This past week has been a hard week, filled with countless emotions and many tears as we muddled our way through the many events that need to take place after the death of a loved one.
If it wasn't for the Angels who look like ordinary people, I'm not sure how we would have gotten through this week.
At the grave site~notes to Grady, written by siblings and cousins, tied to balloons.
I have been amazed at the outpouring of love that my daughter and son-in-law, Candice and Andy, have received during this time of Grady's death. Their church members and neighbors have been there to offer prayers, hugs, words of encouragement, comfort, food, flowers, house cleaning, cards and notes filled with words of love, and providing service during and after the funeral. They truly know how to "mourn with those who mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort."
(Mr. Cy, blowing "Kisses" to his baby brother)
I thank each of you for your words of love and encouragement to me and my family. I felt comforted and buoyed up as I read your comments, emails and cards. I need that strength to not only heal my broken heart but to help Candice and Andy as we rally around them and their little family to help mend their broken hearts.
(Aly - blowing her kisses)
One regret Candice had was that they hadn't taken a family picture since Grady was born. My son, Dan, took care of that with his airbrush, paints, prayers, tears and countless hours to present them a family portrait that includes their sweet baby Grady.
I am at peace knowing that Families are Forever!
I laid awake a long time the other night, thinking of you & your family. And wondering how in the world Dan was able to create such a beautiful painting in such a short time. Absolutely a labor of love & a blessing from Heaven.
ReplyDeleteSome of the hardest, and some of the most sacred times too, I would imagine. On that night 15 years ago when we had just learned that my husband had suddenly died my brother said something like: "The next weeks and months will be really hard, but you will also witness many blessings." He was so right. But the quietness after his death, was the biggest test of all to me.
ReplyDeleteBut a sweet little baby not in his Mama's arms, the ache and longing must be unbearable. I can't imagine anything harder. I don't know your family but I pray for them continually. I know there is great power in prayer.
Sitting here with tear filled eyes...my heart is with yours. The only comfort is that we KNOW that "Families Really Are Forever". What a beautiful painting of love. I am hoping that with Spring, feeling of healing will come and fill all of you up. (I am going private with my blog, if you care to follow, come and leave me your email) Love, Julie
ReplyDeleteConnie, you and your family continue to be in our prayers and hearts.
ReplyDeleteThere still doesn't seem to be words that can help.
It looks like it was a beautiful service.
I love you.
The balloons with notes attached, and the bubble kisses are precious - as is the beautiful family portrait. (((((HUGS)))))
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful portrait.
ReplyDeleteYou have been in my thoughts this week. I hope that God continues to comfort you and your family through this time.
What a beautiful portrait of a beautiful family. I hope being with family and friends during this time has been healing for everyone.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! My eyes are moist. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers continue to be with your sweet forever family.
ReplyDeleteI've thought about yall all week and have kept you in my prayers. What an awesome talent Dan has and now what a priceless picture. Yes, great comfort come from knowing that familes are forever!
ReplyDeleteMuch loves.
I never met Grady or his mom, but this has been on my mind so much. I'm so glad that there have been many people there to help them and all of you through such a difficult time!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about you so much, Connie. You continue to be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful picture your son did. That is beautiful.
May you continue to feel the love and comfort that the Spirit will bring. It is so helpful to know we are not alone.
Love you lots.
I have been with you and your family and little sweet Grady in my mind. Love is boundless and healing, may it comfort you all. Love from Peggy
ReplyDeleteThat beautiful picture just made me sog. What a wonderful and inspired gift from Dan.
ReplyDeleteI do not know what to say other then the many things that have been said to you up to this point.
I wish I were a "writer or a poet" Then I could put together some kind of masterpiece of emotion and thought.
But, I can't.
So I all I give you is my love for you and your family.
(wish I could type better....meant SOB)
ReplyDeleteSweetest Connie...
ReplyDeleteMy heart is still full of emotion/heartache for you and your family.
What a blessing Dan was -- to bless his sister such a treasure -- with his talents.
These trials bring such heartache and -- such a void.. yet showcase such blessings and tender mercies.
I want to send you ( for Candice ) a book-- but I don't want to send her copies of things she already has been given. I will e-mail you and check to see what she has been given.
You will continue to be in my prayers and thoughts. I know the pain your family is going through -- with the loss.. and it can be unbearable sometimes.
I hope the Angelic blessings will outweigh the heavy days.
I hope.
Hugs my friend.
The painting is beautiful. You and Candice are still in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteDear, sweet Connie,
ReplyDeleteYou have been constantly in my thoughts and prayers this past week. The funeral service for little Grady was absolutely wonderful. How fortunate you are (we are) to have the gospel in our lives and to know that families are forever.
The painting is just beautiful. What a special gift and what a great talent and love your son has.
You are a blessed woman with such a wonderful family. I am grateful to have you for a friend.
Hugs.
I can't help but shed a few tears for you and your family. What a precious gift that painting is. It is so beautiful and you can feel the love that went into it.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are still continuing on with you all. They say the loss of a child is harder than anything else we can go through and I can believe it. My heart is with you. <3
I got online today specifically for you. I had heard about your heartbreaking news through Ann the other day and it just broke my heart. You and your family are in my prayers. Hang in there and know I am thinking of you. ((hugs))
ReplyDeleteHey Connie...I just read the blog Daily CLoser to Christ.
ReplyDeleteI know you follow it....I was especially moved from friday's post.
I think in lieu of your recent family tragedy, (and mine a little more then a year ago...and NOW Kazzy)....it really rung true and profound for me.
Prayer.
"what confidence is this wherein thous trustest?"
Many have said, if it wasn't for their faith and knowledge of eternity, we would not be able to hardly survive the saddness in our lives.
Because we trustest....we endure and are lifted up.
I just wanted to share that with you.
I've been thinking of you and your family all week, Connie. I'm so happy you're surrounded by so many angels in your family's hour of need. And I'm astounded at the talent your son Dan has! That is one of the most lovely gifts I've ever seen. Your daughter's family will draw much comfort from looking at it. It made me cry. But in a good way.
ReplyDeleteThat beautiful painting brought instant tears to my eyes. What a wonderful talent and I'm sure it has brought Candice peace in her sorrow. Your son has an amazing talent as well as the gift of listening to the spirit to know what would help bring healing to his sister.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful funeral for little Grady. Loved the white balloons and bubbles. The painting is truly amazing. What a priceless treasure! Enduring is a hard thing to do sometimes. Our familie's prayers are with you and yours. Mimi
ReplyDeleteOh, Connie. I have been away for awhile and am just now reading of this. There are no words. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteConnie..
ReplyDeleteyour family has certainly had some trials lately. I am so glad that you've had support and love to help you through this trial.
Beautiful picture that Dan made for C.& A. So thoughtful too... I'm sure it wasn't easy for him to do, but he has a heart filled with love and compassion.
Just wanted to let you know that I'v started a new blog(keeping the old one private for my family) and I'd love to invite you to follow me and read along.
Just click on my name next to this comment.
Hope to see you when you feel up to it over at
always fixin'never sittin'blogspot
The painting is beautiful, and what a wonderful gift of love from your son; and what a beautiful service.
ReplyDeleteI pray for peace and healing for your sweet family Connie.
Oh, Connie...my heart goes out to you. Nobody should ever lose a child or grandchild.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that I haven't been keeping up with you better, Connie. I didn't even realize your family had suffered such a sad loss.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy but not surprised to hear of all the love that has come to your kids. And what a wonderful gift this picture must be for them! You would never know that it was airbrushed, not for a minute.
Our prayers are with all of you.
Sue