Dearest Friends and Family~
Words could never express how deeply we appreciate your thoughts, prayers and kind words of encouragement during the darkest hour of our lives as parents. Thanks to you we were lifted up in prayer and given strength beyond imagination. We remember wondering how a parent could even attend the funeral of their child, and if we had our rathers we would still be wondering. Now we know…. It’s the divine strength of God.
We realize now that we are part of a "quilt" of God, which he drapes over His family in times of despair. We are now three tattered remnants that have been sewn back together in a different way; intermingled with other outside pieces. We cannot remain just as we were. We must be willing to change. It's not easy being part of this quilt, but it is how God wills us together. Alone we have no strength but skillfully sewn together as only God can do each of us now appliques the strongest of quilts. Thank each of you for your part in this gift of strength. I know Anna is so proud in heaven to see her family cared for so lovingly.
As we think of Anna and of how precious she was to us we are reminded of 2 Corinthians 5:7 "We walk by faith, not by sight" and know that we were blessed and honored to be this precious little girl’s momma and poppa. We do wonder why this had to happen but rest in knowing God is in control and know His promise will never change.
When we first lost Anna and struggled to go through each day it is you, our friends and family, that answered the call. You were the hands and feet of our Lord. Through your actions we learned what it meant to be held by our Maker. We also learned that a heart that receives from God has many riches to give to others. We cherish each and every one of you and welcome any chance we can see you soon! May God bless & keep you close!
With Sincerest Gratitude,
Tony, JoAnna & Grace
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6 comments:
We are continuing to pray for your family.
In Him,
Carla L.
(AWAA family)
Joanna, Anthony and Grace, I would not have had it any other way then to be there for you during your time of need. It was through our faith in Christ that got us through and it will be the very strength that carries us forward. I continuously pray for you every day.
Cynthia
You are an inspiration. Even in your deepest despair, you give praise to God and thanks for your time with Anna instead of wallowing in hatred and anger. I agree that God is always to be praised, but I do not know if I could do it in the midst of what you are suffering. My inclination would be to wallow in self-pity and lash out. May God hold you close, giving you a deeper faith and understanding of the all-encompassing love Anna is experiencing this very moment. Now, Easter is personal!
Tender mercies,
Susanna (fellow adoptive mom)
You've quoted on of my favorite passages, now. It's a passage I've come to understand much better as I watch my three and a half year old, Acer, navigate around a room and explore the outside. He's totally blind, he's always walking 'Not by sight'. Watching him, has helped me to understand more about trust, and about listening. Also, how when things are unfamiliar, he grabs a hold of a hand and hangs on and trusts us to get him through it. Other times, he holds our hands because it's such a joy to be out and running with someone he loves. All correlations to our relationship with God.
We're tremendously sorry for your loss and we're praying for you.
Heather BT
http;//adoptakid.blogspot.com
My prayers are with you and your family. Your strength is nothing short of amazing. Im sure Anna is smiling down from heaven where she is feeling no pain.
Please know that my thoughts are with you-
Tommi
AP Vietnam
It has taken me days to be able to compose a comment to leave for you. After all, what words can I say in the face of such tragedy? As a fellow Christian, I can share that Anna is with Jesus and what sweeter place for her to be, but alleviating the pain and sadness left behind is impossible. Know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Even our 10-year-old son has asked about your story and we've been able to share it with him. I'm thankful that God has sustained you during this time and that you've been able to continue His praise. What a blessing!
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