On Saturday, August 11, 2012, our family attended the FSMA Greater Florida chapter’s annual candle lighting ceremony. Each year, we come together on the second Saturday of August from all parts of Florida to pay tribute to those who we have lost to SMA and to honor those still fighting the disease. This year, the chapter took the ceremony to new heights by releasing Chinese fire lanterns into the night sky over Tampa Bay.
We watched in awe as the lanterns took flight, following each other one by one into the clouds. But, the last lantern, released by a little girl with Type 2 SMA, faltered. It swooped and dipped, travelling periously close to the waters below. The little girl cried, fearing her lantern was forever lost to the sea. Then, suddenly, it was bouyed up, as if given a helpful push. I took a picture at that moment, and here is what was captured:
- Orbs in the sky surrounding a fire lantern, which was released to honor and remember SMA angels
The orbs in this picture are not in any other that I took that night. They weren’t lights in the sky or reflections in the water. They weren’t visible to the naked eye. It’s as if our angels were there, surrounding that lantern and making it fly. Keeping alive the dreams of that one little girl and inspiring the rest of us to never give up hope. For me, it was a clear sign that our angels are always with us, helping us each step of the way as we continue their fight.
Earlier that night, I had read the following poem, by an unknown author, as part of our tribute. Little did I know at the time how close our angels really were.
You Are Not Alone
At the end of an evening
In the quiet of the night
By the glow of the candle
As it soothes with its light
Take a moment to remember
There are those high above
Who shall always protect you
And give you their love
As you dream
They dream too
As the light softly flickers
They bring comfort to you
That picture, knowing what it was, brought tears to my eyes. Before you, I’d never heard of SMA and I wish you’d never had to hear of it either. I admire you and your family so much for how you’ve taken your personal tragedy and turned it into a cause to be championed rather than something to hide away. Your angel and all the other SMA angels in attendance that night were celebrating life and knowledge with you all as surely as that fire lantern flew.
Audra this is beautiful! Thank you for sharing this with us!
Truly amazing! Thank you.