Steve's service

One week ago today we gathered with family and friends to celebrate Steve's life.  Steve served as an organ donor, saving three lives with his passing.  It was with honor that we wore these bracelets and pins to commemorate that heroic decision.  

When you lose someone seemingly 'out of sequence' you can find yourself questioning the 'order of things'.  Parents should never have to bury a child, no matter the age of the child.  How can we make sense of this chaos and pain?  It just isn't right….

But, there IS comfort to be found in the midst of chaos and pain.  I believe very strongly that there is a hand to hold onto - that of my Heavenly Father.  We are not promised a life without pain, but we are absolutely provided with grace and mercy and strength sufficient to push through when it seems that things are all out of order.  

And yet, watching young Noah dance while his great uncle plays the piano… there is a sense of order and of continuation.  Seeing my cousin's daughters raising their little ones, and anticipating new life coming yet again… there is a sense of order and of continuation.  Knowing that the bonds of family know no bounds and are strengthened, even when we ourselves feel weak… there is a sense of order and continuation… and great & abiding love.  

In the midst of pain and sadness, it is good to remember.  It is also good to gather with family and take comfort in the strong ties that we have.  And to determine anew to keep those ties strong.  I am truly thankful for my family.

Please keep my Uncle Charles, Aunt Ilene, Steve's son Mike, his brothers Charles III, Chris, Brian & Joel, and all the family in your prayers in the days ahead.  But we give thanks for a miraculous gift - that we can see even a portion of God's love for us reflected in the faces of our family.

"Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me."  Psalm 54:4

Uncle Charles, Charles III and Noah

Noah, Charles III, Addie, and Aunt Janice

Charles III and Addie

Daddy, Mitch and Charles (brothers)

Noah with his great-uncles and his great-grandpa Charles

Joel, Julie, and Mama

Noah and Laura

Laura, Joel, and Julie

Chris, Wanda, Joel and Chris 

Mike, Amy, Chris, Wanda, Daddy, Mama, Joel, Noah, and Chris

Julie, Uncle Charles, Aunt Ilene, Chris, Uncle Mitch, Charles III, Aunt Janice, Mike, Amy, Mama, Daddy, Addie, Joel - front row - Wanda, Noah, Laura, Chris