Monday, May 23, 2011

"Living to know God, Dying to make Him known." ~Lecrae



Last Friday evening Autumn, Mary Lou, and I shared a table during the annual homemaker's meeting. We ate too much, and giggled our way through the evening. Saturday morning I showed up at The Farmhouse for our monthly Farmer's Wife class. When I had a migraine, Mary Lou helped me carry my things to the car, and sent me on my way with get well wishes. And tonight, I sat in Mary Lou's living room and mourned the loss of her son, Sam.

Sam and Collin were good friends. They took chemistry together, ran cross-country, played basketball, enjoyed the same music, and had very similar personalities. And now, Sam is gone. As a mother I can't begin to imagine losing a child, but even with this loss, I know that God is good. Mary Lou and Jeff know it, too.

Today, despite this heart-breaking loss, there is much to be thankful for. Gifts# 385 -399:

* a life well lived, and worthy of celebrating
* a hard-working young man, who gave his all to everything that he did
* a young man who lived Christ's love out loud
* an affectionate personality that left his mama with no regrets
* good sportsmanship, displayed whether he won or lost
* an encouraging spirit

* a father, deployed in Afghanistan, returned home a few weeks before his son's passing
* time spent homeschooling, which meant more time with the family
* a church gathered 'round to comfort those whom mourn
* women who can clean a house not their own from top to bottom in less than an hour
* food, brought by many
* visitors to share in the memories of a life cut short, each one thankful for how Sam touched them personally

* the witness of a family to the doctors, nurses, and EMT personnel
* the HOPE of the RESURRECTION!
* soothing words, full of wisdom from dear friends, "God doesn't waste a life, or a death!"



Even in the mourning, there is joy to be found!

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. - Philippians 1:20-21



8 comments:

shelia said...

Praying for this sweet family.
So grateful that God is wrapping His arms around them with the love of other brothers and sisters. We serve an awesome loving God.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry for their loss.

Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage Blog said...

Beautiful Tracy...I am hurting for Mary Lou and her family...but praying for the peace that passes all understanding!

Jennifer said...

I'm so sorry to hear of the world's loss of this incredible young man. Please know all of you will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Wow !! Very sorry to hear about the loss of this young man. My heart goes out to the parents.

But a young man in perfect health, a runner dropping dead at 17 ? I do not know how to say this with the proper sensitivity. I believe in God's will and time, but I also believe in knowing the cause if I can.

Was there any sign of distress ? Foul play ? Some unknown genetic disease that could affect others ? I can't even imagine losing a child, but losing a healthy child with no explanation ? Hope the parents find out answers.

Tracy said...

Anonymous, Sam's parents aren't left without questions, despite their faith. An autopsy is being performed.

Becky K. said...

Words fail me...but yours were perfect.
Hugs,
Becky

sherry said...

still thinking of this family .. and praying.

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