Eulogy of Mia Paige Howard

Just when we were getting ready to say hello, we find ourselves gathering to say goodbye.

Mia Paige Howard, a newborn infant, passed away on June 12, 2012 at Highlands Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. She was the beloved daughter of Ivan and Brooke Howard of Salyersville.

In addition to her parents, Mia is survived by her paternal grandparents Danny Howard of Salyersville and Pansy (Michael) Deyton of Burgin, Kentucky and maternal grandparents Timothy and Sharon Jenkins of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. She is also survived by maternal great-grandparents Pauline Jenkins of Salyersville and Leander “Bear” Brooks of West Liberty, Kentucky; as well as, loving aunts, uncles, and one mean big cousin Maggie.

Mia was preceded in death by her paternal great-grandparents Luther and Rossie Howard and Carl and Mildred LeMaster; and, maternal great-grandparents Ova Jenkins and Hala Brooks.

It is important that we mark this day, because this little life has already marked us. We had opened our hearts in welcome to this new person and we grieve that we cannot fulfill all the welcome we had yet to give.

While we loved without seeing, we wanted to see too: the particular shade of her eyes, the color of her hair, who she might resemble. We wanted to hear the special sound of her laughter, to watch her personality unfold, and to see how she may have changed the world.

Who can say whether a life is better short or long? Neither the length of a person's life nor its briefness determines the value of that person's stay. The purposes this tiny baby came to accomplish may become clearer as time passes, but today she reminds us again that life on this earth is not only fragile but limited in time. She is a reminder that we, too, shall follow her and the others that we love to the arms of the dear Lord who so intricately fashioned us all.

Even though Mia Paige will not be physically present at our family gatherings, we will still remember. We will remember in the bright days of June and in the middle of October. We will think of her at Christmas and as we watch the others at play about us. We will carry with us the memory of this little girl who lived her life so close to her mother’s and father’s hearts.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 AM Saturday June 16, 2012 at the Jenkins Cemetery on Pricey with Eddie Dennison officiating. Friends and family may call at the cemetery prior to funeral services.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Fund. These are to be made directly to the Magoffin County Public Library.