One of my pastor friends on Facebook posted the link to some articles in our Synod's monthly periodical regarding grief and loss. Since I no longer subscribe to the magazine I had missed reading these. The pastor who wrote the two articles I read had lost a teen-aged son to suicide. Fortunately, the boy had a chance to repent and profess his faith in the Lord before he closed his eyes for the last time.
It is quite moving to read the words, the emotions they felt were too familiar. The second article in the series talks about how the father had changed since his son's death, changes for the good, how it became a blessing for him in helping others. Yes.
It so happens that I know this boy's mother, and his aunt, both of whom went to high school with me. In fact, the uncle of the young man sat at my table for ThanksLiving in 2011. The story was not new to me, reading it here, as I had heard about it from others. I give these parents, and the Lord, a good deal of credit for being able to carry on in the ministry like they are, and sharing "the reason for the hope that we have."
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Another FB Friend, a pastor's wife, shared a couple poignant articles which I read. One was about today's moms being so distracted by their hand-held communication devices, not paying full attention to their little ones. I can see that! I have thought about that when taking pictures---how one can be more about the photo being captured than about the moment itself. As my friend, Judy R. would say, "things that make you go hmmmm....".
Another friend linked to an article about the things a child must learn or know before they leave home. I was reduced to tears! As one reads the article, there is music playing softly in the background, which helps to stir the emotions. My son has left home more than once, so I am used to it. I am being falsely brave when saying this. It sure does help to be reading the book about the effect a mom has on her son! Wow, no pressure there!
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Tuesday before he and I went grocery shopping, we went to Hurricane's for lunch. He had a coupon to use from his Jaguar Bucks. Justin insisted we try the garlic parmesan fries, which I hated to tell him did not blow me away. His friend's mom can eat two orders of them in a sitting. She is a butter lover, like I am. But she is thin!
I ordered the chicken sandwich for my entree which came with homemade chips, but I ate none of them. In fact, I did eat the entire sandwich, no leftovers! It was fantastic, once I removed the lettuce and tomatoes from the bun. Next time I will order it more plainly, with pickles and mayo. It might have to be soon!!!
