Surviving the Loss of a Child
Our Lora Beth
Our Lora Beth
March 6, 2000
Anyone who knows me would be shocked to hear that, given a question or an opportunity to speak, I would be at a loss for words. But this situation has left me so lost, that I find myself spitting out inarticulate bundles of words that only resemble sentences. As time goes on, no doubt I'll be able to express myself better. But for now, my questions are still being answered, my opinions and beliefs being tested, and conclusions are hard to come by. So excuse me while I take some time to swallow this Lump in my throat.
In the meantime, I'm going to share an exchange of gifts between my sister and I--one which has become the best example I can offer of the strength of our friendship and the magnitude of my grief.
The first is the script from a speech I gave at a banquet celebrating my sister's high school graduation on May 22, 1998--exactly one year before she died. The second is the last birthday gift I received from my sister--written 5 months before she died. As a college student with little money, Lora decided to write a letter about how she felt about me and our relationship. It is one of my most cherished gifts and I cry every time I read it. ~ crystal
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you..." Philippians 1:3
