hosanna in the highest

March 22. The anniversary of my daughter’s death. Has it really been 3 years since my daughter died? Three years ago, the day before Easter, I was sitting in the front row at a funeral, the funeral of my daughter. Now three years later, it seems like a distant nightmare. I go to the cemetery and think, have I really buried a child? Is she really gone? Was she ever here? The answers to those questions are yes.

This year, I am thankful that the 22nd of March also falls during Easter week. This year I won’t have to grieve twice and for that I am glad. When Abby died it was the Tuesday before Easter so her death is so tied up with holy week that no matter when March 22nd is in relation to Easter, the Tuesday after Palm Sunday will always seem like her heaven date.

I remember Abby singing “holy holy holy Lord.” That was the only line of the song she knew so she kept repeating it until we got to the hosanna part–then she would keep singing hosanna. I’m glad we sing it every week at church. To me, it was Abby’s song, is still Abby’s song. She is still singing holy holy holy Lord every single day, I’m sure.

holy holy holy Lord
God of power and might
heaven and earth are full of your glory
hosanna in the highest
hosanna in the highest
blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord
hosanna in the highest
hosanna in the highest

This year the anniversary of her death is sandwiched between Good Friday and Easter.

He is risen.
He is risen indeed.

So thankful that I serve a risen Saviour.
So thankful that my sweet baby girl is with Him.
So thankful that I will spend eternity in heaven.