This was the email we sent to our family and friends on September 18, 2007
So many people have expressed to us such kindness and concern for our daughter Samantha. Laura and I are weary and emotionally exhausted but wanted some of our own comments to attend the spreading news of Samantha's passing. I sit here at the computer looking into the living room in which I wrestle daily with the boys, where we celebrate birthdays and Christmas, and where we listen to music. Today Laura and I sat on the living room couch and wept over Samantha as she struggled for her last few breaths. As we held her and tried to soothe her pains, we talked of all of the blessings we have enjoyed on her behalf. Even though Samantha could not speak or return an embrace, so much goodness entered our lives on her account. Our marriage has increased in maturity, our family enjoys more closeness, our children receive more tender affection, close friends have become increasingly dear. Though our hearts are broken (and our house is a wreck) there is a much larger sense in which we are unspeakably thankful. In no way do we wish Samantha had not come to our home. In no way do we wish some other family endured this struggle instead of us. This tiny life, though short and fraught with discomfort, has ushered into our home an ocean of kindness and compassion through family, friends, and many unexpected avenues.
I've attached a letter Sophia tucked into Samantha's blanket a few moments ago. It is beautiful. I've also pasted below a hymn several of you have called to our attention recently. Please pray for Laura and I as we try to muster the strength to deal with a few medical responsibilities and initiate all of the funeral/burial arrangements.
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
So many people have expressed to us such kindness and concern for our daughter Samantha. Laura and I are weary and emotionally exhausted but wanted some of our own comments to attend the spreading news of Samantha's passing. I sit here at the computer looking into the living room in which I wrestle daily with the boys, where we celebrate birthdays and Christmas, and where we listen to music. Today Laura and I sat on the living room couch and wept over Samantha as she struggled for her last few breaths. As we held her and tried to soothe her pains, we talked of all of the blessings we have enjoyed on her behalf. Even though Samantha could not speak or return an embrace, so much goodness entered our lives on her account. Our marriage has increased in maturity, our family enjoys more closeness, our children receive more tender affection, close friends have become increasingly dear. Though our hearts are broken (and our house is a wreck) there is a much larger sense in which we are unspeakably thankful. In no way do we wish Samantha had not come to our home. In no way do we wish some other family endured this struggle instead of us. This tiny life, though short and fraught with discomfort, has ushered into our home an ocean of kindness and compassion through family, friends, and many unexpected avenues.
I've attached a letter Sophia tucked into Samantha's blanket a few moments ago. It is beautiful. I've also pasted below a hymn several of you have called to our attention recently. Please pray for Laura and I as we try to muster the strength to deal with a few medical responsibilities and initiate all of the funeral/burial arrangements.
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father's full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
1 comment:
....Laura, I'm here again.
That letter was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing a glimpse into your family and this most difficult, yet precious time.
Love and prayers!
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