Because I Knew You

By Kellie Soper 

I love musicals. I mean really, really love them. The first musical I ever saw was Annie. I think I was 5 or 6. I left a little upset that I didn't get to live in an orphanage and sing and dance while I did my chores. I may or may not have reenacted "It's a Hard Knocks Life" every single time I had to mop the floor - what can I say...I guess I was a little dramatic at times. ;-)

Whenever I need a little pick me up I watch Annie (the original, of course). And when I have a rare moment in the car by myself, it's almost a guarantee I will be belting out show tunes from Rent or Wicked. I always think about what my "soundtrack" would be. 

Several weeks ago, I started rising before the sun to get a bike ride in. Sounds crazy, but in the desert heat, it's the best time to go. The stillness of our city is amazing at that time. 

On my ride home, as the sun was rising, this song came on my iPod. While the song is about two friends, listening to the lyrics, I couldn't help but think of Lily and how she has changed my life. 

Lyrics from For Good

"I've heard it said,
That people come into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn.
And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow if we let them.
And we help them in return.
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you."

"It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime.
So, let me say before we part:
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you.
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart.
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have rewritten mine
By being my friend."

"Who can say if I've been changed for the better
But because I knew you,
I have been changed for good."

My dear sweet Lily, thank you. Thank you for making me the person I am today.You have rewritten my story by being my daughter and I am forever grateful for that gift. You are a handprint on my heart, never far from my mind. I do believe I have been changed for the better. And because I knew you...I have been changed for good. 

~ ~ ~

Kellie Soper lives in Arizona and is wife to her amazing husband, Jason. Together they have two beautiful children, one on earth and one sweet, perfect soul in Heaven. Ted is a wild, silly, and rambunctious toddler. Their sweet Lily Frances was born sleeping on November 12, 2014. They learned at their 18 week ultrasound that Lily had a fatal neural tubal defect the doctors said was "incompatible with life." Kellie and Jason both knew Lily was not a "decision", but their precious daughter and they believe her life was of value, no matter what. She carried Lily with love for 42 weeks and 2 days. They miss her every single day, but are grateful for the honor and privilege of being her parents. You can read more about their family on Kellie's blog, Life and Love.