Amelia Marie Rice blessed us with her presence on June 6, 2005. From the moment she was born she had us wrapped around her tiny fingers. She captivated everyone she met with her big blue eyes and her contagious laughter. To hear it would brighten even the darkest day. Amelia had the purest of hearts and was our greatest joy. She was truly the sweetest girl who could melt even the hardest of hearts. Do not be fooled, Amelia also had a feisty side! She could be a troublemaker when she wanted and lived by the creed of “Don’t tell ME what to do!” But that spunk was just another reason we loved her. She maintained that spunky attitude throughout the progression of her disease and it was our way of knowing that Amelia was still Amelia.
Although she was nonverbal, she found ways to communicate with us. People have asked how we knew what she needed, or how she was feeling, and we simply told them that Amelia would find a way to tell us! All you had to do was pay attention. Just because she couldn’t talk didn’t mean she had nothing to say.
Amelia loved music, especially Blue’s Clues and the Wiggles. She loved bouncing on beds and most of the time that is what she enjoyed doing the most, even on family vacations. She loved her sippy cup and teasing her brother. If objects weren’t nailed down, she would grab anything she could get her hands on and chew on it or throw it! We learned this lesson the hard way.
Our Earthly angel gained her wings at 7:59AM on June 5, 2021, one day before her 16th birthday in true Amelia style. Amelia did things how she wanted and when she wanted.
The world lost a beautiful soul the day God took her home, but we take comfort in knowing that she is free and perfect in the arms of her Heavenly Father. And we know that one day she will be there to welcome each one of us. This life is temporary, but we will be together for eternity.
Amelia taught us so many lessons in her short 15 years, too many to list. Most importantly she taught us what true, unconditional love feels like. To be near her was to know God and feel His love. She taught us that patience is a virtue and to take the time to slow down and smell the roses. That every day was a gift, and miracles are miracles, no matter how small. She brought so many of us together through our immense love for her. She taught us to be strong even in our weakest moments. She is a hero to many, just by being her sweet self. Amelia was the bravest, most courageous of souls and though she endured so much pain, she stayed happy. She taught the world so much more than we could ever teach her.
We were so incredibly lucky to have been entrusted with such a beautiful soul, and we will gladly bear the pain of losing her because for a brief time, we got to have one of God’s angels here on Earth. So fly high sweet Amelia Bedelia, we love you forever!!
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