Today while I was doing some studying, I came across this quote on grief...and I love it!
"First, please know that grief is the natural by-product of love. One cannot selflessly love another person and not grieve at his suffering or eventual death. The only way to avoid the grief would be to not experience the love; and it is love that gives life its richness and meaning. Hence, what a grieving parent can expect to receive from the Lord in response to earnest supplication may not necessarily be an elimination of grief so much as a sweet reassurance that, whatever his or her circumstances, one’s child is in the tender care of a loving Heavenly Father."
Lance B. Wickman
This describes perfectly why grief is such an important part of healing from the loss of a child. I have often wanted the Lord to take away the grief and the pain associated with it, however, after reading this and coming to a realization that the only way to avoid the grief that we have felt over the last 12 months would be to have never experienced the love...
I can't imagine my life now without the love I have for Branson...my little boy. I am amazed so often at the simple ways Heavenly Father reminds me that although the loss of our little one is heart-wrenching, painful, and hard to accept...that it was done, ultimately, out of love for us and Branson. I open my arms wide to welcome the grief, for with that grief comes the incredible, powerful love that only a mother can have for her child. I would never forgo the grief if it meant forgoing our experience with Branson.
So today, I'll pray for that "sweet assurance" to know that our child "is in the tender care of a loving Heavenly Father".
"First, please know that grief is the natural by-product of love. One cannot selflessly love another person and not grieve at his suffering or eventual death. The only way to avoid the grief would be to not experience the love; and it is love that gives life its richness and meaning. Hence, what a grieving parent can expect to receive from the Lord in response to earnest supplication may not necessarily be an elimination of grief so much as a sweet reassurance that, whatever his or her circumstances, one’s child is in the tender care of a loving Heavenly Father."
Lance B. Wickman
This describes perfectly why grief is such an important part of healing from the loss of a child. I have often wanted the Lord to take away the grief and the pain associated with it, however, after reading this and coming to a realization that the only way to avoid the grief that we have felt over the last 12 months would be to have never experienced the love...
I can't imagine my life now without the love I have for Branson...my little boy. I am amazed so often at the simple ways Heavenly Father reminds me that although the loss of our little one is heart-wrenching, painful, and hard to accept...that it was done, ultimately, out of love for us and Branson. I open my arms wide to welcome the grief, for with that grief comes the incredible, powerful love that only a mother can have for her child. I would never forgo the grief if it meant forgoing our experience with Branson.
So today, I'll pray for that "sweet assurance" to know that our child "is in the tender care of a loving Heavenly Father".
6 comments:
I love the quote too! Thanks for sharing.
Well said Nat.
It's so very very true. And thank you for posting this. I have an angel mommy friend (who isn't LDS) who really needs this right now, so I passed the quote on to her. So thanks for helping me help her.
(hugs)
I love that quote and appreciate it! I know you don't know me, your husband does, and I've been in similar shoes to you. I love good quotes that help deal with the grief that is felt every day. I'm always amazed at the love our Savior gives to us as we have our struggling moments and helps hold us up until we can stand on our own. Thank you for sharing your sweet story.
Heather LaBarre Allen
Dear Natalie and Rob,
I am sorry that I am a little slow in checking for an update. I sure do love this one.
What an eventful year this has been...one full of a lot of gut checks. I am so grateful for the learning process we have all experienced. I have marveled at the growth and development of a stronger faith for you and Rob. I am sure that Branson would be proud of you and has been more involved than we can know. I am so grateful for the perspective that the gospel affords and blesses us with.
I want you to know how much I love you and again how proud I am for the patience, faith and perserverence that you have shown as you and Rob have struggled to make your way threw the hard times you have had.
Love Dad
I wish pride weren't a sin.....because I have so much of it for you and Robert and Branson. Maybe what I have is joy or gladness or contentment, that you are safe in the care of our Father in Heaven. And I have so much gratitude for His loving kindness to all of us, that we have Branson in our lives, that we have each other, and we have all the things we have been learning. What a wonderful Father to have blessed us all so much!
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