Sucker Punched

"..from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Psalm 61:2



Sometimes things happen that sneak up on us and take the wind out of our lungs, leaving us feeling as though air is coming through a straw in very small doses.


Tonight, as I was cooking in my kitchen, my nephew, Noah, came downstairs to chat with his "favorite aunt" as he calls me. He is also my godson, the son of my sister, and I love him very much. I am very close to both of my sisters, and their kids are special to my heart.



My nephew had on a shirt that I liked. So I told him. And then he said the words, "Oh, this was Jay's shirt. Mom brought it back from Guam." "Ohhhhh.." was what I replied as I quickly turned my back to him. He ran off, thank God, to finish what he was doing before he came to chat. I was left trying to gasp for air. Jay was my beloved nephew who took his life last year. Too young. Too sudden. Too tragic.



My tears filled my eyes so fast and this huge rock settled in my heart. I began to recall memories of my nephew. Even though I left Guam many years ago, I loved that little boy from the moment I set eyes on him. He was precious to my heart. He was the son of my sister--one of the closest people ever to me. So her pain became my pain. It's a sister thing...




In this photo, my sister is in the middle being comforted my niece (Jay's oldest sister)to the right, and my youngest sister, Stephanie, to the left. My sister, Christina, is bent over at her son's coffin.



We often forget a person's tragedy. Time moves on for us, but it goes by excruciatingly slow for the one who suffered the most. Time really does not take the pain away fast enough..but it is the only healer.


Maybe we can pause a minute and say a prayer for someone that we know has suffered loss....loss of a child, a loved one, a pet, a dream, a marriage...losses come in many different forms. Prayer is powerful--never underestimate it. I have found extreme peace in many trials, much of which I am CERTAIN came from praying people.


They may never know you prayed, but God will. And He is the best source of comfort for any pain we endure on this earth. He gives peace amidst the tempestuest of storms. I thank Him for His great love.




--Anna

Rest in peace, Jay Michael, affectionately known as "Jay-Boy."