Scott Sumpter writing.  Hope this finds you well.

We still think of our daughter, Kayla Denise, but now that the anniversary of her birthday is past (she would have been six on August 17), it isn't so hard.  We can go on with our lives.

Then you have the holidays coming up.  We try not to think about that, but inevitably, they will be here.  Until then, we will take it one day at a time.

We sill miss her very much, especially on August 17 (which has passed, thank God!) or on holidays like the Fourth of July (also past), Thanksgiving, or Christmas.

Kayla died from complications resulting from being born with severe brain damage.  She was diagnosed with having CP when she was nearly one year old.  She required care twenty-four hours a day.  If Janna (my wife) or I couldn't care for her (due to the demands of caring for our other children or my job), then Margaret, my mother, would stop in, giving us both a well-needed break.

Margaret was an angel.  Still is.  I don't know what we would have done without her.

I know the other chldren (Reaux, Riley, and Ryder) have plenty of questions about the sister they never met or heard about in conversations or only saw her picture.  Janna or I try to answer their questions as best and as honestly as we can.  It isn't easy at times.  

I am sure they wonder why their sister was the way she was: why she was in a wheelchair, why she couldn't walk, why she couldn't do anything for herself.  I am sure it makes them sad to know that their sister wasn't like them.  I know it makes Janna or myself sad as we remember our daughter.  (She would have been their oldest sister had Kayla lived.)

I'm just thankful that God allowed us to have more children.  More than that, I'm just thankful that He allowed them to be born without any defect or disability: Reaux, Ryder, and Riley shine with good health, which is a huge answer to prayer.

Riley, Ryder, and Reaux allow us to temporarily forget our sadness as we take care of them and shower them with lots of love and/or attention.  They are four, three, and two, but all have proved to be very smart little kids who are discovering what life has to offer.  They are all adventurous little spirits who brighten our world.  Life is never boring without Riley, Ryder, or Reaux around!

Well, I have to go to work, so I will put this to bed.  I just pray that God blesses my children abundantly, and I pray that we can get through the upcoming holiday season as we will probably think more about Kayla during these times.  I would greatly appreciate any (and all) of your prayers!  Thanks in advance!

~Scott.