A year ago today - Aria MacDonald

A year ago today

20 Jun at 4:08 am by Anita MacDonald

A year ago today we say goodbye to our oldest daughter, Aria MacDonald.

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That day was terribly sad and terribly amazing as we experienced God’s love in a really powerful way.

Aria was such an amazing girl.  We asked so much of her and she delivered her best fight every time with courage and strength.  She never complained about her life which was very difficult.  Her sense of humour was a real hoot and her smile just filled our heart with joy.

On the 20th of June 2011 God decided that our time parenting Aria was over.  It hurts a lot still and there are many tears and hard days.

We are so grateful to our teams at Starship and UNMC for their hard work.  We miss them too actually, they are a part of our hearts always.

Our family went to the Zoo today and had a lovely time.  Again, God’s grace so heavy on us today that He could turn this day into something special.  We also had a nice family dinner and a time of prayer and singing.

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Thank you for your support and remembering of Aria too.

PS Sylvie’s biopsy came back all clear!  Good news, no hirschsprungs disease.

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41 Responses to “A year ago today”

  1. # 20 Jun at 4:15 am

    Alana. says:

    You guys are amazing! xx

  2. # 20 Jun at 4:17 am

    Mirren says:

    Thinking of you and praying for your family today. Was just reading 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 today, where it talks about not grieving as those who have no hope. We have a sure and certain hope of being raised up to be with the Lord Jesus when we die. Praise God- you will see Aria again! And praise Him for Sylvie’s biopsy results!

  3. # 20 Jun at 4:17 am

    Sharon says:

    Awesome news about Sylvie’s biopsy…. Praying for you today especially as you face another milestone of Aria’s life, but also knowing that she is pain free and watching over you all. May God comfort you in your times of sorrow as you continue to miss your precious Angel. God bless you all <3

  4. # 20 Jun at 4:22 am

    Sharon says:

    Awesome news about Sylvie’s biopsy!!!
    May God continue to comfort you as face each new day without Aria <3
    You are an inspiration to so many and God bless you all, today and always

  5. # 20 Jun at 4:22 am

    Grandad David says:

    A mixture of sad emotions and relief. I don’t know what else to say other than I love you Anita.

  6. # 20 Jun at 5:03 am

    Jo says:

    I am remembering all the hearts Aria affected, and how your blogs spoke of the Lord’s amazing love, faithfulness, etc, despite some incredibly hard times. I don’t know how you were able to share those blogs in the raw times but I am glad you did because I prayed and thought of you all often, even though I hadn’t met you.

    I have been praying for Sylvie’s biopsy. What awesome news.

    Blessings to you guys on this special day. Jo

  7. # 20 Jun at 5:32 am

    fiona says:

    Thanks so much for keeping us in the loop- what a difficult and amazing journey you have been travelling- and it is a real privilege to be a tiny part of it. Bless you guys- you are all very loved- and Aria will forever be remembered by so many

  8. # 20 Jun at 8:21 am

    Marybeth Weber says:

    <3 My heart goes out to you all

  9. # 20 Jun at 11:18 am

    Anne says:

    Hi guys –
    I can’t believe it has been a year already! I think of your family quite often still – probably because my son Joshua (age 5 tomorrow!) also has HD. We learned a lot from your blog, and found a lot of strength in your faith in God. We’re pleased to hear that Sylvie’s tests came back all clear – thats great news! I can’t imagine the heartbreak of loosing a child – and I don’t know what to say, other than this:
    thank you for sharing your journey with us, and for helping us to remember God’s love! I look forward to future posts —
    Sincerely,
    Anne W.

  10. # 20 Jun at 1:19 pm

    Kiwi Hannah says:

    What a beautiful photo of wee Aria. Thank you for sharing your lives with us and the wonderful news about Sylvie. God bless you all.

  11. # 20 Jun at 2:39 pm

    Natalie says:

    what a totally inspiring couple you guys are – its so lovely to see a couple of such devoted parents — parenting is the MOST important job in the world and you two are a fine example of what we should all aspired to — Prayers for you at this time xx

  12. # 20 Jun at 3:35 pm

    Lena says:

    Rejoicing the negative results!!!!
    A year has flown by so quickly and it will have had it’s ups and downs. As a family you have pulled through, cried together and played together. I have no doubt that Aria is never far from you and is watching over you all. I’ll bet she partied when Sylvie’s results came in!
    Hugs for all and lots of prayers.

  13. # 20 Jun at 3:58 pm

    Laura says:

    Thnking of you guys and Aria always!! So glad to hear that Sylvie’s results came back clear!

    xoxo

  14. # 20 Jun at 4:33 pm

    Joanne says:

    Thank you so much for sharing your amazing journey.

  15. # 20 Jun at 5:42 pm

    Jen says:

    Often think of you
    yes thanks for keeping your blog going

    and what wonderful news about Sylvie 🙂

    HUGS

  16. # 20 Jun at 10:15 pm

    Nikki says:

    Great news. Am remembering Aria. x

  17. # 20 Jun at 11:07 pm

    Angela Robinson says:

    Thanks so much for sharing these times with us Anita, I only met Aria the one time at Josie’s and Yet still think of her on a very regular basis, she really did touch my heart. What a beautiful family photo, what a perfect way to spend this day in History for you. Fabulous news about Sylvie, along with you my heart can rest knowing this. you are all often in my thoughts

  18. # 20 Jun at 11:07 pm

    Christine Blake says:

    Thinking of you. xx

  19. # 20 Jun at 11:10 pm

    Paul says:

    Wow! A year already. Aria certainly was an amazing little girl and I’m sure you’ll miss her always. She certainly was an inspiration to us all.

  20. # 20 Jun at 11:18 pm

    Lyaine says:

    Wow fantastic news about Sylvie. I too find hard to believe that a year has already passed since Miss Aria went to be with Jesus.
    God bless you all. I think of you often. Thankyou for keeping the blog opened. God has certainly used you and isn’t finished with you yet. God Bless you all again.

  21. # 20 Jun at 11:26 pm

    Cousins Kathleen & Anita says:

    Those significant words “our oldest daughter” put God’s bountiful love and grace in perfect perspective. May he endow you with His wisdom as you parent Asher and Sylvie for His honour and glory. God bless those two treasures lent to you!

  22. # 20 Jun at 11:43 pm

    Tiffany Keller says:

    I’m sure today had been extremely hard for you, but I know that Aria is your guardian angel and she’s looking out for you now. I am so happy that Sylvie’s biopsy turned out great! God Bless!

  23. # 21 Jun at 12:14 am

    Jeannie Overall says:

    Thank you for the beautiful family photo and for sharing your special day with us; your journey, your feelings, and your memories. Great news about wee Sylvie! Praise God! You have delightful children; it is such a happy photo! God bless you all in all things.

  24. # 21 Jun at 12:33 am

    Fiona McNair says:

    Can’t believe a year has gone by how amazing. Beautiful family photo and you are looking so nice and trim must be all that baby walking!! Go well and take good care of your selves, lovely to see your post on here again.

  25. # 21 Jun at 1:00 am

    Moya. says:

    Rock On Luvly family. Just remember the good times. Luv M x
    Please PM me your address via email or FB with your address – I think you are in Papakura? Still got to catch up with Christine too. Living in a maze of boxes here in Drury (Rhymes with Fury) & will be moving more central in Papakura. M x

  26. # 21 Jun at 1:29 am

    Bland family says:

    Though we have never met, I love you guys. I think of you so often, and of Aria. It’s very kind of you to keep the blog going as so many people including myself wonder how you are both doing. Love the photo of you all at the zoo. May you know nothing but peace from this day forward; may the road ahead full of nothing but blessings for you all. God Bless You xx

  27. # 21 Jun at 2:28 am

    Rod & Margaret says:

    Thank you so much for sharing with us and allowing us to be a part of your journey. It’s hard to believe a year has gone by since your precious Aria went to be with the Lord. Wonderful to hear Sylvie’s biopsy came back clear – awesome news – thank you Lord! You are amazing parents and know that you are thought of and loved by so many xx

  28. # 21 Jun at 2:36 am

    lisa says:

    Aria stole my heart and will never be forgotten. She touched such an amazing number of people in her life. A special angel. Lovely photos of her and all of you. Fantastic news about Sylvie. Take care. Love always. God Bless xxx

  29. # 21 Jun at 3:28 am

    Peter Thies says:

    Thank you for giving us this update. We continue to mourn with you and pray for God’s comfort for your family as you continue to miss dear Aria every day. We are so glad for Sylvie’s good health! Continue to treasure each other.

  30. # 21 Jun at 6:11 am

    Kerryn says:

    Thanks for sharing, Anita and Hamish. I can’t possibly imagine how hard this must be for you…

  31. # 21 Jun at 7:05 am

    Cary Farrington says:

    Praise God from Whom all blessings flow.

  32. # 21 Jun at 7:14 am

    joyce says:

    Thanks so much for keeping us up to date.Your family has touched so many lives persoally. I can never express what it did for me to see your strength and faith daily. Aria was such an amazing example of what God can can do if we just trust him. She is in such a good place with no more pain.
    Prayers for your family

  33. # 21 Jun at 2:37 pm

    Nigel Burrell says:

    So glad to learn that Sylvie checked out fine :o) As ever, I am sending best wishes your way from the East of England, and thinking of you all as you mark one year since precious Aria flew free from her earthly chains.

    Nigel xxx

  34. # 21 Jun at 2:38 pm

    Nigel Burrell says:

    Smiley should have been 🙂 in previous post! 😉

  35. # 21 Jun at 3:31 pm

    charleen says:

    It’s hard to believe it was a year ago that precious Aria received full healing from our heavenly father, and earned her angel wings. She was a beautiful & courageous wee girl. Praise God for the beautiful gift of Sylvie, and praise God for negative test results.

  36. # 21 Jun at 4:43 pm

    Steph VG says:

    You guys are such an amazing testimony and example to us all. Sending you lots of love and hugs. xxxx

  37. # 21 Jun at 6:29 pm

    Kylee Black says:

    continue to lift you up in thought and prayer! Sending love your way! Love Kylee xoxo

  38. # 4 Jan at 2:56 am

    Jen Cato says:

    I don’t know how I missed this post… <3 I've been thinking of you guys often. You're always in my thoughts and I'm so glad that Sylvie's test results came back wonderfully! Prayers always and lots and lots of love…. XOXO <3

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  41. # 31 Aug at 2:07 am

    Kiwimate says:

    Such a brave girl. An inspiration indeed.

    Our team salutes this cute girl.
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