As I read this last night, I start crying all over again. But not for the loss of Lilly this time, but for the amazing parents and awesome family she has. These words from her mommy and daddy and from her aunt Mandy are a true testimony of their faithfullness in our Father. Isn't it amazing that in such tragedy, they chose to glorify God. Lilly was truly blessed by God giving her the family that he did. During this sad time, they have encouraged me....and yet this is the time we need to do the encouraging. Thank you Jennifer, Richard, Mandy and Sam for such touching words!
From Lilly's Parents - Richard & Jennifer
"It is with eyes full of tears that we write this final post for our dear baby Lilly.
Lilly went to be with Jesus on Monday March 3, 2008. She was taking a nap that afternoon and never woke up. Even now we still struggle for answers, but with each day things get a little easier. The last week has seemed like an eternity, but also like a dream. We will miss her terribly and struggle to find the meaning in each day.
The prayers and words of support have been wonderful though. We could not believe the flowers, cards, food, and outpouring of love that we received. If we can have one prayer, it would that Lilly's life be a testimony of Love and that we can survive this tragedy with Grace that only God can give us, and find a way to turn this tragedy into something that can give him glory.
Thank you to everyone for their love and continued prayers. We can feel them all around us and they truly do help. We are leaning on each other and have found renewed love and life in that.
Good bye sweet Lilly. Your Mommy and Daddy will love you forever and look foward to the day we are all together again."
From her Aunt Mandy & Uncle Sam:
"It has been 10 days today since Lilly went to be with our Lord up in Heaven, and it has taken me this long to really put my thoughts together and write something. I still have so many thoughts to piece together, so many questions, so many happy memories that I just can't express, but I try to allow the Lord to guide me and comfort me. At first I was so angry with him; I just couldn't understand how this could happen to his faithful followers; I couldn't understand why this would happen to parents that loved their little girl more than words; I couldn't understand how such a precious, happy, healthy baby girl could just be taken away in seconds. But in all that the Lord understood, He cried (and still cries) with us, He mourns for this broken world and longs to save us from it, He gives us peace and comfort that only He can give, and He brings His people to us to show His love in the smallest ways. HE IS FAITHFUL, HE DID NOT DO THIS TO US, HE DID NOT TAKE LILLY AWAY FROM HER PARENTS, but HE WILL GET US THROUGH THIS."
"Lilly was a precious daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin and friend to us all. She was always so full of life. Sam and I loved her more than we ever thought was possible. Without having known the love of having our own children, she was the closest thing we knew to that deep love. She overtook me in away that I had never felt before. From the first time I saw her, I loved her and would have done anything for her. I longed to see her all the time and cherished each moment that I got to spend with her - holding her, watching her, loving her. And although we are sad and morn her loss , we know that she is being taken care of by our Heavenly Father. I can now look back and remember those happy times with her and be comforted.We will cherish each memory we have of our precious Lilly with us every day. Right now I still feel so sadden in my thoughts of her, but just thinking of the way she would smile at me brings such Joy. The Lord's hands are in this and with us all and it is so evident, but I ask that you would each continue to fervently pray for Lilly's parents, Richard and Jennifer, whom we love so much; Lilly's loving grandparents, Mike and Carol & Alan and Kathy; and for all the rest of the family as we go about each day. Pray for healing of our hearts, pray for peace, pray for joy, pray for understanding that only the Lord can give."
"I also want to thank each person that has reached out to Richard and Jennifer and the rest of the family. The Lord has truly used you to bring comfort to us all. Whether it was through food, cards, text messages, blog messages, phone calls, emails, flowers, or just a tender hug your love for us was felt. It brings me to tears to see how much love is out there. We live in an evil and fallen world, but the Lord has shown us through each of you that there is still love and hope.I feel my words are still so jumbled and that I haven't said half of what I wanted to say or in the way that I hoped it would come out, I hope you can feel and know my heart. The Lord is teaching me things through all of this each day, and I am just trying to be a faithful follower and lean on Him. If you get nothing else out of this, I ask that you would concentrate on the paragraph of praying b/c we need others to intercede for us in prayer to the Lord at this time.
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the borkenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delievers him from them all." Psalm 34:17-19 "
"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the borkenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delievers him from them all." Psalm 34:17-19 "
5 comments:
Richard and Jennifer,
Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lilly was a beautiful baby. She was a lucky little girl to have parents like you. God chose you because he knew you would nuture and cherish her if only for a short time. Take care of each other. God will bring you through this time as only he can.
David and Jo Clemens
Richard & Jennifer,
Just wanted you to know that our prayers are still with you guys daily. Just remember Lilly's fsvorite song. Jesus does love you and HE is strong and will get you guys through this. We love you!
Andy and Helen Cash
I loved how you said "the Lord understood, He cried (and still cries) with us, He mourns for this broken world and longs to save us from it, He gives us peace and comfort that only He can give, and He brings His people to us to show His love in the smallest ways." in your post.
I can feel Lilly's sweet spirit. I know that she is happy. Line upon line, precept upon precept. With an eternal perspective, this life is such a short time. She will be with her mommy and daddy again.
I am at a loss for words but your family will FOREVER be in my thoughts and prayers.
I need to hold my baby a little bit longer, enjoy each minute more fully, not take anything for granted. From one mother to the next, you are in my prayers.
Rely on the Lord and you will get through this. Christ may have to carry you, but you will get though this.
A friend of mine wrote the following poem after hearing about sweet Lilly. I thought I would share as Lilly was an inspiration to her.
Life of a Mother
I wake up and look like a mess,
I stare in the mirror and wish I could fix it,
Just then my youngest one tugs at my leg,
Holding a big box of bisquick,
My 3-year-old yells for me down the hall,
More like crying than anything,
"Mommy I pooped, please wipe me!" he yearns,
Times like these I don't feel like a queen,
Morning is over and time moves on slowly,
"Why can't the older one see?
I have so much work to do today,
I can't take them pulling on me",
Just then I remember I haven't changed,
My pj's are on, my hair still a mess,
"What in the world have I done today?
I can't even get myself dressed!"
I try to get ready for a long hot shower,
I trip on a pile of toys,
One of the water heaters is broken,
No heat left after bathing the boys,
I shake and tremble while drying off,
Another glance in the mirror I take,
I shake again, only this time it's my head,
"Shouldn't have eaten that cake!"
Daddy is home after naptime,
He gets to play hero again,
I get a few minutes to do what I want,
So I eat frosting straight from the can,
Nightime ritual has finally come,
The boys are ready to sleep,
I turn out their lights and stare into the dark,
The love I feel is so deep,
A voice whispers inside my heart,
"For this purpose, you are here"
Just then I feel guilt for not enjoying them more,
This guilt is followed by a tear.
So to each of you mothers reading this,
Enjoy your kids everyday,
Don't make the mistake I sometimes make,
By wishing the day away.
~Amber Wardell
I do not know you, but Lilly is in my prayers. Reading this makes my heart ache for you, as a mother, nothing I can say will take the pain away. She is so lucky to have you as parents to have your unconditional love.
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