A Bittersweet Day
It was a day of making bittersweet memories and it went very well. We put the gravestone down, as pictured in our post below. Our pastor gave us some short words of encouragement and prayed and then we let 17 red balloons go, for Matthew's 17th birthday.
Afterwards we hung around and the cemetery for a bit, sharing, hugging, and watching the children run around, enjoying the beautiful day. We then all went to a friends for lunch and more sharing time. I had Matthew's Memory book and Katie's scrapbook all caught up to date, with pictures, so we could share that. It was also our pastor's birthday yesterday, which we celebrated too. Norm's parents and our pastor's family came back. The guys went golfing. This was the first time Norm golfed this year, and said it just was not the same without Matthew. He was always the enthusiastic one about it. But these were more hurdles to get over. The pastor's family stayed for supper and we just had a nice time visiting. The children were good. And now, we got through another, BIG first. In someways, another sinking feeling, to know we are further away from the time Matthew was here, a year away from celebrating his last birthday with him, and just a sad, sad feeling. Yet, hope - we will move on, we will "make it" (not of our own strength, but God's), and we have the wonderful hope to see Jesus and our loved ones again. I can't imagine it without this hope.
Thank you for the many thoughtful e-mails that were sent to us today and yesterday. It has meant so much. Most of all thank you for your prayers.
posted by ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ | 9:59 PM
5 Comments:
Loni, I'm glad there was some sweet with the bitter.
I got to the country today, visiting with my soon-to-be 95 year old grandfather (Gramps), along with his lady friend Lurie (no spring chicken herself, at 92). My oldest brother, his wife and son, and my mom, were there, too. Of course, we visited the cemetery where my dad is buried--right beside Granny (Gramps wife of almost 64 years); and it's also where the 3 of my great grandparents who I knew as a child, are buried. I find it comforting to know that the little plots where whatever's left of their earthly bodies, are in such a tranquil place and are well-tended. It makes me feel grateful, and grounded in the traditions and history of my family. All were great people of faith.
Blessings to you, Norm and the kids. Remember Matthew well, in the comfort of knowing he's with His Lord.
Dear Loni, I sit her with tears as I am reading and looking at the pictures of the gravestone and the balloons. My heart hurts so for Norm & you and all the children. I can not imagine~
I think it is so wonderful what you did for Matthew's birthday~ I think it is all beautiful. As I sit here reading... I think about how you are surrounded by so many friends that LOVE and support you.
So many times you have mentioned your pastor and I know you are so blessed to have him. What love he shows Norm & you and the children.
I love the gravestone~ I love the words of the song. I sat here staring at the cemetry and all of you!
You have touched my life in ways you will never know. So often I feel I do not have the words to even post but I so want you to know that I love you.
Saturday we were at a wedding. They had balloons and a few of the children let them go and I thought of you. I too, think of you as little thoughts come to mind.
Saturday all my children were coming into our bed... sitting and talking and Mandi said .. what is the date? I said the 28th.. Matthews birthday. So, remember people all over the United States are lifting you up in prayer.
I love to see Luke's mom post here.
I feel for some reason the 3 of us are connected together~ the tie that binds... JESUS.
our love,
Teena mom to 1/2 dozen
Loni,
I read this posting yesterday and I copied it and pasted it and sent it to my family. My aunt, aged 50, is going to be with Jesus. She is dying from cervical cancer and leaving her husband of 12 years, her 11 year old son and her almost 10 year old son. She is ready to be with Jesus, but death is always a cold visitor, even when we think we are prepared for it. She is my dad's baby sister and he not only was her Sunday school teacher but her school teacher and principal too.
I talked to her on the phone (she lives in NH, we live in the U.P.) and I asked her to hug and kiss our Cainan for me. In some ways, I am so jealous of her!! She is going to be safe from the storms of this life!!
Thanks for posting that!! It could not have been better timing.
God's Peace,
Sarah
PS I did change the verses to King James.. hope you don't mind!!
Hi Loni,
I've followed your story since you first posted on the digest. I'm so very sorry and have no words. Thank you for posting an update.
With prayers,
Amy
God bless you and your family. You are inspiring to me in how you handle this tragedy.
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