Grief and Gratitude (again)

This past week the children and I once again visited the grave of a little boy who died before he was born. He is the son of dear friends of ours who have moved out of state. Because his mother is not here and able to do this herself, we go each year and clean off the grave, arrange flowers, and pray for his family and all the families we know who have lost little loved ones. I truly love doing this for my friend, and it's become a sweet and special time that we look forward to. We always bring black eyed Susan flowers from our yard because his mama's name is Susan.



God, we still don't know or understand all the reasons why you allow some children to live for such a short time in their mothers' wombs or on this earth before calling them home, but we thank you for each life that you create. YOU are the author of life, not we. Each life matters, and each life is one you love and have died for. Thank you for creating this little boy and all the children that girlfriends of mine mourn and miss. Comfort the hearts of their families, who still wonder what they would have been like and how their families would be different had these children lived. Thank you that these precious babes have already arrived at their true home and that we will meet them some day. Thank you for the sweetness of young life, and the familiarity of old life, and everything in between. We trust you Lord. And we love you.