We had a beautiful day remembering the precious life of our sweet boy Samuel...
Greg switched days off so he was able to be home with us... I appreciated that so much....
We released balloons like we normally do... I did decide to skip the sky lanterns... Since we are now living in the city, Greg was worried that they could start a fire... and after some research I did realize that they are banned in Illinois... Hello!?!?! Who would have thought... obviously, my husband...
I love seeing what the kids write on their balloons, the things they remember or the things that they would want to say to Samuel... Yesterday I caught Jojo in the kitchen at around 9:50 am... there he was quiet wishing to the air..."Happy Birthday Samuel... Oh, I miss you so much!" He remembered that I would have had him at around 9:40 in the morning... I don't think he had any idea that I had overheard him... I can't tell you how many moments through out our days where the kids ask, "Why did Samuel have to die?" or " Doesn't it seem like someone is missing?" even Hope who wasn't a part of our family yet when Samuel died knows she has a big brother in Heaven.
Daddy surprised us all by taking us to this Elk preserve about 10 minutes away... You literally just had a fence between you and them... they were so close...
We had lunch out, which was a big treat for us (beans and rice for dinner that day:) We saw a movie and came home to decorate Samuel's cake with our neighbors who just happen to be the head pastor, his wife, and son.
There are so many times I am blown away by the Lord bringing us to serve in this church. We knew the head pastor and his wife during our time at the seminary... I have asked for prayer for them before on my blog... They have lost 2 children since we have known them. Here we were in Oklahoma literally praying for them every morning for over 2 years... And here we are now serving together.
It is such a blessing for all of us to understand the loss side of each other's life. Jerry and his wife have to be some of the most positive, enthusiastic servants I know... All that they have been through and they serve with great joy! There is sort of a camaraderie in knowing we both have been there (the heartbreak of losing a child) We are able to share in all that means for our lives, the memories, the sadness, the thankfulness for the time we both had our children that are now with Jesus...
We all proclaimed what we were grateful for as we placed the skittles on the cake. It was really special to have them here to do that with us.
Grateful for the Lord's work on the cross so eternity with my Savior and Samuel can be a reality someday:):)
2 comments:
Oh what a precious post about sweet Samuel! Hard to believe the #5 on those balloons. How is that possible? Oh how you must savor the words written by Samuel's siblings!! Melted me ;). I still am amazed that God has worked your new call and placed you where you ARE, next to such special friends and coworkers...makes me smile. Only God. Samuel has had such an impact on so many lives. I, for one, will never be the same - you've taught me so much about caring and being attentive to those whose hearts are tender because of loss. Love you all!!
Such a sweet celebration for Samuel! I am so happy you have the love and support of our family and friend what a blessing!
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