Juliana

Juliana died this morning.

These past few weeks she has been declining rapidly and she no longer had the strength to keep fighting. Juliana had TB and full-blown AIDS. She was born February 14, 2006 and died October 15, 2007. Her mother sold charcoal for a living before she died of malaria. Her father is absent and his whereabouts are unknown. She is survived by her Jaja (grandma), her young aunt, and two brothers.

Juliana came to Welcome Home 4 months ago. In that short amount of time she was able to win over the hearts of the workers and volunteers alike. She didn’t smile or laugh often, but when she did…she lit up the room. She loved being held, and she liked to swing sitting on someone’s lap.

I had the distinct pleasure of knowing and loving Juliana for this past month. In such a short amount of time she captured my heart. I loved how she would snuggle against my chest and fall asleep. I loved how she would watch me and study my face. I loved to swing with her and sing over her.

It’s been a difficult day to say the least. Esther (Welcome Home Administrator) and I along with one of the social workers went to notify the family this morning. There are no words for moments like that. All I could do was hold the aunt’s hand and cry right along with her. There was a meeting this afternoon to inform the mommies at the orphanage. Again, what words are there to say? I wept and grieved and mourned with the mommies.

Eventually there will be rejoicing. Eventually the mourning will turn into dancing, the sorrow will become joy, and the tears will be exchanged with kisses. Juliana knew that she was loved and cherished and that is what is most important. She is no longer struggling. There is no more pain. The season of joy will come, but now is the time for mourning. Now is the time to grieve. Now is the time to cry.