Dear Friends in Christ -
Today, Dawn Barber and I went to a funeral service for one of the moms involved in the AlphaBets playdate group. Last week, Jennifer Stoverchy died suddenly of a breathing problem, leaving behind a husband, John, and two little girls, ages 6 and 3.
Attending the service was tough. Things aren't supposed to be this way. Moms are supposed to get to stick around "forever" - or at least 'til their kids and grandkids are grown. It was heartbreaking to see the sadness in the little girls' faces.
As we went forward for communion, each person took bread and wine, and then turn and say a word or give a hug to John and the girls, who were sitting in the front pew. Grief overflowed in touches and tears. The sadness was almost unbearable. Almost, - but not quite.
The sadness wasn't crushing because it was shared. As people took a piece of the bread and a sip of the wine, it was as if they offered to take a bit of the sadness, too. (The phrase "cup of sorrows" gained new meaning for me.) As we greeted the family again on our way out of the church, people made promises to continue sharing the burden of grief and suffering. You could tell people would make good on their promises to bring casseroles and look out for John and the girls. They seem like such small things. And yet, each small act will help John and the girls "bear all things, believe all things, hope all things, endure all things."
I thank God for light in the darkness. I thank God for love that doesn't end.
Faithfully yours,
Janet+
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