a way that startled me, as if she were trying to tell me something. At the hospital we all prayed for her, prayed to heal her; but she held on for us, because she knew she was to leave. I said to God, " she suffers for our miracle, please grant her one as well." At first HE told me no; but when I pleaded HE agreed, under the condition that she choose the miracle. My heart sank. I knew this was somewhat of a trick; for since she was sent as an angel her heart was pure, and she would not choose a miracle for herself although I didn't know exactly what she would choose. Within seconds Arkus and my sister, everyone in the room exclaims they see God, and know HE is real. I knew this was her wish granted. I cried for her gift, and her loss. After some time I saw that she exerted much effort and suffered extreme pain just to remain with us, to comfort her mother. Seeing that they were blinded by sadness I stepped forward. I grabbed Sequoia's hand and told her. " We will love you no matter WHAT you decide or where you go. I know you are holding on for us, so I am letting you go, and letting you know that we will love you still... And she went We held her as she drifted off, and held her after she was gone, just to make sure. We will never forget you, never stop loving you, and will alway welcome you in any form Love, Your Tia