Mother’s Day. I have dreaded it all year, but now it is
here. How would I celebrate the day that reminds me of my greatest loss? Could
I create new memories to bury the old? “What will you do come Mother’s Day?”
The question was posed to me more than once, and each time, tears would spring
to my eyes and my throat would constrict. I didn’t know. I couldn’t even
imagine how I might survive it without being buried under a mountain of
horrific memories. Memories of… the look in Woody’s eyes the last time I gazed
into them…the scalp hanging from his skull…the paramedic's words as he confirmed
my worst fear…standing in the parking lot at the trail head covered in blood
and dust while tears streamed down my face knowing I had to call Woody’s mom on
Mother’s Day and tell her that her son was dead. Yes, dreadful memories.
Yet, even while the inquiries came, God had a plan. I will
never forget the day our pastor called to inform me that several people from the
church wanted to ensure that we had a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend so they had
made arrangements for us to stay in a beach house. I cried. I was so
overwhelmed once more by God’s graciousness and the love of our church family.
Once again, God has demonstrated His care for us. A Father to the fatherless, a
defender of widows.
And so here we are, in Siesta Key, Florida, with perfect
weather and perfect peace. Our days have been sun-drenched and full of
laughter. Today we had brunch and wished that Woody were here to celebrate the
day with us, but we did so without tears. We are surviving with God’s help.
Thank you to all those who have supported us, loved us, and prayed for us! You
are the body of Christ and we feel your embrace.
We know that Tuesday will be rough; however, just like
today, God will provide exactly what we need in the moment we need it. And you—our
extended family—will be standing in the gap continually loving….
Thank you from us all!
