As I planted my veggie seeds last spring, I sensed a joy to bring in new life. As I now tear down my garden, I am relieved the work is almost done. I sense a sadness. Why? you may ask. So close to the birthday of my deceased son, Joshua. It’s a very hard season indeed.
I am still here.
I walk this earth.
I work and work to fill my mind and heart with the good that God has allowed me to have. I share my life with others in hopes it may help in some small way, and I’m still here.
I miss my son and this time of year will never be easy. Easier, but never easy. I won’t fool myself into thinking otherwise. Right now, it’s getting hard to feel joy when I wake in the mornings, but now I know what it is. Grief. Sorrow. Sadness for a son I can no longer hug, whose forehead I can no longer kiss, or debate issues with. For eight years, I’ve had this void.
Now that I understand so much more, when I wake and I feel that empty spot within me, I let myself feel it. Then, I think of our Lord and a warmth comes over me. I know that God loves me. He understands me better than I do. I have my Lord.
For those of you who are just beginning this journey of loss of a child, know that you can still be here and grow in the Lord. You will stumble, but God will carry you.
If you are willing.
Remember Who it is that loves you most.
Jean Williams 2012
Hi. My name is Lorraine. I understand your loss, especially during this season. I lost my son, Antwon, in March of 2011 to murder. I miss him so much. He was 28 years old and has been in my life since I was a teenagers. His birthday is November 13 and will be very difficult for me. Some days I do okay, but I just do not view my days the same. I know God is with me. Im just in lots of pain right now.
Lorraine
Lorraine, thank you for sharing your story. Know that I will pray for you during this long season of sorrow. In Him, Jean
Jean Ann, we have some mutual friends (and I may have met you before) because when I lived in Ventura County 10+ years ago I participated quite a bit in SCBWI functions. Anyway, Alexis O’Neal sent me a card today telling me about your blog/book because of my son Josh. He took his own life last year, 11 days after his 21st birthday. His birthday was this week, March 16th. So anyway, I could really identify with this because now March is kind of Josh month for us.
Josh had trusted Jesus as his savior as a very young child, and decided to be baptized as a young teen. He was struggling with mental/emotional illness and finally became overwhelmed beyond the point of his endurance. We just had no idea that it was that bad. But whenever I am reminded of where and with whom he is now. I know he is all right. It’s just a struggle a lot of times to keep my focus right. I know others have been through this before me, though. I appreciate that you are reaching out to help .