Three LSU ball caps.
That is what was found when they picked up Mark’s personal belongings. He had purchased one for each of the boys. He never got to give them to them.
I have so many thoughts going through my mind. I keep thinking Mark will miss so much of the boys life. But, will he? I have to believe God will allow him to be here for them during special moments of their lives, times like we had over the last week. There were moments when we all rejoiced because Mark is no longer suffering and in pain. Then there were moments of complete brokenness that spoke loudly of the love that was felt for him. There was also much reflection over how God had orchestrated so many recent events in Mark’s life in preparation for his cross over.
Through my tears I can tell you that it was beautiful.
Those three hats were placed in Mark’s hands, within the casket during the service. When everyone else had gone and the boys stood at his side saying their goodbyes, they were each given their hat. I wouldn’t trade anything for that moment. It was hard but it was full of Him. God had done so much in Mark’s and our lives over the last few months and even years that I can barely think of it without feeling overwhelmed by it.
A week or so ago I posted that I would soon be on a plane and headed to the Relevant bloggers conference. I said that I knew without a doubt that God would speak to me about some things. Well, He did. It wasn’t at the conference like I thought it would be but instead it was here, with my family – mine, Ryans, and Marks. In the midst of pain, grief, joy, peace and love: that is where I heard from Him. I know what I am supposed to do.
Thank you to all of you who lifted us up in prayer over the last week. We felt it. We really, really did. I cannot thank you enough.
{{{hugs}}} The title describes how I felt reading this..bittersweet & painfully beautiful. His Light shines best in dark times. Rest into His heart and behold the magnificent beauty that is all around you at this time..these are times when we hear the clearest and see the outpouring of His greatness and mercy. Did you see Ann’s post last week?…you’ll cry, but I think her words will minister to you.. http://www.aholyexperience.com/2010/10/father-of-rain-and-colors-of-tear/
I am sorry about the loss, but I am sure that God knows what is best. =)
And yes, pain and peace do go together =)
I am continuing to pray for you and your boys. I want to say more, but my words are inadequate still.
{You are loved.}
I am happy your kids had such a nice send off for their dad.
I’ve been praying for your family. May God continue to be with
you all.
Amy,
Again, I am so very sorry for your loss! Thank you for sharing such a sweet story. I understand the combination of pain and peace. We visited a friend today whom God will very soon call home to Heaven. And he wants to go…because less than two weeks ago, God called home his (invalid) daughter who was 56. The day after she was buried, he fell and broke his hip. He survived surgery, but later had a heart attack and is now in a coma. He was taken off the ventilator this morning and is breathing on his own, but is truly struggling.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, we attended the funeral of a friend from church, who passed away at 92 after driving home from Wednesday evening Bible class. She fell inside her garage and died several hours later from blood loss.
It has been a tough time for our current church family and our family from the church we left over 3 years ago. But, we are so thankful that all three will be in Heaven!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! If we met now, I fear that we’d fill a room with tears!
Hugs & Blessings,
Cara
Glad to hear that you have been given peace. You and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers since your last post. God is awesome.
God is SO good, dear Amy. Continuing to lift up you and the boys especially. And I know for a FACT that peace in pain is one of the most precious gifts the Lord can give a believer. I’ve gotten it too.
Dear sweet Amy, you have been in my thoughts and prayers girl, I love that God has been revealing Himself in new ways to you through this and pray He continues to carry you and your boys through . Bunches of hugs, Melissa
Amy, I was thinking about your boys this morning as I drove my husband to work. There are so many days that I still cry over my moms death. Like your boys loss, it was so unexpected. Your boys hats will be good reminders of their dads love for them!! Similarly, when I was at home helping Dad, he made sure to give me things that my mom had set aside for me as they were packing up their house in hopes of moving to something smaller.. nothing fancy but little things she wanted me to have and was just waiting for the next time I came home to give to me. Those things now mean the world to me!!
Keeping you all in my prayers…
Sallie
Thought I would post the link here:
http://www.insertgracehere.com/2009/09/joined-in-god/
Let me know if you have trouble opening it. The poem is called Joined in God. Be blessed!
Amy,
I’m in awe of God. I’ve seen so much loss lately, so much grief. Seeing how our Lord works through this amazes me. I posted something on my blog a while back, maybe a year ago. It’s about joy and sorrow co-existing. It’s a beautiful story that my mom shared with me (can’t recall now the author) and it moved me so much I had to share it. I’m going to email the link to you.
Praising Him for grace! Yes, rest in Him!!
Much love,
Rena
Dear Amy,
Pain and peace at the same time…….absolutely, when Jesus is our Lord!
It’s The peace that surpasses all understanding, that He gave you these past days. What a precious gift! I’ll continue to pray for you and your sons….all of the families, as these next days and weeks can prove to be difficult as quiet settles in. God is faithful and will see you through each and every second of every day! Thanks for sharing some of the sweet moments of Mark’s celebration.
Rest in Him.
Precious friend,
With tears of love and prayer, I’ve read every word and prayed again for you and your family. Thank you for sharing such a special and tender moment with us of Mark.
Praying the PEACE OF GOD wrap around all of you at this time.
Love you.
Will keep praying for you all.
Ruth
Amy,
May God’s peace and comfort pour upon you all during this hard time. Take care!
Karen
very sweet.