When I look at my family, there are certain words or phrases that come to mind immediately.
I look at my dad and see an American Hero, a man of unquestionable courage. Someone who has been overcoming obstacles for a long time.
I look at my mom and see a pillar of strength, a rock on which our family has leaned on so much. Also, I see grace and compassion.
I look at my sister Kris, and I see someone who has always been wise beyond her years. Someone who was a born leader, who takes charge of a situation and more often than not, gets the best possible result.
I look at my sister Kate, and I see another natural leader, and another person who has overcome obstacles in her life with little or no complaint. I see someone with an amazing work ethic and an unextinguishable spirit.
I look at my brother in law Steve, and I see the kindest, gentlest soul on earth. I see someone who gives everything and anything to make people's lives better.
I look at Tara and Timmy and see the lights of my life. The two people who have made my life complete. I see my wife as she works to bring health to the sick and I see how Timmy puts smiles on every face he comes across.
I look at my niece Rachel and I see her honesty. You know exactly where you stand with Rachie.
When I looked at my niece Rebecca, I saw all of the above.
She overcame obstacles like her grandpa and her aunt. Born two months early, she fought like hell as an infant and grew to be a beautiful young lady.
She had the leadership qualities that her grandma and her mom have. One time, I remember Rachel looked like she was about to step off a curb and Becky grabbed her before her foot ever touched the ground. With Timmy, she would plan all their play dates. More often than not, he followed along. Their love for each other was a joy to behold.
She was kind and compassionate like her dad. Always there to give you a hug and a kiss. Always polite. Just the sweetest person you'd ever meet.
A couple of years back, my mom gave Timmy a magnet that read "Expect a Miracle. And why not?All you needed to believe in miracles was to look at Becky. And how far she had come from those first few weeks and miracles were easy to believe in. She was the definition of miracle.
Right now, believing in anything is hard. How does this happen? As Katie said in her wonderful eulogy. "We don't know why God decided to take her away." I'm sure there is an explanation, but to be honest, He can keep it, because whatever it is, I'm not buying it.
But we are still a family of faith, and while that faith may have been shaken, it will never be broken.
Eddie Miskovsky, who I've known forever, said something to us that he told his two daughters. "You know that you have a guardian angel now, that you can call on anytime." He's right.
We all do now.
It doesn't make us miss her any less, make us wish she was still here with us any less. Nothing is going to fix that.
It was Bill Shakespeare who said Twas better to have loved and lost then to have never loved at all. It was my father, Bill Gallagher, who said "we were lucky to have this miracle for 10 years." We may not be feeling lucky right now, but he's absolutely right.
She was a light in this world, a bright light. It's dark now, but Rebecca Marie Eller shines on in heaven. On all of us.
Our guardian angel.
Our miracle.
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