Lillian Faye Staggs
December 8, 2004 - February 6, 2008

My daughter, Lillian Faye Staggs, was born on December 8, 2004 at 8:12 a.m. What I will remember about that day is the anticipation I felt as I lay down to sleep that night. I felt as though I couldn't wait to see our baby and wanted her with us right then. The weather was rather cold and wet. We got to the hospital and checked in. Family and well-wishers dropped by to see us. Our Lilly was preordained to be given to us . As I sit here, writing this, I know that.

During delivery, as I watched my love come into this world, I knew she was something entirely wonderful. She fought hard for her breath, and, when she found it, there were no shrieking cries. What she mustered, while a barely audible whimper, was like the sound of a thousand trumpets of angels to my wife and me. The doctor worked on her for what seemed to be ages. When they finally let us kiss her and my lips touched her tiny head, I knew my life would never be the same.

I am convinced that my daughter is an angel. Just as our Lord Jesus was sent to save mankind from sin, Lilly had come to us to teach us about love, compassion, and kindness. She is the littlest teacher in the world. She taught me more about our existence and spirit in three days than I had learned in 28 years. She is a teacher, and her lesson is heard well.

Jimmie Staggs