For my precious grandson, Ross.....

Words can never express the loss we all felt on September 2, 2006.  It's just not supposed to happen this way.  Our kids and grandkids should be writing memorial notes for us.

I see the pain in my son's face, the many lines of agony, forever etched after having to see you go way before you had the chance to grow old.  Then he speaks of you with such love, the lines seem to fade.

I wanted to tell you how proud I was to see your Dad playing his guitar in Church yesterday.  We all know you were there, ever blessing us with your sweet spirit.  I've seen such a 'change' in my son, your Father since you left us. 

As you celebrate your first birthday in Heaven, say hi to Rose for me.  I know she'll have a fine table set for you.  Knowing her, she'll have planned this party for a long time and 'if only' we could see it. 

The days have passed into months and we'll soon see the 1 year anniversary.  We all grieve, missing your sweet smile, loving heart, giving spirit and listening to your awesome music. 

I'll join you soon. 

Love,

Grandpa

What words can one say in a time such as this? How can I speak my heart when I cannot hear it over the tears. 'I' have no words. However, God's word tell us in Isaiah 25 that "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.." He tells us in Revelation 7 that "..God shall wipe away all tears from thier eyes." and 21:4 "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

Then there are the words you heard so many times from Ross himself:

"Time can bring you down,

Time can even bend your knees.

Time can break your heart,

Have you begging please, begging please.

Beyond the door,

There's peace I'm sure,

And I know there'll be no more

Tears in heaven."

Ross is a light that will never be darkened.

My prayers are not for Ross for he has ALL.

My prayers are for those he left behind.

My prayers are for you.

 

Lynn and Ed.   My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during these difficult times.   I'm so glad you have each other and your faith to hold you up but these anniverseries must be so hard.   hugs to you!   

The Bible teaches that God will wipe away all tears in Heaven.  I thank Him for that promise.  We know that Ross is happy there and looking forward to seeing all of his loved ones join him in the future.

 

But that doesn't keep the tears from flowing now.  Remember that tears are healing, precious in His sight.  The "first" milestones come and go, then 2nd and 3rd.  But the loss is always there....and always hurts.  We are not expected to understand....but we never stop looking for the reason.  I haven't experienced the same loss, but know that God will hold you close to Him, making sure that He doesn't give you more than you can handle.  Take Him at His word, trust Him, and let the tears flow when needed.  Let God caress you with His love.

 

Surrounded by Christ's love,

 

Barb Porter

Mama Lynn & Papa Ed,

 

 I will never forget the pain I felt for you and your family that day and  the days that followed. But in all that darkness, there was so much love and compassion. I know that nothing will ever make that hurt go away but seeing how much everyone pulled together was just amazing. I regret not knowing your son and his family well. I wished Donnie and I had gotten to see them more often. But while being there for Donnie-trying hard to be his rock for the weeks to follow: I learned what a wonderful, humerous and gifted young man he was. And I know his spirit lingers around the ones that love him so.

 

I was teaching yoga that morning. It was a wonderfuly spirited class. At the end of each class, I share a "charge" or prayer card of the day. I would like to share two  that remind when the road is tough....there's usually a reason.

 

Stepping Stone

 

"I do not ask to walk smooth paths

Nor bear an easy load

I pray for strength and fortitude to climb the rock -strewn road.

Give me such courage and I can scale the headiest peaks alone, And

transform every stumbling block into a stepping stone."

 

 

Psalm for the Meaning of Life

 

"Let me find Grace in the real world,

release in the world of my imagination, and joy in both!

Help me notice the lessons in your world-

the turtle to remind me to slow down:

the peach and the lilac to remind of what in life is sweet:

 a Charred piece of driftwood to remind me that I, too, have been through the fire;

The tall yarrow along side the road bending in the wind to remind me that I may be

bent but never broken!

The newborn child to remind me that wonder and trust are the hope of the future.

 

Let me have a hope that bears out!"

 

 

And an excerpt from one more:

 

"Give me vision in the nighttime as I run through trees of faith."

 

Much love to you and your family.

Didi

 

Yesterday we received a package.  In the everyday 'hustle and bustle', I failed to see that it was from the NC Eye Bank.  Thinking it was something Crystal had ordered, I let Kayla bring it inside and forgot about it.

A few hours later, your Dad called me into the office.  There he sat, with tears streaming down his face.  The package had been addressed to him and he opened it.  Son, I ordered the DVD and book from the NC Eye Bank.  (Every year they produce one of each donor for the families.) 

After giving him a comforting hug, 'chastising' him for 'spoiling' part of this surprise I've got planned for your birthday, we read through the book, looking at your beautiful face again, along with so many awesome folks who went to Heaven, leaving the precious gift of sight.

What really got to your Dad was reading the poem, 'Tears In Heaven'......for, he hasn't been able to read it yet.  They had included a beautiful photo of you and Hunter, along with the poem. 

Although you know all of this, I wanted to put it in writing for others to see just how special you are to me and your Dad.  I read some of the other life stories, constantly amazed at the most unselfish dedications they made.  From a 10 oz. baby to a 90 year old Grandpa, they gave so that others might see. 

Our tears flowed once again, for each Mother and Father who had to walk the path we're walking, knowing someone is seeing today, all thanks to their donations.

Please give each of them a hug for us.  We do give thanks for their precious memories.

Love you always,

Dad and Mom

(Although he hasn't seen this yet, I know he'd say the same thing.)

My Wish Is.....

Lynn,

I just realized that Ross was born only a month after my oldest daughter. She was born on April 27th, 1981 and naturally, just celebrated her 26th birthday. With each day, I wonder how the next will begin and/or end. I try so hard to be stronger that I was the day before, and sometimes, it actually happens.  On other days, my mind won't focus on the fact that life must move forward.  I have so much to live for and my daughters are my life.  The "Andrew Void" won't ever go away and I'm not sure that I want it to.  I've heard so many people say that you have to confirm the fact that he was "here" before you can accept the fact that he's now "gone."  I choose to remember the yesterdays with love and happiness and to also not think of Andrew as being "gone."  He's away from us right now, but one day, we'll see him again.  I'm sure that he wishes that so many people wouldn't cry because he left us, but stopping the tears is easier said than done.  I look back though, and I am a tiny bit better; I tribute Andrew's website; it's been therapeutic for me and I've met so many other parents who feel the same way that I do.  It's a support group of such.  Thanks so much for all of your kind words on Andrew's site.

http://andrew-collins.last-memories.com

Praying for you and your family............Debi Collins