Flicking through the last few pages of our local newspaper this morning I was attracted to a small one inch by two-inch photograph of a gorgeous little girl. Initially, I thought it was a birthday notice. You know - the ones that people put in when somebody turns 21 or 40 or some other milestone. But my heart sank when I realized that it was in the column marked "Memorial."

I sat stunned for several moments just looking at the photo of the happy blonde-haired toddler with the cute smile wearing a beautiful light-colored dress. I almost wasn't able to read the obituary but, out of respect, I did.

Please let me share with you the words of her Mom:

"Born November 3, 1955. Tragically taken April 8, 1958.
No words can describe the heartache I went through
over the loss of my baby girl and the tears that your
big sister Cheryl and brothers Brian and Ian shed for their baby sister.
This day would have been your 50th birthday.
Instead of being with your family, you are in God's garden with
the flowers, angels and your dear father to care for you always.
Loving memories Mom, Cheryl, Brian and Ian.

Now, I'm not sure what effect those words have on you but I don't mind admitting that, looking at the photograph of this beautiful little girl and then reading those heart-rending words, they had quite an effect on me.

Staring at the photograph I reflected for a few minutes on how precious life is and how we should never take the gift of life for granted. But how often do we all do just that?

When things go horribly wrong or major disasters are sent to challenge us, how many times do we wish we could just end it all? Yes, we recover. We usually do. Life goes on for most of us. Sadly, for some it does not.

We all face times of great trial throughout our lives. But here was a beautiful little girl who could have been anything she wanted to be - taken tragically after just two years and five months of life. She never experienced much at all except, of course, the obvious love of her family.

I don't know how she died. The notice only said that her death was tragic. So all I know is that she died before she had the chance to experience life much at all. She wasn't given the opportunity of experiencing the joys of going to school, making friends, playing games, growing up with her family, choosing a career, falling in love, having a family of her own and all the rest of the things that most of us simply take for granted each and every day.

Now, tell me... what is upsetting you today? Have I been able to put your worries and concerns into some sort of perspective for you? I hope so.

In honor and memory of this little girl I will tell you her name. It was Robyn Ann Cunningham. And today would have been her fiftieth birthday. May she reside in the care of God for all eternity.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it. You may email it to any person who you feel might benefit from the message it contains. You might even like to print it out and read it during those inevitable times when you think that everything is crashing down around you.

Cherish your life - this darling little girl never had the opportunity to do that. You do.