Our main reason for taking a vacation out east this fall was to visit some old stomping grounds, the old church in which my Lutheran Stud did his vicarage and field work while at the seminary,
and to visit our son, Jonathan's grave. While I thought I'd be an emotional train wreck when we visited, but it wasn't like that at all. We attended church that morning and afterward the children went out to the cemetery, connected to the church, and it was like a search and find. It didn't take long and they found Jonathan's stone.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of his death. After beginning a quilt, using Jonathan's clothing, I finally finished it! It only took me 8 years. His stone hasn't changed one bit in 10 years. It has weathered many storms and hot sun, and still looks brand new; for that, I am glad. I am so thankful for the members at Zion Lutheran Church. They have sent us photos over the years and placed crosses, flowers, and other things on his stone. While those things may seem trivial, knowing that people still remember and think of Jonathan warms my heart and the thoughtfulness will never be forgotten. The people at this church are like a second family to us. They helped us through the worst of times and continue to be there for us.
Our children were pretty excited to find Jonathan's grave and see his picture on the stone. It was sort of like we were all together for the first time, even though we won't truly be reunited until we meet in heaven.
We give thanks unto the Lord for He is good and His mercy endures forever. Amen.
5 comments:
Jan, that was beautiful.
So was he.
And so is your whole family--we love you all.
I love the picture of your whole family by the tombstone. And I can't wait to see your son again. I hope he still has cheeks that go on for weeks. :)
I still remember holding Jonathan when you visited my parents' for the first time. He has the perfect chubby cheeks, and I can't wait to kiss them again in heaven! Praying for you and lots of love.
The photos are all beautiful, Jonathan's stone is beautiful, and I especially love the family photo of you all around Jonathan's grave.
We are so fantastically blessed to know that we are baptised in Christ and will be reunited with our loved ones--praise God! I can't wait to meet Jonathan when that time comes.
Heather
What a lovely picture of your family around his grave. My daughter's love visiting their big brother's grave and can't wait to meet him in heaven. Recently, I parted with the last of his clothing. How I wished I had the foresight to save them and have a quilt. What a beautiful way to remember him. Blessings!
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