The family time was bittersweet this week but today we all returned home, save one. Lauren's off to Michigan to join friends. The Danzeisens will make it back tomorrow in Virginia Beach, the rest of us today in Marion, Indianapolis and Monrovia.
It still doesn't seem possible that our family is no longer 5, at least for now. When we return home, it hits again and again that our son is not with us. We're weary of being sad but it is the course of grief for one so loved and missed.
My Willow Tree collection has grown this Christmas, and that fact is bittersweet as well, inspired too by BJ.
We look forward to spending New Year's eve with dear friends, many of the same as last year. And with school on Monday, the holidays seemed to flash by in somewhat of a blur. Yes, we stayed up late playing games and talking, slept in, took it easy, but isn't it amazing how time seems so short still?
Movies are a more poignant experience when you know what it means to lose someone. Loss was represented in both movies we saw this season. Somehow we aren't prepared for the emotional impact that comes with seeing this on film.
Again, we are thankful that we have Jesus to minister in these times.
mom
Thank you Aunt Maralyn and Lauren S. for your gifts!
posted by Pray for BJ @ 6:58 PM
11 comments
11 Comments:
Dear Brent, Deanna, Lauren and Whitney:
Praying for and thinking of you during this blessed season! Words are so inadequate but please know that so many of us do share your pain. Praying for health, peace and comfort for you all in the new year!!!
Hi precious family,
Tonight, I caught up on your news. Life is too busy sometimes. I see how your writing and ministering to others is helping you deal with your own pain. I have seen it in my own grief, too. It is amazing how when we focus on others, the Lord moves in us. I am also challenged by you and BJ. I hope to be ordering a dvd soon. I want my pastor to see it. I'd like for you all to be able to come down here to share with my church, too. They have been gracious enough to keep your names on our official prayer list that is given out every wednesday night. You are precious to us. I know mother enjoyed having you there. We will be visiting her after you have gone back to school. I hope we can all get together this summer. I miss our crazy times. I have bought "held" and intend to sing it one day when I can do it without crying. Hope your New Year is blessed!!! Lots of Love, Sis
Deanna,
It's so good to hear from you. I look forward to seeing you back at school on Monday.
I just want you all to know that you are continually in my thoughts and prayers. I know this special time of year is difficult for you - I will continue to pray for strength, peace, and joy for your family.
Laura
My heart feels a special link with you today. My Mom went home to be with the Lord on New Years Day some 28 years ago. Having her passing on New Years Day has made this holiday changed even to this day. Mom was only 64 and I sure was not ready for her to go. She never got to meet my sweet Paula or any of our Kids. So I understand
at least in small portion the impact of dealing with the emptiness during the holidays. Though it's been 28 years in many ways it seems like yesterday. It is through sweet loving people like yourselves that I got through losing my Mom. Especially today,
Brent, Deanna, Lauren and Whitney, my heart and thoughts are with you. Somehow I would like to believe that perhaps my Mom has met BJ and even asked....."Hello. I am Julie Ackerman, did you by chance know my son, Phil......did he ever get married and settle down?"...........lol Believe me that is a question my Mom would ask. Any way, I send you a cyber hug {{{{{{{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}}}
I love you all very much.
Phil
Hi, my name is Aubrie and I am 16 from Cashion, Oklahoma. I am a part of Barbara Ann's Significant Five, more like Significant Three Study. She has told Katie and I how you both have been praying for us. I just would like to thank you for being so selfless through your suffering by praying for us and others. That is just amazing!! I would also like to let you know that I recently had to write a profile for anyone I wanted to choose as a report for a class. I chose BJ because I think more people need to hear his awesome story. After turning in the paper, the next day my teacher called me up to the front and told me what an awesome report it was. I plan on reading it to my class. If they hear about it, maybe it will touch their lives like it has so many already and mine as well. Thank you again, for everything. Your love for God has touched and encouraged, I'm sure, millions. Happy New Years!!
You have been in my prayers and thoughts these past few weeks and I wanted to drop in to say again - thank you for sharing this hugely personal, but incredibly universal journey. I do also wonder how people without Christ manage grief... but I know that there are many people who will manage their life with Christ now because of BJ and all of you.
Jesus peace to you this year...
AJ
Higgins please pray for me as I try to survive this "storm" in my life...its not going so well right now.
Deanna,
Your stories have touched my heart. I lost my husband in a race car accident.
Deanna,
You may not know me but. I was in Hurricane Katrina!
How ya doing Pray for BJ, Hope you are having a good day. Your this post site is most interesting. I was looking for school prayer related information when I came across it. Thanks for the read. I have a site that may interest you come and visit sometime, school prayer thanks again, take care.
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