Sheri would have been 34 years old on Sunday. She passed away last August while giving birth to her second child. Yesterday we gathered to remember the blessing of her in our lives and to celebrate the selfless gift of her two daughters.
We started at the cemetery where we left notes, flowers and pictures at Sheri's grave site. We tied some messages to helium-filled balloons and the kids released them. We ate dinner and birthday cake at Brent's parents' home and finished by watching home videos of Sheri as a young girl.
Sheri's death causes me to think often of the things I know and believe. It is hard to reconcile how faith changes when it is tested in reality. Now the things that I know feel so small compared to those I don't and I think that was probably the same for Sheri.Sheri knew that Eric was the right guy for her...that he was cute, funny, kind and good. She didn’t know what an incredible parent he would be with or without her.
Sheri knew that she wanted to be a mother. Even when it was hard and tiring, she was grateful for the experience. She didn’t know that her time as a mom would be so short.
Sheri knew that having children would require hard work and sacrifice. She didn’t know that she would have to literally forfeit her life for her daughters.
I know that our families can be together again after this life. I don’t know why learning and really understanding the importance of this comforting knowledge can hurt so much sometimes.
I love you, Sheri.
14 comments:
This is a beautiful post; I can't stop crying. It was a lovely day, I just wish she would have been here with us to celebrate.
That baby is beautiful. It's wonderful that she is surrounded by so many loving and caring family members.
Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Love it. What a beautiful way to celebrate her!I am crying while thinking of that awefull day. So hard to loose the ones we love. The ones left behind do not know the why's, but the ones gone DO KNOW. I know that you and your Family are doing a great job of loving her by the way you live and by loving her girls. Love you Rita....
Yes. I don't know why it happened, but I know I'll see her again. Thanks for this beautiful post, Rita.
What a fitting, wonderful way to express our feelings about Sheri. Thank you, Rita.
This is very nice, Rita. Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful tribute Rita. Your family is so lucky to have you. You give strength in so many ways.
Oh, wow. This choked me up. I was just writing on your FB wall about how we're both emotional.
I love how your wrote this. Life isn't easy, but we're definitely never alone. I'm inspired by your family, your love and support for each other, and this sweet Sheri's life.
Beautifully written, Rita. So neat that the family all got together to remember Sheri on her birthday.
Sister...that was lovely.
Love you big sister. That was really nice. My heart hurts when I think about it.
Thank you Rita for this wonderful post. What an emotional 6 months our family has had, but how it's made us all so much more grateful for family.
What a beautiful post!! Tears in my eyes right now...... With the deaths lately in my life I know somewhat of your struggle to understand but your eloquence in these ideas has been touching to the core. Thank you for showing us a glimpse of your heart.
Darling Rita, the post was beautiful and the day sounded wonderful!
Post a Comment