Time is such a precious commodity that we often forget its true value – especially when it comes to spending it with those we love most and whom we hold so dear. Time to share precious moments, to laugh and even cry together. Time to share one another’s successes and even failures in this life. Yes, time is such a precious commodity that we often forget its true value… until it’s gone.

Daughter, I am so grateful and blessed to have carried you in the closest place I could ever dream possible, next to my heart. To have experienced the ease of your birth into a world that would not truly understand—until this very moment—the impact that you would have on the lives of those that you would touch.  I am so grateful that God allowed me to be your mother, for the time he gave me to share this life with you; to love and nurture you, and as you grew older, to share so many meaningful and precious moments with you.

As I gathered all the pictures that reflect the culmination of your young life well lived, pushing past my tears, I cannot help but smile. In all of this, the one thing that is so very evident to me is that in spite of the pains we experienced together in this life, there was always “Love.” There was always “Joy” and a “Peace” which permeated from your very being that you allowed no one to extinguish.  This is the legacy you leave to all of us who loved you so very much, one of living and loving from a deep place of internal joy that I know only God can give. From the depths of my heart I long to have more time with you, but I know that you will live on in a place that can be no closer to me, and that place is in my heart.

Brittany Helene Hampton, I will always love you and the beautiful young woman you had become before God called you home. With great anticipation, I will wait to see you again in a place where it will always be hello and never goodbye. Until then my sweet angel, I will remember, that time is such a precious commodity that we often forget its true value. I will continue to live my life as you did, a life that is poured out and lived for today. A life that is full of love, and unselfishly caring for the needs of others. A life that is carefree and pushing beyond the limits of tomorrow. Rest in peace, my sweet Brittany.  I love you.

Mom (07/16/16)