Monday, March 24, 2008

Overwhelming Grief

There is no sugar-coating it. So, I am just going to say it.

My 8 month old nephew passed away unexpectedly in his sleep.

It is hard for me to even say it. It feels so surreal. Even though I have walked with them through each step of this, it feels simultaneously unreal and more real than anything else.

I need to document it here. I have to try to process through.

I received a call at 4 am. My best friend and sister to me, says, "I need you to be calm. Baby Boy is gone. I need you to pray."

WHAT?!?!

I didn't even have words to pray. Over and over, I just kept saying, "Jesus." And had I not already been awakened by the Cutie before receiving her call, I may have thought it was just a bad dream.

The nightmare has continued as I have walked with my very best friends as they have chosen burial plots and made funeral arrangements. I have offered support as they have had to make decisions that any parent, especially grieving parents, should never be expected to make. But, through it all, the Lord has sent His provision. He has sent people along the way to help walk them through this. There was the man at our prayer service only 3 days before who felt led to pray for their family, out of the blue. There was the detective who happened to be a friend. There was the flower delivery guy who prayed with the father as he dropped off flowers at their home. And there have been the many friends who have just been there. Just been there to listen or to talk if needed. They have been there to bring food and even run out for toilet paper. And, most importantly, those who have been praying. We have felt their prayers. Seen them holding them up when they could not stand.

Our God is big. He is bigger than this...and this is huge. He has provided each moment of each day. And, I know He won't ever stop.

But, it hurts.

Please pray. Pray specifically for the mother and father of this sweet angel. For his big brother, who is 4 1/2. For his grandparents. And, for my Cutie. Those boys are the closest thing she has to a sibling. And, I want her to remember him.

Hug your family close today. This life is but a whisper.

9 comments:

Mary Jo said...

Praying here.

Lisa Kay said...

My prayers are with your family during this time.

Timmarie said...

My heart is so heavy for all. You have truly represented Christ during this very difficult time as you have stepped beyond anything she could have imagined in a best friend and sister.

My prayers are with Mama and Daddy and Big Bro, and they are also for your broken Auntie's heart.

Mom's on a Diet said...

I believe that in our times of grief, the Holy Spirit steps in to intercede and pray for us.

I pray for peace and understanding and comfort for all of you and for God sending his angels to help you all through your grief.

Elizabeth said...

I wish I knew what to say. But, there are just no words right now. I am so sorry. I am hugging my babies close tonight and praying for all of you. BIG HUGS.

Mama of 2 said...

Reading this post left me feeling so very lucky to have my children even when they are driving me crazy.
I can't even begin to imagine what you all must be going through. Please know that I offer my prayers and sincerely hope that you find the needed strength to make it through this most difficult time.

Mama of 2 said...
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Katherine@Raising Five said...

I am so sorry. I'll be praying for you and your family.