Apologies for the late reply.
Your memorial web page is incredibly beautiful. I didn’t even know Jacob, but your photo album brought tears.
I am sure that everyone else you pinged to this message would agree with me that no thanks are necessary, and that we all realize that your grief is of the kind that few of us have ever experienced, no matter the sorrows we have known or burdens we have born. To attempt to comprehend the loss of a child without having actually experienced it is not humanly possible.
Every parent knows the major anxieties that occur at all ages of their children’s development – from ‘losing’ a child momentarily in a department store, to pacing the floor when a teenager is an hour late coming home from a date. At the root of all of those anxieties lies a parent’s worst fear. And the handful of you who didn’t experience the blessed relief of learning that your anxiety was unwarranted have our deepest sympathies … even though we can never fully comprehend your loss.
My choir recently performed this anthem with an accompaniment track. The congregation responded in a more appreciative way to this piece than to anything we have ever done. I believe it contains the kind of message that is desparately needed when we go through trials, and bear burdens, that seem more profound than human shoulders can endure. Please listen to it from beginning to end (and be patient with the long download time, if you have a dial-up connection). Although you appear to have come to grips with your loss, I know you both to be strong in your faith, so I believe the anthem will touch your hearts with its healing, comforting, hope-filled message:
Both of you have been an inspiration to many of us here on the forum (and surely to countless others your lives have touched every day) since Jacob’s death. You have received consolation in the knowledge that there will one day be a blessed reuinion with Jacob, the glory of which will eclipse all of the earthly pain you have endured. Your faith has not faltered, and your knowledge that He is in control, no matter our circumstances, has proven unshakable. You have proven faithful in the Lord through your wonderful Christian witness and example.
A heartfelt thank you …
~ joanie
bttt