Last Thursday, one of my good friends from church unexpectedly lost her 2 year old.  You can read some posts from the beginning of her journey here and here.  Rebekah was born with a rare condition called VATER. I have known Jen for a few years & I can remember the day that she told me she was pregnant with Rebekah… I can also remember the first time that Jen brought her over, and the first question she asked me was where she could plug her baby in.  She has a heart after my own sense-of-humor. I also think back to a few months ago when Jen & Rebekah were over for Memorial Day – she left her shoes at my house & I am at a loss of what to do with them now.

With tubes and bandages galore, Rebekah always had a smile and seemed full of joy.  And even more – Jen is always full of joy & hope. Even yesterday, as she spoke at her daughter’s funeral, she was hopeful and peaceful.

I am still a big cry baby about it today. I just hurt so much for her because I cannot imagine losing a child.  Whether you have a few months with a child in your womb, a few years or 80 years – I just cant imagine.  It doesn’t seem like the way that it is supposed to happen. But Jen reminded us yesterday that God is just as good, loving, kind and even gentle TODAY as He was on Thursday morning before Rebekah passed away.

What a message. That will always stick with me and I wish that I could have taped her saying that so you could hear it.  God is good today. And when tragedy strikes, He is just as good.

Jen & Jeremy’s loss has stopped me in my tracks and made me examine my parenting.  I love my kids so deeply and pray that I have many, many years to enjoy them. I hope that I can keep perspective on that even when they push my buttons.  You probably hear more about those moments on my blog than all of the good moments. I hope that I can be better at doting on all of the good times in the future because you know what people, there are lots of good times.

Okay – enough of my mushy rambling.

Go hug your kids.

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