Sunday, September 9, 2012

2012 Children Memorial Service

Jace holding a butterfly
(This is an outline of some of the thoughts I shared during my speech of this year's memorial service. The audience were all the parents or family members of the children laid to rest in the same cemetery where my triplets are buried.)

Dear parents,

As year passes, When I'm visiting my triplet's grave, I can watch with deep sadness many of you whom are starting this difficult life-time journey after losing a child. And I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Whether you are the parent, grandparent, family or friend to the child, I’m glad to see you here, and let you know that you are not alone. Few days ago, my pastor shared with my church some thoughts about terrible circumstances like this. He said:

“There are some things that we will never be able to understand or comprehend in this world and I am quite sure this is part of God’s grand design. While some receive more years and some less, life is still a gift of God to be treasured and lived to the fullest. I have chosen to believe that God is still in control, that He is still kind and gracious, and that He always has our best interests in mind. Faith is not pretending that everything is great in your life. I have discovered that there is very little in life that we can control. Bad things do happen to good people, but faith is facing the facts without getting discouraged. In fact, the most important things in life you can’t control. We are living in Earth, and this place is not Heaven.” (Tim)

There is this scripture, that I will always keep in my heart, as a source of comfort and hope until the day I can see my children again. And I think it is worth sharing it once again:

Jace placing a flower at the Angel
holding a baby statue
"Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me: ‘It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.’" 

(Revelations 21)

Services like this are a great source of comfort, healing, and strength to face another year. Specially, when we realize how much love there is for all this little children. Because in remembering them and mentioning their names it is to celebrate them too.

What can I tell you about my children? This is what I can say:

They never opened their eyes on earth...
When they opened their eyes for the first time they saw Jesus.

They never made a sound on earth...
Their first words were praises to Jesus.

They never giggled or danced around on earth...
Now they are dancing for joy with the angels.

They never held their Mommy and Daddy's hand...
They are now holding Jesus hand.

They never felt any pain or sadness...
For that we thank God.

The only thing they felt on earth was how much their Mommy and Daddy loved them.

We never got to see how excited they would get when they discovered something new...
One day they will show Mommy and Daddy all the beautiful things in Heaven and they will see our excitement.

We never got to see them learn to crawl or walk.
But the day I see them again, I will get to see them running towards me, and I’ll be running towards them too.

We never felt their hugs...
When we enter heaven we will hug each other and never let go.

We never got to see our girls in cute little dresses with bows in their hair, or our little boy wearing a handsome suit... Now they are dressed in beauty that we could only imagine.

We only held them and sang to them for a short time...
Now the angels are singing to them and Jesus is holding them.

To my babies, thank you for inspiring me to write these words and knowing that you are safe until we meet again. I know that heaven is your place; it's better than the sights we see, your sights inside eternity, and still I long for your embrace. I know that heaven is your home; there is no pain, there is no fear; God wipes away your every tear.


I love you, and miss you,
Mommy and Daddy.

1 comment:

  1. It takes courage and strength to get up and speak at the memorial. Your words were inspirational as always!

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