I have been compiling a few ideas over the past few weeks: YouTube videos with highly impactful messages for battling childhood cancer; inspiring quotes from those I admire and respect; requests for prayers for those being affected by cancer, etc.  Then came the Newtown tragedy and all my intentions flew right out of my head and my entire focus drastically changed. I was left speechless and could only nod in agreement as I read, heard and watched the outpouring of support from our entire nation.  These sincere expressions were voiced from deep within the broken hearts of parents worldwide.

What can I possibly say or write?  As I gently placed Christmas decorations around Nick’s grave, a profound sadness enveloped me to realize there would be many more parents burying their children this week.  Regardless of how strong my faith, grief is brutal and healing is agonizingly slow for the unspeakable act of preparing a funeral for your own child. What I have learned, however, is that my love for Nick is as strong as it was the day he was born.  My love for him is current, is real, is tangible, unconditional and never ending.  My hope for the Newtown parents is that their love for their children will carry them through the enduring heartache yet to come.

I would like to leave you all with a poem written by a personal friend.  She posted this on her Facebook page dedicated to the Newtown children.  She has also known tremendous heartache and her words are written with experienced emotion:

Precious voices sweetly raised,
The halls of Heaven, blessed~
Angel children sing to Him
and with the Savior rest.
Pray, brief the hours that loved ones wait
’til earth be cleansed and pure,
And safe for little Angels to sing again once more…
~Whitney’s Prayer (rev.) pjw 2011

May healing peace find all parents in need this season.  May you all be surrounded by those that love you and may the faith of your choice sustain you in times of trouble and in times of great joy.

With gratitude,

Lori Brower