Looking back, I’m not sure how we kept it together that day. We were definitely still in that period of “is this really happening to us?” Mostly, we were on autopilot.
We promised ourselves that if we couldn't get up and speak, that would be ok.
But we did, somehow.
This prayer was shared by a grieving parent and friend who lost her beautiful baby girl, Stephanie almost twenty years ago. The prayer helped validate our own feelings and allowed us to grieve out loud.
We’d like to share it with you.
A GRIEVING PARENT’S PRAYER
Written by: Bernadette Zambri
Read by: William’s parents, Liz and Tom
“GOD HAS NOT LEFT US.
we feel it difficult to pray - we need insight in new ways to pray.
we feel abandoned - we need your warmth.
we feel isolated - we need courage to take steps closer to you.
we feel hurt - we need your healing.
we feel so sad - we need your closeness and humor.
we feel anger, resentment and bitterness - we need your peace.
we feel afraid - we need your strength.
we feel anxious - we need your patience.
we feel we have lost trust in you - we need to feel your love.
GOD IS HERE WITH US”
Hi Lizzie and Tom,
ReplyDeleteI saw the picture your dad posted of William's memorial paver which reminded me to check William's blog for recent posts. I just got caught up on the last few blog posts. I like how the different parts of William's ceremony are organized in the blog. It certainly was a special day. I really liked the grieving parent's prayer that you and Tom read - it must have taken a lot of courage to read it aloud and share it with the rest of us.
I am looking forward to seeing you and hearing about your trip. William's Easter rainbow must have been so beautiful even though it you just got a quick glimpse!
I think of you two and William often.
Love you,
Christine
Thanks so much for the comment, Christine.
ReplyDeleteWe liked the prayer because it really hit home, and especially because it was written by another grieving parent.
We had a good trip, we'll tell you all about it, I may even blog about it. We can tell a difference in how we were before the trip and after. Still, life is sort of a blur, we feel like we're lost and don't know what's next - but slowly things are becoming clearer. Each month is a big hurdle.
Today is so beautiful, it really feels like summer and I was driving around town and it just hit me so hard - how much I missed him. But also how much I love him, so I can see myself healing gradually, being able to process it all and letting it takes its course.
William's memorial paver is beautiful! We saw the photo too. Another way to keep honoring him. I hope to get down there soon to see it in person :) When we do, we will be sure to meet up.
Love you,
Liz and Tom