Pages

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Hope

Today, we very unexpectedly and unaccountably lost our 17 year old son.
He was perfectly healthy, an athlete, and a completely beautiful fine young man. And with no rhyme or reason, we found him this morning, already gone home to be with God.

He loved my quilts and indulged my quilting! :-) He'd picked one for his bed, and I finally, finally got the top done earlier this year with hopes to quilt it for him before Christmas.  He never complained that I was UFO poor or that his top would get pushed back for other projects, other exciting new adventures or techniques or tools.

He was the joy of our home -- a prankster and a ham, with a servant's heart and compassion for stray cats and hurting people, and every single person he met found a friend.  He was a total extrovert.  Every meet he ran in cross country, every 5-K, every Boot Camp, he shook hands and said, "I'm Sam. Who are you?! It's my pleasure to meet you!"

He loved God with all his heart and soul.  When I started this blog last year, he thought he'd give it a try.  We're homeschoolers -- so yeah, that counts! LOL  These were his "Things to Think About."  along with random thoughts on "Chuck" and running and what not here.

His quotes on Facebook included lyrics from Christian rapper LaCrae:
"Living to know God, dying to make Him known."
That was our beloved Sam.

Welcome home, baby.  We'll be along shortly.

"‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’"  Matthew 25:21

Please lift up our family in your prayers.  We are so blessed. We are so grateful. We are so humbled to have been Sam's parents, caretakers of him for a while.

13Now also we would not have you ignorant, brethren, about those who fall asleep [[a]in death], that you may not grieve [for them] as the rest do who have no hope [beyond the grave]. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him through Jesus those who have fallen asleep [[a]in death].  I Thessalonians 4:13-14 (Amplified)

Blessings and Peace,

239 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 239 of 239
Joan said...

Mary Lou, Having just read your sad but wonderful post...my prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Such a precious young man will be with you always . ♥

Elizabeth said...

Dear Casada Family - I had the privilege and pleasure of serving with Jeff here in Panjshir. We just learned of your loss. I know words do little at a time like this, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Elizabeth

Wendys Hat said...

I don't even know you or him but saw this notice on my blogging friend Diane's blog. I cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through. My son is 22 and youngest daughter is 16. I quilt, I've homeschooled too so I have things in common. What a treasure you have in your son. You are blessed by him! May you be at peace. I send my heartfelt love to you today.

Megan said...

You don't know me, but I heard about what happened to your son from my friend, Brooke. I just want to let you know that my family has been praying for you.
Your blog post blessed me so much. I hope and pray that when I have children someday I will be able to lay them upon the altar of my heart as you have done with your son. May our Great and Mighty Lord Jesus Christ comfort you and fill your home with overwhelming peace.

Alexis said...

I am so sorry. Please except my heartfelt sympathy. Will be praying for you and your family. I always look forward to your blog postings and how you apply Bible principles to life. You have become a friend. May you feel God's presence.

Linda C said...

What a beautiful young man, who will be deeply missed by you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jenny said...

praying for you and your family. i am so sorry for your loss.

Laurel H. said...

O my goodness! I read your Stash Manicure post to find out that you'd had this incredible loss. You and your family are in my prayers. But, for what it's worth, you are not mourning as do those who have no hope (1 Thess 4:13).

The Retired Mama said...

I can not imagine your pain. Even when we know that life does not end but becomes more glorious with Jesus it is still awful to miss someone. Every sunset will bring you closer in thought and in prayer. Hang on.

Idaho Quilter said...

Thinking of you !

Winona said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. I will be praying for your family.

JoEllen said...

Thoughts and prayers to you from me! Enjoy all the memories-he seems to have left you with many-until you see him again!

Donna~~ said...

Oh Mary Lou, the mother in me aches for your loss. I am so very sorry. Sam sounds like such a delightful son--your post is a lovely tribute.

pinsandneedles said...

What beautiful words. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you find comfort in knowing that Sam is with his Lord.

Joanne said...

I am so, so sorry. my prayers and thoughts are you,(( hugs)).

Cheryl said...

My deepest condolences on the loss of your son. Your tribute to Sam is so touching. My prayers are with you and your family.

SubeeSews said...

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss.
You write with such wit and wisdom. I am sure he was all you have stated he was. He was a product of your teachings.
prayers coming your way from Indiana
Subee

Bridget Mason said...

Mary Lou (hugs also) my heart breaks for your family, beautiful tribute that you wrote, I know we only meet a few times at Paula's ( quilting classes). I just wanted to send thoughts, hugs, and prayers to your family.

Barb said...

Mary Lou - I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Your post was so touching and moving and full of grace.
God Bless you all.
xxoo

Deb said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

Michelle said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

Red Geranium Cottage said...

I don't know you Mary Lou or your son but I read on a friends blog about your loss. No words can describe how sorry I am for you and your family. I have two sons and I know how close a mom and her boys are. My heart is breaking for you. Please know how honored we are that your son chose to protect and serve our wonderful country. May God Bless him!!!!!!
Hugs!!

Cristina said...

Cara Mary ti sono vicina con le mie preghiere....
ti abbraccio e con te tutta la tua famiglia..tuo figlio lo ritroverai un giorno......
un bacio

BrendaLou said...

Mary Lou,
Know that your son and my precious daughter are in the Presence of the Lord together. I don't know why it was required of them to leave this life early, but I do feel your pain (and your rejoycing of lives well lived). Jesus is sufficient though the pain is great. My prayers are with you.

Rose Marie said...

My heart is crying for your loss....

Many hugs, thoughts and prayers are winging your way.

Heather said...

Having almost lost my son a year ago I can imagine no greater pain than what you must be feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Jayne Honnold said...

Mary Lou, such sadness you must feel - yet, the strength you showed in your post is an inspiration. May you find peace in God's love.

Barb said...

I am so very sorry for your loss.....no words can express....

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

So very sorry for your loss. So glad that your son was a believer. I have a 17 year old son, too. Know that lots of people have prayed for your family.

stephanie @ Luckystarquilts said...

Oh, Mary Lou...I can hardly see to read through the tears I'm shedding for you. As the mom of 19 and 22 year olds I can only imagine the heartbreak of losing either one. Your tribute to your beloved son Sam is so beautiful. Blessings to all who knew him.

Chef Mama Lori said...

My heart aches for you in your loss. Yet, I rejoice with you that Sam is with the Lord now. As a fellow homeschool mom, I can only imagine the grief you feel. As a sister in Christ, I can imagine the joy you must have knowing He is safe and has finished the race. Praying for you.

tami said...

I am so very, very sorry for your loss.

Allyson said...

I am so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful young man Sam was and you are blessed to have so many wonderful and special memories. My prayers and thoughts to you and your family.

Stitched With Prayer said...

Mary Lou, I am visiting your blog because I just read about this post on Quilt Hollow. I just wanted to comment on this beautiful post and tribute to your son and his love and your love, for our Lord. Though my heart is hurting for you and your family, the strength of your faith truly glorifies God and is an inspiration to me. Be assured that you will be in my thoughts and fervent prayers for comfort and peace as you travel this path toward God's healing love. Hugs and God Bless.

Anonymous said...

I am so, so sorry for the loss of your precious son. Praying for you and your family. Peace.

Amy

Doniene said...

Mary Lou,

What a wonderful testimony about a life given to Jesus Christ!!! My thoughts and prayers are heaven sent for you and your family!!!

Esther Aliu said...

Dear Mary LOU,
You're in my prayers

Andee said...

I read your guest post at Stash Manicure and had to come over to your blog (now added to my reads) and read about your Sam. While at first I was enjoying your post as I keep a quilt journal and need to get to updating it I wound up with tears running down my face at the loss of your son. I am glad you have such deep faith..I just wanted to give you belated condolences from one quilting mom to another.

John'aLee said...

I am terribly sorry for your loss. I was so comforted to know that he lived for God! My prayers will be with you all. Sending heaps of hugs and love...

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 239 of 239   Newer› Newest»