McKenzie's funeral

[shelly304]

We attended the funeral today for McKenzie. Over two hundred people came to show their love for this family. They had a wonderful video duing the service that started with her parents in a picture holding a positive pregnancy test with big grins on their faces! The video went all through the pregnancy, newborn pics from the hospital nursery, toddler years to just two weeks ago. The friend that put this together did such a heartfelt job. McKenzie loved sunflowers. Everyone was given one upon entering the church. Her little friends all wore staw hats with sunflowers and read from the bible. Many of the nurses and doctors who took care of her in the last year came to the service. For those of you who work in pediatric oncology...I salute you. I personally know I do not have the strength to do this on a daily basis.

The graveside service was short and simple. Her parents thanked everyone for being a part of McKenzie's life. They even had her dogs at the service!

At the conclusion we all walked by the casket and layed sunflowers on it.

Then butterflies were released. It was an incredible celebration of her short life.

Thanks to everyone who wrote such nice things when I posted about the death of McKenzie on thursday. This family appreciates your prayers and thoughts more than you know. And this member of allnurses is proud to be a part of such a caring group of people. What wonderful hearts you all have.:heartbeat:redpinkhe:heartbeat

shelly

[tencat]

((((McKenzie, her parents, and doggies :redpinkhe)))

[shelly304]

I spent time with Mckenzie's parents today. We read many of the cards

that have been given in honor of her and I told them I had let my nursing community at allnurses share in the life and death of Mckenzie.

They asked me to go on-line so they could read all of the wonderful posts. Well they were blown away! Mckenzie's dad said he knew the nurses who had taken care of her were angels, but now he knew for sure that nurses are special people and angels in their own right.

Please know how very touched they are that perfect strangers, from all over the U.S. and the U.K., took time to write something special about their daughter. They asked me to say "God bless each one of you, and thank you for the tributes to McKenzie."

shelly:heartbeat

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

I hope McKenzie has fun with the angels. Such a beautiful full life no matter the length.

[student456]

im sitting at my computer desk crying right now tears down my face . sounds like a beautiful funeral for a beautiful little girl

[MrsMommaRN]

what a beautiful celebration of mckenzies life.

[becembrie]

Shelly, thank you for your post telling us about McKenzie's service. I read about her passing earlier and have been thinking about her family and friends. Her parents sound so strong. I can only imagine their pain with this loss. I hope that their beautiful memories of her help carry them through this difficult time.

I am returning to Pediatric oncology next month after 16 years away to raise my own little girls. I am looking forward to it, but know how difficult it will be. I am sure I will think of McKenzie and her family often as I return to my passion.

Thank you again, and I am so sorry for your loss and pain.:heartbeat

Karen

[MEME123]

My sympathy and my prayers go to McKenzie's family. May GOD bless them and keep them. McKenzie is free from sickness and with the angels, forever in God's loving care.

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

rest in peace sweet little mckenzie :heartbeat

[SDS_RN, RN]

Shelly,

I'm so sorry for you and your friends loss it's unbearable to think about. My heart is just breaking & tears are rolling down my face reading this. Try to take comfort in knowing that she is with God now and she will always be looking down upon you all. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God bless you and your friends.