He Was Taken Too Soon

It was a beautiful day yesterday. Too beautiful to attend a funeral but that is where I found myself with my teenage son, Carson. As we walked through the cemetery, there was a cool breeze that blew, yet not a sound to be heard. Even the birds were quiet.

Moments of silence.

Moments of respect.

As Carson took his place, next to his football teammates, my eyes were fixed on the casket while tears streamed down my face. A knot in my stomach grew to the point that I could barely breathe.


How does a thriving thirteen year old boy die in his sleep? 

Lord, why did you have to take Bennett from his family? He was so young and had such potential? 

As the American flag was taken off of Bennett's coffin and handed to his mother, she cradled it as her body gave way into uncontrollable sobs. Sobs that only a mother can birth. Sobs that will continue for months to come.

Last night, after saying prayers with Carson, I lingered by his bedside for a few extra minutes.

Carson, can I give you a hug?

Why, Mom?

Because I love you and because I can. Bennett's mom can't hug him tonight but I can hug you.

Carson smiled and gave me a one of those "thirteen year old hugs" that only a mom of a teenager can appreciate. As he pulled the covers over his shoulders and closed his eyes, my heart whispered...

Lord, life is so precious and fleeting. Never let me take a single moment for granted. 

***********

Question: Have you hugged your child or someone you love today? 

Along the Broken Path

I feel  as though I'm slowly re-entering the earth's atmosphere, after being on a wild ride of unexpected turns and plunging dives. A not-much-fun ride that just threw me right into 2013, without bothering to slow down, so that I could catch my breath. Ready or not, the year started out - not like I had planned, hoped for or dreamed.

Life has a way of doing that sometimes. Maybe you feel the same way today?  

On January 12th, I visited a little church in Algiers, Louisiana where I gathered with family and friends. I was returning for the second time in less than a year and a half. I took my place up at the alter again; however this time, instead of laying a bouquet of beautiful pink and red roses gently into my mother's casket, I rested my hand on the American flag that was draped over my father's casket.

The sorrow was deep.

The grief was painful.

My heart was empty.

As tears flowed, I took my place with Keith and our boys. This felt way too familiar and I longed to wake up but unfortunately this wasn't a dream. It was my reality.

Loosing both parents in such a short period of time has been extremely difficult. When my mom died it was hard, really hard. But, now that my dad is gone, there is an empty hole in my heart that seems bottomless. It's hard to put into words but the hole is definitely there, longing to be filled.

Have you lost someone that you love? Maybe a parent, sibling, friend, or heaven forbid, a child? Maybe you have a hole in your heart and it feels bottomless too.

I think that when we lose someone we love, part of your heart is stripped away. What's left is exposed, raw and painful. But, with God's help and a healthy grieving process, I truly believe that our hearts can mend. It will take time and there might be a tiny scar leftover but His mercy is there to restore and heal us.

I need to be patient.

I need to trust Him.

I need to remember the wonderful moments.

I need to celebrate that my parents are together in heaven and rejoice in the beautiful legacy they left behind.

But, it's still hard. And, if you're grieving the loss of someone today, I'd imagine it's hard for you too.

Yet, God is there, waiting patiently to help carry the load we're holding on to. Today, let's choose to release our tightly clinched fists and take His hand, as we walk along the broken path of grief. Let's rely in His strength and not our own, to receive the healing that must take place, to make us whole again.

One day at a time.


I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121: 1-2

Who are you grieving the loss of today? How can I pray for you?