In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:26-28
We’ve faced much sadness these past weeks yet we take hold of the hope set before us and we are greatly encouraged.
Our longtime friend and the mother of our son-in-law lost her battle with cancer. A precious lady who loved the Lord with all of her heart and left a beautiful legacy not only with her family but with all that knew her.
Those who went to the cemetery were given a small envelope containing a butterfly. They were released after pastor spoke. Someone placed a butterfly on the flower headband worn by baby Joelle. Jamie posted this on fb:
This little sweetheart is the niece of our other son-in-law. This 14-month beautiful girl was recently diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and has begun chemo to shrink the mass before surgery to remove it. Prayers for Emma and her Mommy and Daddy are greatly appreciated!
The only sibling of Abbey’s best friend lost his life in a car accident. Just 20 years old, Dan was to be Abbey’s escort at his sister Vicki’s wedding next year. I can’t imaging the difficult journey this family now must walk.
Friday night we made a hard decision. As Raider’s Sick Sinus Syndrome had progressed, he began having labored, rapid breathing and became tuckered out even with little exertion. On Thursday, he laid on me and I rocked him, silently thinking in my heart that he would just stop breathing and his heart would cease beating and he would die peacefully. We talked with the veterinarian and learned that his breathing difficulties would not be peaceful and left it that we would contact her Sunday morning. As we were getting ready for bed Friday night, it was apparent he was in distress and prolonging his life made no sense so we left for a final car ride just as we did 14 years ago with our dog, Scotty.
We returned home with an empty collar and a sweet paw print that was made for us by the veterinarian staff and a heart full of memories of my sweet boy.
Even amid all of the heartache, the Lord never leaves us and pours out his mercy and grace.
Here are some happy moments from the past few weeks.
Jill, Brad and family visited for a week. They returned home and then Jill and two of the kids came back for the funeral.
Cambrie lost her two front teeth
Silas celebrated his 10th birthday
Keri received an Excellence in Character award
Braden loved hand feeding Raider
Keri went to Take your child to work day with her PopPop
My daughter, Jill (one of the twins) took me to dinner for Mother’s Day Monday evening. It was super special to spend time just with her!
And Abbey and I enjoyed a great lunch after church on Mother’s Day.
May 15th is the 10th anniversary of my dad’s passing. I am so thankful for his sincere response to the call of the Lord to be his savior.
Finally, in my near future, I will be having a total hip replacement. Not scheduled yet because I have had too much on my plate. It takes 6-8 weeks to prepare for surgery and you can be sure I will be requesting prayer for this!
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
Psalm 62:5
As I read through this post, and all the other beautifully done posts, my heart felt a deep sadness for all that you and your family have been walking through lately. The tiny vase of lily of the valley, and the comforting Bible verse, was the perfect way to begin this heart wrenching post. My prayers have already been lifted up for that dear little Emma and her family. As for Raider, I know on a first hand basis, how much you loved him. I am so sorry! As for your hip replacement, I know how much is involved in that, after walking through it twice with my Mother. I am praying for a recovery that is fast and healing for you. In a note of encouragement, my Mother had the best results, and walked in a pain free way, for years after the surgery.
Thank you for sharing your heart on this blog. Always, I am blessed by my visits here. Always!
Oh man, Lorraine. That is a lot of heartache. Cancer and car accidents are truly horrible. So very sorry for the loss of your friend and that young man. Prayers are lifted for sweet Emma who is precious beyond measure. I know that having to make the decision to let Raider go was very difficult. He was so loved and is forever in your heart. May you be blessed with an easy surgery and a speedy recovery. Hugs, Tammy
I am so sorry to hear of all the loss you and your family have gone through – and so thankful that you know the hope that only comes from the Lord. Sending hugs and prayers for comfort to you.
~Adrienne~
Tears this early morning as I read of all you and your family have been facing in recent weeks. What a wonderful Great Comforter we have. I hope you can get your new hip soon … everyone I know who has has done really well. Let us know.
I am so sorry to hear about all of this sadness that has been going on for you. How happy I am to know though that you have the Lord to lean on and take comfort from and I pray for all these situations knowing He can and will see you through it all.
Oh, so much sadness surrounding your family these days. So many reasons to be heartbroken. I am thankful that you know the God of Hope!!
I will be praying for you and yours! {{hugs}}
That is a tremendous amount of real life, Lorraine. It is clear that faith helps you through it, as well as the love (and the antics) of grandchildren. Please let us know when you ready for the hip replacement so that we can support you through this.
I'm deeply sorry for all your losses. It seems the old cliche is true that when it rains, it pours. And yet you do find hope and encouragement along the way. I love the butterflies. Your daughters are beautiful.
My goodness, that is truly a boatload of sadness, but you have such a great attitude. May the Lord bring comfort to all those you mentioned and may He lead you forth as you prepare for your surgery. I don't know anyone that has had hip replacement that wasn't glad they did it. Praying yours is the same!
oh my, you have been through some trying times lately. I'm so sorry to hear of all of this and I started crying when I read about sweet Raider.s Sending you hugs and prayers.
Really sorry to read all that has happened in your family. I will place your family in my prayers. Pat
Lorraine, my heart goes out to you and your family. You have certainly had more than your share of sorrow, especially this week. Like you said, the Lord has a way of balancing things out by bringing us those sweet blessings too. What a wonderfully considerate memorial the vet clinic gave in honor of your beloved Raider. Keeping you in my prayers 🙂
Lorraine, I was missing your absence on FB, and posting, and now my eyes are filled with tears as I know the reasons. I will pray for your friends, that sweet baby girl, and Raider, and especially your hip surgery. They have really advanced with this, and most folks come home and start to resume their routine much faster than before. ❤️
My heart is sad for your family but yet hopeful as you find comfort in your favorite scriptures.