"I can't even tell you how I felt because I was just in utter shock and disbelief. We just looked at each other trying to take it in," Sammi recalls.
"I couldn't put her through that. I couldn't watch her suffer any more to save our own pain and grief," Sammi says.RELATED: A terminally ill little girl chooses Heaven over the hospital And so, Sammi and Andy made the decision to take their little girl home to enjoy each day left as a blessing. The hospital staff applauded their bravery. But Sammi says,
"We didn't feel brave, we felt utterly broken. But we felt sure we were doing the right thing."[rsnippet id="2"] Heartbroken over the precious time they'd already lost after spending weeks at the hospital, the devastated couple took their baby girl home and explained to her brothers that soon, she'd be going home to Heaven, where she'd become a star in the sky.
"My oldest son told me he had know all along that Poppy-Mai would become a star in heaven. But my youngest said that maybe the other stars would fix her so she could come home again," Sammi says. "He cannot accept his cheeky little sister who makes him pretend cups of tea and steals his toy cars is dying."
And though it's never too late for a miracle, Poppy-Mai's parents prepared for the worst.
Andy knew he had only a short amount of time to make good on the promise he'd made when his little girl was born.
"From the moment we found out Poppy-Mai was a girl I’ve said she’d have the wedding of her dreams one day. I never ever thought it would be like this," says the heartbroken dad.
The family returned home, and with help from Andy's Royal Air Force colleagues, a function room was decked out with ribbons and balloons. Everyone who was involved did all they could to make the special day unforgettable -- both for Poppy-Mai and her parents.
The precious little girl was dressed in her cousin's christening gown. She made a grand entrance and was escorted down the aisle by her mom and two brothers.
It was a beautiful affair, but the cheery decorations couldn't mask the tragic circumstances behind the event.
"She looked so beautiful. But nobody could say the vows that had been written because everyone was crying too much," Sammi says.
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Poppy-Mai managed to stay awake for the ceremony, and then drifted off to sleep in the arms of her hero -- her dad.
Support, prayers and encouragement have poured in from all over, and one stranger was so touched, she drove hundreds of miles to offer her help to the family in person.
"We are humbled and moved by the response and it has given us strength to know so many have taken Poppi-Mai into their hearts and lives. Of course we have always known how special she is, but it has touched us deeply that others can see that too," says Sammi.
Since the wedding, Poppy-Mai's family is soaking in every blessed moment they are given with the sweet girl. And Sammi is finding purpose amidst the terrible grief, saying:
"My wish is for greater awareness in Poppy-Mai's name. I gave birth to an angel and soon she will become one. The pain is indescribable but in talking about this other parents might be spared from losing a child. I want people to remember Poppy-Mai, remember the symptoms and know my daughter will have helped to save other lives."
“For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.” Lamentations 3:31-33
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h/t: Little Things