Inspired By Grace

Usually, I try to write with optimism and am moved by inspiration. Today, I write with tears streaming down my face. I am in mourning…mourning for the little girl known as “Baby Grace.” Her real name is Riley, and she was beaten to death for not saying “please.” She was two. My beautiful little two-year-old Faith sits on my lap as I watch the news. I hold her tighter; I kiss her longer; I breathe in the fruity smell of her baby shampoo. I can not imagine life without her.

Baby Grace looks like Faith, with the exception that Faith has brown eyes. It is a reminder to me of how blessed we are to have a few precious moments to experience the wonder and innocence of childhood, and how quickly and tragically that innocence can be taken away. My heart breaks with the pain that Riley must have gone through, the confusion of having a parent break the sacred bond of trust and then steal her life. Forgiveness is a virtue…and often a tough virtue to swallow.

I truly hope God, in His amazing grace, shows more forgiveness to the two people - who should have cherished the precious gift of Riley - than they showed her. I know that their hypocrisy and cruelty will haunt me. Inspired by Grace, I vow to appreciate and treasure my children even more. Please vow to do the same.