Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Dear Sarah



Taken from RB's journal...

August 4, 1988
Indiana, PA

Dear Sarah,

The sun is shining brightly here in Pennsylvania this Thursday morning, August 4th. It's much like one of the warm, humid days you spent with us last summer when we came to see Granddad and Grandma Cessna. What fun we had--meeting relatives, taking pictures, going to the park with Uncle Ray and your cousins!


But this year, it's different, Princess. You're not here with us. All we have is memories and the limestone marker on top of the hill in Thompson Cemetery. I stood by that stone last night just as the sun was slipping down behind one of these beautiful Pennsylvania hills...and I thought to myself, That gravestone is facing eastward--toward the eastern skies just in front of the Eastern Gate. The western sun has already set in your short life, but you are with God's very own Son, the light of the world.


Sarah, you're already with Jesus, and He's taking perfectly good care of you.  And I want you to know that Jesus is taking care of us here, too.  He has so many helpers--like the people of our church who have helped us since you left.  They have been so kind and sweet.  I'm sure you have noticed that, and, have with your beguiling shyness, (as Papaw Sankey says) hinted to Jesus to give these friends a little extra blessing.

Well, Sarah, I cry today because you seem so far away, but a smile comes to my lips when I think of how exciting you must be making things around your new Heavenly home.  We're on our way!

Bushels of love,
Daddy
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24 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is beautiful. Praying for you.

Rebecca said...

May God comfort your hearts as you hold all the precious memories close. We sorrow, but NOT as those who have no hope!

Debbie said...

May you feel the arms of Jesus today...Praying for you!

Anonymous said...

may God comfort you today sister...she was so nice...loves for you

Unknown said...

Oh, Auntie, I've been praying for you this morning!

I think we have pictures of that day in the park. Wasn't that when Daddy got stung so badly and had his hands buried in the sand in the picture? Maybe they're having a special park date today. :)

Hugs!
Pammy Jo

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Oh, my goodness ... August 7th is a day that you will never forget. God bless you and your husband, Pamela. Sending prayers today.

Kathy M.

RicKaren said...

Special prayers for you today!

Mamabear said...

Remembering with you :-) love you

Sheila said...

I cannot imagine your loss! I remember when it happened.

My husband's sister died at age 23. His parent's had only been in this area for a short time, so she was buried 2 hours away in their hometown. Years went by & they realized that Columbus would be where they stayed, so they moved their daughter & the family marker here. For years, my mother-in-law was able to stop by anytime she wanted & it was a blessing for her. Now we go & take flowers to both of them.

Dee said...

So sorry for your loss.

Esther Joy said...

My granddaughter and I visited a little cemetery near our house today, and I was just thinking about all those tombstones that face East!

LOLITA said...

She's been with Jesus for 20 years now.

Remembering with you too, with a lot of hope, and sight for the reunion.

Thanks for sharing this letter to us.

Denise said...

So heart touching, praying for you.

peggy aplSEEDS said...

what a beautiful way to honor her memory. may God be your consolation and joy during difficult times like this.

sharon said...

So beautiful. Knowing that she is with Jesus is a cornerstone of comfort. Praying for you and your family.

Ann said...

This really touched my heart, can't help but read it again and again just made me cry. She is so young to go but then again she is in a better place now. Your post made me remember my Papa who died 6 years ago and made me cry once again. Hi, thank you for visiting my blog and I came to visit yours too and I'm glad I did. I'm your newest follower too. Have a blessed week ahead :)

momto8 said...

faith and hope are such great blessings...when you see her again all will be only love...because in heaven that is all there is ...won't even need faith or hope...
God bless all of you...

The Dancing Crone said...

What a lovely baby and a beautiful post. Peace be with you, my friend.

Courtney said...

Oh, my. This is beautiful and so touching. You've blessed many by sharing it here. Prayers for you all on such a difficult anniversary - but what a joyful perspective you have. God bless.

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing such a precious piece of your heart. May God make His presence particularly known as you remember.

Anonymous said...

Oh, my heart breaks for you and you'll be in my prayers today. But the good news is as Christians, we have the promise we will see each other again!
Bless you,
Shelia :)

Esther Asbury said...

It's post like this ...raw with emotion and yet full of hope.... that bring things into focus and make me long for my "real home." Thanks for bringing Heaven near!

Deb Chitwood said...

What a touching post and beautiful way to remember... I'm praying for you and your family. Deb @ RaisingFigureSkaters.com

Marianne said...

Thank you for sharing this. What a beautiful child, what a tragic loss. It reminds me of the importance of faith. Thank you again.