Another Angel Called Home

Last week, my husband and I received some horrible news, from Facebook nonetheless. One of the two pastors who married us almost ten years ago, and his wife, lost their only child, their 20-year-old son. I think as a mother, it has been a bit more difficult for me to deal with than my husband, even though he‘s known them longer and has had a closer relationship with them than me. I can’t even imagine the hurt and the pain. I can’t even imagine the struggle to come to grips with the fact that someone’s child is gone before he even got to truly live. Now he’s gone before his parents, their only child.

In some ways, I’ve been numb. I’ve been a bit standoffish. It’s given me a lot to think about. I’ve been questioning myself. Have I shown my children the love they need? Have I showered them with all the love and care that I can? Is what I’ve done enough? I question my parenting. I question almost everything I do now.

This young man lived, and he lived hard. He lived a life of passion, love, and dedication. He served with kindness and humility. I don’t think a parent could be any more proud and satisfied. However, to lose a child in that manner, or at all, after caring for and nurturing him all these years, would certainly be difficult.

It would be difficult to even think of what to write, think of what to say in order to console them. Silence is pretty much all I have to give. People who have asked what’s wrong seldom get an answer, because I’m just wondering how and why. Those with three and four and five children are out there not taking care of them, yet…Then I stop myself, I remember God knows best. He knows what we can handle. So his parents march on, continuing to smile, despite their pain and loss. They lift up, despite their heartache. He won’t give us more than we can bear. I see that now. Although this seems unbearable to me, God knew this is something they could handle, get through. I can imagine there are those nights they cry and hold themselves, asking “why”. From what I see, they’ll be just fine. How? I’m not sure, but I’m certain they have supernatural strength from above.

I’m not sure what I’d do. I don’t even want to imagine it. However, I implore everyone to love.

 Love like it’s your last day. Enjoy each moment as if it were your last. Reach out as if you’ll never have a second chance to do so. Live life full. Live life gladly. Live life boisterously. Live life with reverence. You never know when your last day will be.

Rest in peace, Jeffrey!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cty6O9A1PLM&sns=fb

You were their little flower, 

a lone rose amidst a garden full of dandelions, daffodils, and sunflowers.

You were their little ray of light.

A few days ago, you were plucked from the ground,

Much sooner than we thought ready.

Now, you have been transformed from their garden into the sky, 

As a star to shine as they look up above.

Who would have imagined? 

Who can even say it?

But He never gives us more than we can bear.

The heartache and sorrow, unimaginable, I’m sure.

The pain continues.

Day-by-day pictures of you and your smile surface, resulting in smiles and tears.

Those who knew you…those who loved you...no one can imagine. 

"Why him, Lord?" "Why us, Lord?"

But He knew on that stage, even before your little boy started on that stage over ten years ago,

that his time here would be short.

The clock was ticking; his time would soon be up. 

His father was given time with him.

He could have been with others, on  a mischievous adventure when this occurred,

But with his father he rode.

Love drove him.

Love watched him.

Love brought him to his knees.

Love engulfed him in that moment and beckoned him. 

He complied, although we humans call him dead.

Love beckoned him, and he said, “Good bye”.

Love promised him no more hurt, no more pain.

Love will send comfort that no man will understand.

Love will grow them.

Love will strengthen.

Only Love can see them through.

Day-by-day, it will be a struggle, 

But day-by-day, the strength and love needed, He will provide.

An angel now, his duty's completed, his purpose fulfilled.

As soldiers in the trenches, continue the legacy placed in your heart:  

Loving the orphans, bringing hope to the hurt and lost.

What once was one child becomes one thousand, as Love gives them the strength to carry on.