Seventeen years ago this month we lost a dear soul at the tender age of seventeen. His battle against the odds was one that he won, just not in a way any of us could ever have anticipated.
His headstone reads, “Let my shadows prove the sunshine.”
And oh, how they have.
In the ache of loss, his legacy has lived on. His love for Jesus had the final say. And while he is still dearly missed, this cousin of mine is remembered fondly by those who loved him, and love him still.
I thought of him at our wedding. His absence was felt when one less place had to be set at a reception guest table.
I think of him at Christmastime. Of lively extended family meals and traditions; of him with a water pistol and a mischievous grin.
Through the ache, there’s still thankfulness for the memories shared, for the life lived, for the hope we have beyond this moment; beyond today; to life eternal.
What I’ve learned, is that in the grittiness of life – in the hard, in the hurt, in the heartbreaking, there’s a new depth to be found. One we wouldn’t necessarily choose to experience this way, but one that brings us to our knees.
It’s pain, and it’s thankfulness.
It’s loss, and it’s thankfulness.
It’s joy and grief and
hope and hurt colliding,
making room for thanks,
as if it’s an unexpected visitor.
Because sometimes it is.
Kristy x
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