These are days that we will never forget... days of hardship and sadness... days of  feeling supported and being supportive. The Lord is close to the broken hearted... and thankfully I believe Natasha and Reese feel that... many of us feel it.

Natasha and Reese were able to get through their baby boy's service with grace.
Many people prayed that Natasha and Reese would feel God's peace, the peace that surpasses our simple understanding. And we must continue to pray for that.

I found this past week in Lynden to be important. Supporting Natasha and Reese and spending time with my brothers and sisters and dad was crucial. Being with extended family and friends was a blessing. Our boys loved their time with Lane and with many other cousins! It makes me sad that my dad isn't faithful. Also, I look at people my age whose parents have or do encourage their children in their faith, I think that is a gift some are fortunate to have. Our mom offered us that enouragement when she was living.

Empathetic people blessed us... empathy is a quality only some have.... I am fortunate that many of Vance's family members are empathetic. We could feel their support and love as we did our best to comfort and support Natasha, Reese and Lane.

When Natasha is grocery shopping and sees a baby in a shopping cart, her heart will hurt. When she sees moms pushing strollers, her heart will hurt. When their family watches other families with two little boys it will remind them of what was and what could have been... their life will be filled with reminders of Case and with a longing for him. Tasha was getting ready to purchase fabric to make bibs and burp cloths right before he passed away and their family was looking forward to Case sitting up, they were loving his giggles and they were soaking up their life as a family of four.

There is a lot of emptiness.
There is a lot of hurt.
Thankfully there are also a lot of prayers being said.

Cousins together, enjoying eachotherMerit, Will, Kai and Lane Natasha and her supportive, fun friends! Come to Moses Lake girls!

Some pictures of the flowers for Case...