Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Hannah's Heart. . .



 "When angels visit us, we do not hear the rustle of wings, nor feel the feathery touch of the breast of a dove; but we know their presence by the love they create in our hearts. "



 Hannah Isabelle Covington
March 13, 2007 ~ November 26, 2008


Hannah Covington was a beautiful little girl,  with a sweet smile, a head full of blond curls, sparkling blue eyes, and a smile that could melt your heart in a minute. . . Hannah's life was cut short almost two years ago at the hands of a daycare provider. . . doctors and medical experts determined it was shaken baby syndrome.

Her mother, Diana, married my son last May, so I never had the opportunity to know this beautiful child.  I feel like I know Hannah through the many wonderful stories I've been told, the pictures I've seen, and the videos I've watched.   My heart breaks for her family . . . my family, when I think about the terrible and tragic way that her little life ended.   

Yesterday, I sat in the courtroom and listened to the daycare provider who killed Hannah, plead guilty with an Alford Plea, which means she does not admit to being guilty, but does admit that if the case was presented to a jury, there would more than likely be enough evidence that a jury would find her guilty of Involuntary Manslaughter.   According to the Alford Plea,  she will only have to serve 5 months in a woman's prison.  At the end of her term, if the reports are good, she will be on probation for 5 years.   If she does not comply, or has a bad report, she could serve an additional 3-7 years in prison.   In Idaho, you could do more time for poaching an elk!  I feel like the judicial system failed in this case and let this little family down! 

Yesterday, as I watched Diana and Chris, with family gathered around them, supporting them, praying for them and buoying them up,  I could not help but feel pity for the woman who took Hannah's life.  She chose not to have her family there . . . she wanted to . . . spare them further pain, and . . . wants them to be able to . . . get their life back.   She has been a martyr for the last two years, making herself out to be the victim. . . I truly can feel only pity for this woman, she is obviously a very sick and very disturbed human being.  

Having said that,  my prayer is that Diana, Chris, Broday and Al, Hannah's father, can finally move forward.   This horrible tragedy could have been avoided if the caregiver would have just walked away.   Become informed, if you have children or grandchildren who are left with a caregiver, please, make sure that they are informed about shaken baby syndrome.  There are so many websites dedicated to this cause that are very informative - please visit them and pass along the information.   One brief moment of shaking can bring a lifetime of tragedy to an entire family.

Diana made a beautiful scrapbook for Hannah - she started the book with this saying:

"If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever"
~Winnie the Phooh~
 ~Hannah, you will always be in our heart~ 

Warm Hugs,

15 comments:

LeAnn said...

Barb, thanks for sharing your thoughts and also the beautiful pictures of little Hannah. It brought more than tears. I feel so bad for them all and will keep them in my prayers. I just can't imagine losing a child in this way and then having to wait for so long to go court. It's a tragic story; but I am so grateful that you can be there to support them now as their mother. Lots of love and hugs to you. You know how much I love you and am so grateful for your friendship.
LeAnn

Kimmie said...

Thinking of you and your lovely family at this most difficult time Barb. Sweet Hannah would be most welcome over at ...

http://angelbabyofminededications.blogspot.com/


Much love always


Kimmie
x

Unknown said...

This woman is paying for this I'm sure. How could she not, even if she is in denial it's going to be eating away at her. I'm praying for your family and for this woman. I hope your family will be able to remember that sweet face and know that they will see her some day and be able to forget the tragic way she left this world. I know you will be a great support for them. Linda

Vickie said...

Hello Barb - this is such a tragic story, and so unnecessary. How anyone can mistreat a child I cannot understand or have much sympathy for. I'm so sorry for your DIL and her family and for your son, Chris, and the loss that they have all suffered. I'm lifting all the family up in prayer even as I write for peace and forgiveness and comfort. hugs - Vickie

Just Ramblin' said...

Oh Barb, how my heart aches for your family. As much as you are suffering, I'm sure this woman will never have a day that this sweet little girl does not enter her mind and what she did in a moment of frustration or whatever it was.. Thank you for the reminder to be aware and alert to those who care for these sweet little children. Each of us have times when we need to step back, take a break, and seek help.
I can't begin to feel your pain, but I can and do keep you in my prayers. I'm sure you are a great strength and blessing to your family. Thanks for sharing the pictures of your precious little Hannah! Nola

The WIlloughby Family said...

You said this better than anyone I know. I hope you don't mind if I stole it and posted it on my blog for all my friends to see. I think it is SOOO important for people to understand the harm that was caused and which can be caused by others. I love you MOM!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Hi Barb,

Words fail me at the moment. What happened to precious little Hannah never should happen to any child. How anyone can mistreat an innocent little child is beyond my comprehension. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Hugs,
Cheryl

The Stewart said...

It makes my heart hurt hearing this. I read the story on local news 8 website. I was on there looking for the weather and a picture of you, Chris, and Diana came up. I was shocked! But read the story. It is so sad that the lady is making herself out to be the victim when something so tragic happened at her hands!! you are all in our prayers!! Love you!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

So much for a wish for closure. -sigh- But to face a trial, was more than your family could take, I think. -sigh-

Gentle hugs...

The Halls said...

I can't believe how backward the "justice system" is. My heart aches every time I think or read about what happened to such an innocent little girl. Your family will stay in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Laura

Susan B said...

Barb,
I am so sorry that your family has to go through something like this. My heart goes out to you, and I am praying for you. Little Hannah was a beautiful child.

Simply Heart And Home said...

Barb,

My heart is breaking for all of you. My prayers will be with you all. Five months is outrageously short for such a crime. Rest in Peace little Hannah.

Gina

Sue said...

Barb, my heart just goes out to Hannah's family, as they are still enduring pain from this tragedy. She is so beautiful, Thank you for sharing from your heart.
Hugs,
Sue

Deb from WhatsInMyAttic said...

Difficult to read; much more to so live, I'm sure. God bless your family as they continue to live each day as if it were truly normal. I can't imagine that normal will ever be the same for Hannah's family. Smile on them from your home in heaven, Little Hannah.

Janean said...

barb, there are no words....just tears...and gentle hugs.

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