In the arms of God

At MOPS, we aren't just a monthly timeout for moms. We aren't just an easy way to get some mom time. We ARE a family.

And like in any family, when one of us hurts we all hurt.

We mourn with our sister Amy, and her family, at the loss of their beautiful angel Allison.

An inspiration, Allison touched more lives in her short 6 years than most can ever dream to in their lifetime. She brought people together and forged a mighty community in Christ's name.

We celebrate her life here on earth and her new life, running free and joyful with her Heavenly Father.

I tried to come up with other words that could convey how special Allison was and I couldn't. She is beyond any words that I could come up with. So instead I will post her memorial here for you all to see if you hadn't gotten a chance to read it.

"Allison died in her home early Tuesday morning (Feb. 23rd) surrounded by her beloved family. She went running in to the arms of the Lord our Savior at 6:45 am after a 6 year struggle with numerous medical issues. She will be missed by her father Jeffrey S. Yates, mother Amy J. (Allison) Yates and younger sister Keala Rose Yates. We won’t forget Allison and all the things she has taught us and the people she brought into our lives. We won’t let Keala forget her Sissy and how sweetly she called her ‘my Allison’.

Although she died at the age of six, in that short time she touched many lives and taught many people how a good spirit can be so simple. As parents we want to give our children all the experiences possible that can enrich and fill their lives with love, compassion, culture and an understanding that children in a typical family might not get to experience. She proved to us that all of this is possible.

Allison attended Willamette Education Service District Preschool and graduated in 2009. This year she began attending Columbus Elementary School, but was unable to continue due to her declining health. She liked to go to the Oregon Coast Aquarium with her family and her favorite was the shark tank. She enjoyed being on the couch with her sister listening to the television, but treasured being snuggled. Even though the hospital is usually not a fun place, Allison seemed to be really happy spending time with her friends (the staff) on the 10th floor at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. She knew when she was there, she was going to be cared for and would be as comfortable as possible. Nurses and Doctors that weren’t even there to care for her during that visit always made time to stop by to say hi. She also enjoyed attending services at Church on the Hill and helping the music staff by kicking her feet against her wheelchair. "

Allison Linnea Yates: Sept. 21st, 2003-Feb. 23rd, 2010