A Story of Redemption

(Originally Posted November 30, 2009)

The one year anniversary of Aaden's death came and went. God was again faithful to surround us with family and friends who provided much love, support, and prayers. I was in complete awe of Him that day and the way He can use tragedy to unite His children.I was so afraid of November 15 coming and going. 'One year ago' just seems like so long... I even went so far as to not change our calendar over to the month of November when it came... it was just too painful. And though we faced the hardest anniversary I am sure, the pain is still there and very real. It seems as though if I am ever in a car for very long my mind will begin to wander... we did quite a bit of driving over Thanksgiving and I just kept thinking about how blessed we truly are and yet how we are still missing a huge part of our family. We will never be complete here on earth. And that is painful. That is a pain that will never dull... no matter how many years go by.Over the past few weeks Aaron and I received notes in the mail just about everyday from our ever thoughtful family at Aletheia Harrisonburg. They were notes of encouragement and love... some from perfect strangers telling us how they were praying us through this difficult time. I wanted to share one in particular with you...'I gave my life to Christ November 16, 2008...' the day after Aaden died my father-in-law and husband stood before a church of 500 people and begged them to not let his life or death be in vain... to not let a sacrifice of such magnitude go unnoticed... to recognize what Jesus had done for them... to remember that with great sacrifice comes amazing results. Kate is one of those amazing results. Her life and eternity is forever changed. Thank you God for using Aaden and his perfect little life to reach those that are lost. And thank you Kate for a note that will be forever treasured.Though we have passed the one year mark, the pain is still there. Asher Nathaniel is coming soon... 83 days until his due date. And my heart aches at knowing that we will only be able to show him pictures of his big brother...But God has never left our side nor will He ever. For that I am eternally grateful.