In Remembrance

I'm not quite sure how to start. Or how to say just how heartbreaking this last Friday was. My heart is so heavy for those precious, innocent children's families. Death is a horrible, shattering thing for our human hearts to try to understand. The overwhelming pain these families are now having to deal with, and right before Christmas, too. Instead of the excitement and joy of the holidays, they now have gut-wrenching pain that makes them double-over, trying desperately to remember to breath. Grasping at memories. Trying to freeze them in their memories so they stay there forever. Using every last energy to remember how warm and soft their tiny cheeks felt against their lips. And, how peaceful they looked while asleep.

Their presents under the tree, now only a remembrance of what will never be. No more birthdays or Christmases. This new years will only bring pain as they deal with an entire year before them, knowing they will go on without their precious baby. Those families will now lay down numb, and wake up numb from the excruciating pain of not seeing their little ones in their beds. And, knowing that although the world has stopped briefly for this tragedy, it will continue on, whether they want it to, or not.

Lord, please be with these families. Hold them tightly to Yourself. Remind them that You are indeed good. Soften their hearts during this time and heal them gently. Bring others around them that would be of help and encouragement; people that would be a witness of Your mercy, love and kindness. Watch over them. Be incredibly near to them. Show Yourself to them. Give them the hope that You alone can bring to their pain-filled hearts. Hope that they can see their little ones again. Be gracious to them. Amen.