The Lord moved us to the city in August of 2007. Shortly after that, we “accidentally” found a home church in the area that was Family-Integrated, meaning the entire family was together to worship the entire time. In this small gathering was a family who had lost 3 of their 9 children. It was heart-wrentching to think about, but little did I know that soon I would face the death of a child and not just “think” about it, but “live” it.
All through Emmy’s illness, Kyle and Lynnette were there. Christmas Eve, as we waited to be released from the hospital after 3 long weeks, Kyle sat with us and played his guitar and sang to little Emily. Six weeks later, he would sing at her funeral.
Lynnette was the first person I called that morning from the ER. I needed someone who knew this pain. She screamed over the phone. Her reaction is the only reaction from outside of myself I remember that day. It was the pain of a mother who had been there.
Kyle and Lynnette stayed by our sides through those awful first days, ministering to us in a way that only a family who has lived through the nightmare of losing a child can do.
And when I was ready, Lynnette let me read a rough draft of her book. I could only read it a few pages at a time. There was so much there to digest, to mull over, to wonder about. I saw her family and I knew they had lived through this heartache 3 times and yet, there was joy. Could we ever find that place? It really did not seem possible.
Yet, her book offered that hope. And it gave the Reason for that hope. That book is now available for purchase.
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Lynnette’s blog can be found at http://lynnettekraft.blogspot.com/
Her website is http://www.growingthroughaffliction.com/
guinever says
Thanks for posting about this book. It looks like one I want to read and I just ordered it. ~blessings, Guineverwho has a daughter in heaven
writingcanvas says
I want to tell you I’ve read through all your posts under “grieving mother”. I’ve wept with you – I’ve wept for my losses. I am so sorry for the pain, because I know it too well. I’ve had a stillborn daughter and lost a 16 year old son. I’ve had another baby since his loss – and so appreciate life. I know the emptiness of coming home and being greeted by my children – but one. I know the lack of a name on a mother’s day card signed by “all” the children. I know with you the hope that yes, indeed, our tears will be wiped away, when we see Jesus’ face. Thank you for sharing your friend’s book. I will look into it later for my Bereaved Moms ministry too. I just wanted to thank you for your rawness in sharing – so honestly.