“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside,
somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God.”
Anne Frank
Our “Stuart Tree” is in bloom. It carries that name because it was a gift to us after our son, Stuart, passed away. It is interesting how it starts blooming in the weeks just before the anniversary of his death. Those blooms offer hope and renewal at a time when I struggle to catch my breath or acknowledge all the good things in life.
It bears witness that winter turns to spring, and beauty is in full bloom—even when life is hard.
This year, with the social distancing/isolation/quarantine, the tiny buds open into beautiful blossoms of hope.
Our world may be facing difficulties, but we have hope. There are disappointments, loss, confusion, and fear, but He is still on the throne.
We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed . . .
2 Corinthians 4:8
We planted this beautiful tree in our front yard. I can sit on my porch swing and take in the glorious beauty, talk to Stuart about all the things, and tell God how thankful I am for His grace and mercy.
And I am thankful—for every single minute I had with my son—and I am thankful God chose me to be his mom for almost 35 years.
The days are unfolding into the date of Stuart’s passing and then, five days later, his birthday. We will buy a cookie cake—providing Great American Cookies is open—as it was Stuart’s favorite and a family tradition. We will sing happy birthday to him, and we will laugh as we tell some “Stuart Stories.”
Also, we will cry. We miss him terribly. Our hearts are still very broken by our loss. Losing a child is a loss I hope you never know. If you already do, I am so very sorry.
Life is full of love and heartache, and we often experience them at the same time. The deep hurt is a direct result of deep love.
Our hope gets us through it all. We know there will come a day when we will see Stuart again. We will stand there with Jesus and Stuart at the same time. What a day that will be!
“Where there’s hope, there’s life. It fills us with fresh courage and makes us strong again.”
Anne Frank
I love that his tree blooms every year just before the anniversary of his death. I love exactly what it proves to us, winter always turns to spring, beauty from ashes. Love you, mom.