Averie: a Princess and an Angel

It is a really sad time for some dear friends of ours. Today is the day they bury their teenage daughter, Averie, whose life ended last week. She was a true princess.

Why is this relevant to With an Open Heart, you wonder?

I've meant to post about this particular family for a long, long time. Jimmy worked with Averie's father, Tim, for several years at John Deere Landscapes. They became very close friends in time. And when Daniel was in the hospital, this family decided to become an anonymous group of princesses who sent large, gift-filled boxes to Madi in an effort to boost her spirits.

Well, the tradition then continued after Daniel went to Heaven. For each holiday, and sometimes in between, Madi received these great big boxes filled with her favorite snacks, candies, and some toys in the mix. It was so heartwarming to see her face light up when we excitedly announced the arrival of a package from the princesses. She'd grin from ear to ear as she ripped apart the wrapping paper for each item.

Averie was one of those princesses. Her generosity, along with her Mom, Dad, and sister, gave Madi--and our family--so much joy during such a tough, tough time.

And then Charlie came home. He even benefited from their gracious act of kindness, too! These princesses stopped at nothing to keep their sweet tradition going.

This amazing young lady even went on to start her own charity called Nickels for Nutrition.  

Last week, we received word that Averie had gone to Heaven. We'd known she had struggles, as many teens do in the troubled times of our modern world. Can you even imagine the anguish that her parents and sister (and everyone else in her life) must be suffering? My heart bleeds for them, and for Averie. 

Thank God for the unconditional love of our merciful Father! He understands her pain and sadness. I feel certain that Jesus is hugging Averie tightly and holding her close right now.

Tonight is the service to celebrate Princess Averie's life. I was informed, by our religion teacher at St. Vincent's, that today is the Feast of the Guardian Angels, and I found this online:

"Perhaps no aspect of Catholic piety is as comforting to parents as the belief that an angel protects their little ones from dangers real and imagined. Yet guardian angels are not only for children. Their role is to represent individuals before God, to watch over them always, to aid their prayer and to present their souls to God at death. 

The concept of an angel assigned to guide and nurture each human being is a development of Catholic doctrine and piety based on Scripture but not directly drawn from it. Jesus' words in Matthew 18:10 best support the belief: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father."

I pray that Averie will now look after her family as their guardian angel. May the mere thought of that give them even an ounce of comfort during this difficult time, and may God our Father wrap them in His divine embrace.

Won't you please, please pray for Averie's soul and for the peace and comfort of her family? You can read about her funeral services here. And if you'd like to contribute, in Averie's memory, to her Nickels for Nutrition charity, donations may be mailed to: Nickels for Nutrition, Regions Bank, Attn: Tracy Patino, 7950 Airport Road, North, Naples, FL 34109.

Though I never had a chance to meet you here on earth, Averie, our family will always remember you as one of our special princesses with a generous and open heart, and now you are an angel, too. May your wings spread as wide in Heaven as they did on Earth.

Rest in peace, sweet child.