Doves released as Aisling Symes remembered

BY CLIO FRANCIS

White doves were released as the small white coffin of Aisling Symes was carried out of a West Auckland church by her parents.

Alan and Angela Symes sobbed as they carried the casket - along with six other family members - to a waiting white hearse outside the Ranui Baptist Church.

The coffin - draped with both Irish and New Zealand flags - was placed into the hearse amid massive crowds. Twelve white doves were released into the air at the completion of the service.

FAMILY FEELINGS

Aisling was remembered by her family as a "real gem of love".

The two-year-old's body was found in a stormwater drain on Monday, a week after she disappeared from the home of her late grandparents in Henderson. Aisling's disappearance and the hunt that followed gripped the nation.

Aisling's uncle David Barttle today said the family had been overwhelmed by an outpouring of love from the community.

Aisling had been "a real gem of love", Mr Barttle said.

"For just over two years and nearly 4 months we've had her.

"She was a little monkey at times, but she was our bundle of love.

"Her name Aisling Celine means vision of heaven, but we never wanted her to go this soon."

Aisling's aunty Aithne Potts said she would always remember her niece's "beaming smile".

Aisling had been "an enthusiastic, energetic little girl" who loved bananas and cheese.

Her favourite toys had been Freddy frog, her elephant and her dolly in a bath.

Aisling had spent her last morning on October 5 doing one of her favourite things: wrapping up her dollies in blankets and putting them to bed, Mrs Potts said.

Uncle David Ball said they would remember Aisling as having a real "twinkle in her eye".

She had loved to play peek-a-boo and was a "cutie and a tease".

Mr Ball said the family would never forget Aisling.

"So many memories of our precious little girl ... Aisling Celine Symes, your name is deeply etched in our hearts. You will forever be remembered, forever be missed and forever be in our hearts."

POIGNANT IMAGES

The Symes family screened a poignant slideshow of their favourite photos of Aisling at today's funeral.

The images included Aisling with her grandparents, her first photos with her sister and being cuddled by her mother and father.

They also hinted at their daughter's mischievous nature and her love of food, showing her hiding in boxes, opening Christmas presents and playing at the beach.

Other photos included her being caught raiding the potato stash in the kitchen, rocking on a swing set and sitting on a horse with her mother.

The slideshow was accompanied by captions such as "loves food", "chatter-box" "delightful" and references to her "contagious smile" and "love of play" and "cuddles".

The congregation sang a rousing rendition of the hymn "Be thou my vision".

'SHE WASN'T MEANT TO GO THIS EARLY'

Pastor Russell Watts said Aisling went to heaven "way ahead of time". A "terrible accident" had robbed the Symes family of their beloved young daughter.

"She wasn't meant to go this early - it was just an accident," Mr Watts said.

"We had so hoped and prayed that this day wouldn't be happening for another 70 or 80 years.

"But we live in a terrible world and terrible accidents happen even to good people."

He said the service focused on celebrating Aisling's short life.

The pastor recounted how, last Monday night, the church had been filled with worshippers, praying for Aisling to be found. However, midway through the prayer service news had broken that the body of Aisling had been found.

"We found out she wasn't coming home - she'd gone to heaven way ahead of time," Mr Watts said.

He praised the police for being "sensitive and caring" in their investigation. Particular thanks was paid to Inspector Gary Davey - who led the investigation - and the Henderson police for their help in the search.

Mr Watts also sent a heartfelt thank you to West Auckland residents who had "worked as a community to find little Aisling."

HUNDREDS OF MOURNERS

Hundreds of mourners packed the Ranui Baptist Church for the service; the crowds of people overflowing into two adjourning halls and out on to the street.

Moments before the service began, Aisling's older sister, five-year-old Caitlin, was helped on to the stage by her parents to light a white candle to remember her baby sister.

Aisling's parents - dressed in black - arrived with extended family members.

Inspector Davey attended. Waitakere MP Paula Bennett passed on her condolences on to Aisling's parents. MP for Te Atatu Chris Carter was also among the mourners.

Aisling's body arrived in a small coffin which was draped in an Irish flag and adorned with lilies and her teddy bear.

The order of service showed a picture of the smiling toddler on the front and featured illustrations from Aisling's favorite story, Winnie the Pooh.

The public service was to be followed by a private cremation.

MESSAGES FOR AISLING

In the foyer outside the church, hand painted butterflies dominated the walls and, with them, more messages of love from the local community.

"Baby Aisling you will be forever missed and always in our hearts, rest easy baby girl". And, from the creative childcare centre: "We are thinking of you and sending our aroha".

The stage in the church hall was packed with hundreds of small teddy bears and pink balloons.

Many of the cards and posters around the church were from local West Auckland children.

In sparkling rainbow writing, the messages were adorned with love hearts and said: "Aisling we will miss you" and "rest in peace".

There were also messages of condolences from the residents of Longburn Rd, the street from which Aisling went missing last Monday.

 

- © Fairfax NZ News