Her place is marked. Her name is written. I will never see her name anywhere but there - not spelled wrong at the bottom of a crayon drawing, not addressed on a birthday invitation, or on a report card, not embroidered into a team jersey, or printed in a wedding announcement. And as I sat there today looking at her name I mourn the loss of all of those times that we will miss, all of those moments that we would have loved to share with her.
Grieving Ellis over the past 6 months has been so difficult on so many levels, but I think the hardest thing in our particular situation is that it is hard for others to share in our grief. Not that there haven't been people willing to mourn with me, but when someone older has died, there are stories to tell, memories to share, moments remembered to laugh about. With Ellis only Ryan, myself, and my Mom ever saw her, held her, and only my Mother-in-law & my Dad have seen the pictures of her. So, for most everyone, there is no face to put with her name, no picture in their heads of a little girl who looked just like her sister. It has been lonely grief.
When I feel alone I do think back to what our pastor told us as we were planning Ellis' funeral service - he told me "Karin, God will not waste your pain". And I know that if I let Him, the Lord will use this, use us, to hopefully minister to someone else. But I have to be willing. I have to be willing to let go of any anger, I have to be willing to be fully happy for someone else without comparing it to my sorrow, I have to willing to praise God, and accept what He has given us with a grateful heart. Because God is good. Even through the pain, even through the sorrow, even through the suffering....God is good.
The verse that is written in the corner of her headstone is Matthew 5:8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God". And though I mourn here - for me, for us, for the time that I wish we had, I know that sweet Ellis is in a place with no sorrow, for she is seeing Him. She is in His presence, and in His presence there is fullness of joy. God is good.
4 comments:
Her marker is beautiful, Karin. Y'all did a great job on it.
Although I don't have any memories to share about Ellis, I will definitley always remember her. Her little feet that never walked a step on this earth left a big footprint on many of our hearts.
Ditto to what Courtney said. It is a beautiful marker. As friends and fellow mommies, we will always grieve her, always love her and always remember her. She is a special baby girl who holds a place in our hearts. Your words are perfect.
Karin,
Just wanted to say hi and let you know I still think of you and your loss often. This post was right on. Your pastor had some words of wisdom and I can "see" you allowing them to penetrate your life. You are SO right...GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!
much love,
Allecia (Steckel)
Karin,
Your words are so beautiful ~ We know Ellis was so beautiful too.
Through this experience, we will never forget her nor your love and strength you have for her.
oxox,
Erica
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