A Picture Worth a Thousand Unspoken Words

The first time I saw this picture, everything stopped and froze in my soul. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it because to me, without any words, it perfectly describes how our life can continue to grow after the loss of a child. In our case, our 24-year-old son, Hank.

Grief. It’s unpredictable. It’s unique to each of us. It’s powerfully strong. It’s always present. It can be covered up but not buried. You want to shed it, but you need to embrace it. Grief isn’t an enemy. It’s a companion.

As this picture represents, we keep on going and we keep on growing with our grief. We don’t leave it behind. For me, I need it with me. Because my grief is attached to something I love so much. It’s attached to his smile. His laugh. His warm hug. His positive outlook on life. His care for others. His desire to please. His love for flight. His love for his sisters.

This week marks four years since our family’s crash. Each day God helps us carry and embrace our grief as we keep it going! We are not strong nor are we special. We cling to God’s promises and continue to build our strength by standing on His solid foundation.

“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.”