May. 12, 2009
It's not goodbye
Posted in Encouragement and Other Thoughts
This past week, the last "loose end" was tied when we received Christian's marker.
I know that many people feel guilty about not having a marker made right away. But really, what's the rush? It's hard enough to sum up your precious loved one's life in so few words without having to worry about a timeline. Besides, the marker is not for the person who has died, but for the people that are left behind-- for us! The final product was worth the wait and not rushing into decisions that we might later regret.
See the little oval on the right? There's a custom bronze frog right in the middle of it. When you lift the cover up, you see this:
There just doesn't seem to be enough years between those two dates up there. It reminds me that a successful life isn't the number of years lived, but that we fulfill God's purpose for our life in the time that we are given! It is not my place to question God-- He is The Creator and I am merely His creation. But I trust Him and I take Him at His Word.
It's not goodbye... it really isn't. It's more like see you in a little while.
I Thessalonians 4:13-18
"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words."
Comments
May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SurvivingTheTestosterone
Your strength and most important, your faith, never cease to amaze me. Love ya!
Amanda
Edited by SurvivingTheTestosterone on May. 12, 2009 at 1:17 AM
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May. 12, 2009 - Oh Marsha!
Posted by deedeeuk
That marker is truely wonderful! Such a testimony to little Dozer's life (sorry! He is always Dozer to me). Having the picture like that is lovely.
We lost our babies 4-5 years ago and were just talking this weekend about trying to get a small marker or pay for an engraving on one of the plaques attached to the memorial monument at the baby cemetary. Two of ours are in the communal graves and the other three we had nothing to really bury.
It has only been a few months for you and this is so spot on! You are doing sooooo well, my friend! Praise God for His abundant Grace in your life! (((HUGS)))
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Sigh.
Marsha, it's perfect.
Ruthanne
www.thegencojournal.com
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by tnmomtomanyblessings
It's beautiful..... all of it!
Very much worth wait.... now and until you see him again!
Sending you love and a hug!
Maria
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May. 12, 2009 - Amen and AMEN!
Posted by Annemarie
It is most *definitely* see you in a little while!
Marsha, I think of you SO often. These days are speeding by and Peter is growing by leaps and bounds. He was born 2 weeks after Christian went home and there is really not a monthly milestone that goes by when I do not think about that. Also, I frequently look at Andrew and I see how fast time has gone. He will be 10 soon. It makes me think about how soon it will be when we (you and I) will close our eyes for the last time on this earth. Soon, because life goes by so quickly.
In the mean time, I know that you are a joy lover. That you look for the small blessings. And you find them. The marker is precious, but even more precious is the marker that he has left on your life, and yes, even mine. Knowing that the number of days with my children are not certain, I cherish them more than I ever did before. I am thankful even for the hard days. Yep, he has definitely made a mark on my life.
~Annemarie
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by KarenW
Beautiful.
http://www.woodward-family.com/karenwoodward/blog.html
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Jules
(((Marsha)))
You minister to me, dear sister.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, loves purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessθd we shall meet at last.
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by CoCo
I love you Marshy!!!
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Marsha, Christian's marker is beautiful... Over the year that I have popped in on your site from time-to-time I have been blessed by you and your family. Then with Christian's passing, there is barely a day when I don't think of him and you and your family, and you have continued to bless me and others abundantly as you glorify the Lord... Christian is beautiful!... Please don't think I'm an odd-bod, but I have his picture in my school room... He helps me be a better Mum. Thank you for letting us into your family life and allowing us to get to know you all. God bless you! Naomi (from Among the Gum Trees)
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May. 12, 2009 - awww
Posted by SuperAngel
Marshie! that is just beautiful! Everything about it shouts Christian. Yes, it is more like a see ya in a while... what a glorious thought that is. Its hard to believe its been 9months already, but it does make us realize that our time here is fleeting and soon you will be with your Littlest Man again!
I was thinking about you yesterday and you had been in my heart and prayers... it must have been God knowing you needed those extra thoughts and prayers as you received that.
Love you! prayers and hugs!
Amanda
http://superangelsblog.com
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by stillgrowing
That's the most beautiful and fitting marker.
Boy, I know that verse says that we are to "sorrow not", but that sure is a tall order!
I pray that, even in your grief and sorrow of heart, that you will feel Jesus as He wraps His arms around you and pours the Balm of Gilead over you.
Be blessed today!
LYLAS~~
Leanne
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by EEEEMommy
It's beautiful Marsha! What a testimony to any who may see it! Continue to keep resting in His amazing grace! I love you, friend!
Grace and Peace,
Angel
thesakeofthecall.blogspot.com
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by melissa@afamiliarpath
i've got tears in my eyes.
that's a beautiful marker. and you're right, those aren't enough years. not enough at all, but one day you'll have an eternity together.
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May. 12, 2009 - Oh Marsha
Posted by tn3jcarter
I'm so thankful that we can say, See you in a little bit. Your littlest man had awesome life between those two dates and has been a blessing to sooooo many people.
I love what Anne Marie said about how he left a marker on our lives. I know that Christian really reminds me to laugh, and love, and enjoy every minute.
You all did a great job with his marker. It's really precious and says a lot even with so few words.
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Amy Beth
I'm crying... and speechless...
That is beautiful! You are beautiful.
love,
Amy Beth
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
(((Marsha)))
The marker is beautiful. You did a wonderful job in picking out the details. I love the frog and the picture. The verse is very appropriate as well. I know this must have been a very emotional time, but the end result is beautiful.
Teresa
VaQueenBee
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May. 12, 2009 - Oh Marsha!
Posted by homeskoolmom
It is precious! I had to catch my breath when I scrolled to the picture of Christian...I am shedding tears as I write this just now. And I absolutely LOVE the verse in 1 Thes.
It will be wonderful there! No tears, no sorrows! Only worshipping our joyous Lord for eternity together forever!
Love you dear!
Christine
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May. 12, 2009 - You are right
Posted by Liberty
It is absolutely beautiful and perfect! I am glad that you took your time deciding. I still think of you often.
Love,
Liberty (www.oatmealkiss.blogspot.com)
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by foxvalleyfamily
That is so precious, and the frog is just the perfect touch.
What a beautiful memorial to your sweet boy.
Blessings,
Michelle
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Crying at the picture that peeked out at me when you lifted the froggy lid.
Your blonde baby boy is SO handsome.
Your words are so eloquent and unforced. God's sure showed you some of his most precious and secret things...things he only shares to the mommy's of children He's taken early.
Emily
thelearningneverstops.blogspot.com
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May. 12, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Darcy
Oh, this took my breath away.
The frog and photo is such a neat feature.
You're right. Not nearly enough years. *hugs*
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May. 13, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Ali
It's beautiful Marsha. The verses you picked couldn't be more perfect.
Ali
http://www.mygodgivenmissionfield.com
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May. 13, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Oh Marsha! That is SO beautiful!!!!!
Nikowa@KHA
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May. 13, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Marsha, it turned out beautiful. The frog made me smile as I thought of your sweet boy. And you my friend are such a beautiful example to me. I know God smiles when he looks down on you and sees you walking in faith with every footstep.
Sending a hug,
M~
http://www.faithhopeandlove-fhl.blogspot.com/
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May. 14, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
speechless and crying for you! What a testimonial marker with the scripture verse! LOVE LOVE LOVE frog and picture enclosed! My heart aches for you and yet the Lord shines through you in this time... the worst of times.
Letisha (ourlifeforhim blogger)
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May. 15, 2009 - Christian's marker
Posted by Katrina
What beautiful words you have written.
Thank you again for sharing the way you do. You have no idea how you may touch people's lives and it just may be God wanting people to hear certain things and it's through your words that they do.
You are a beautiful Christian.
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May. 16, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Titus2woman
This is beautiful~(((((HUGS))))) to y'all~you are NEVER far from my heart! ~sandi
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May. 17, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by SteveWalden
Our friends waited more than a year before getting a marker for their daughter. There is no hard and fast rule on that anyways. You want to have perspective when you literally write something in stone.
You did that admirably with this marker. It is very special, just like the little boy it portrays. He is a good reminder to me of what we will gain when we breathe our last. Hang in there, Marsha! Eternity's a-comin'! We shall be like Him.
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May. 19, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by quietcajun
My husband's sister died when she was 11 months old. It was about TWENTY YEARS before my father in law got her stone because he waited until he could afford the perfect one and it is absolutely beautiful.
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Jun. 4, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Such a beautiful reminder of your beautiful son! I pop over here from time to time, I can't remember how I found your site. This memorial day my dear grandma's grave marker was installed. Sitting there it was hard to acknowledge that she's not in the ground, she's in heaven. But boy it hurts that she's not *here*. Tomorrow would have been her 61st wedding anniversary, I'm taking Grandpa out for ice cream which was our tradition since I moved in to care for them. It won't be the same without her but I KNOW she - and Christian - have something so much better.
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