July 14. This will always be a day where tears film my eyes, while sweet memories of childhood, family, and a lost friendship play through my mind. Loss is not just one day, somedays seem so much harder than others and the years keep ticking by so quickly. July 14, 2004 is the day that our Lord saw fit to take Jessica to be at home in eternity with Him. What cause to mourn, but also be so thankful that our God has given us the gift of hope and comfort in knowing that He has created a place for us to forever be with Him, that we might also be called one day, to rejoice together in Heaven! I, along with my whole family, have learned the meaning of Comfort, Hope, Grace, and the Eternity we have in Christ in one unexpected tragedy. As the years go by there are times that the sting of loss becomes so real. Each new person that enters our family through either marriage or birth. In marriage, trying to explain who Jess is, and how to help cope with the loss, even if they have never met her. And in birth not being able to show your sister what a beautiful gift God has given you, and watch her be just as excited to be a Tante (aunt) as you are to be a mother or father is especially hard. You find yourself wondering and hoping that maybe, she is there rejoicing with you at that very moment. With having had lost someone so close and dear it has especially taught each of us that today is here and tomorrow may be with Jesus. We have the continual and daily reminder, through loss, that Everyday is a gift from God. If I could choose one of the greatest things I have learned through the years, it has been that our God is truely a God with a plan and a God of Comfort. Sometimes you do not readily feel that comfort and you have to search for it harder than other days, but that just brings you into a closer relationship with Him. He always provides. And that I am truely thankful for.
Jessica Marie Vander Griend
November 14, 1987 - July 14, 2004
"Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of Compassion and the God of all Comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have recieved from God." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
4 comments:
:) She there rejoicing with every moment. That has been so hard, not to share my family. Love you Laura.
Oh, this post makes me cry. It is really beautifully written. Oh... words can't express.
But you are so right to hold onto Jesus. To his comfort and yes, God has a plan.
God bless you.
Loved it Laura- Your blog heading says it all. We are the ones who are not HOME yet! Jesus Gives and Jesus Takes Away- Blessed is HIS name. Love you all
Yes...
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