Images in Grieving

Since my brother died in 2011, I have taken my kids to see his stone each spring, and posted pictures.

 

It is a peaceful and lovely place for them to run around. I hope to foster an environment where we feel comfortable talking about life, death and life after death; and about health, mental health and mental illness.

It is a time for reflection, and a time to remember Jesse’s life. I like to imagine that he is looking down on us, imagine the jokes he would make and the way he would play with the kids.

           

 

Of course, I don’t know if he really sees us. I believe he is with God, and I don’t know why he would choose to turn away from paradise for a moment to look down at this broken place. But in my heart, I hope he does, because he would just love them.

 

         

 

Even though I know he is in a better place, I wish he had gotten to experience the joy that the kids bring to our family. My children have brought me more joy than I could have imagined, and taught me a great deal about being a child of God.

 

 

So I wanted to share their photos on my little blog, and say once again that we love and miss Jesse, today on the anniversary of his death, and always.  And to remember, simply, that life can be tragically painful, but can also be profoundly joyful. There is hope for each one of us.

 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13