Grief unspeakable and full of misery
In the New Testament letter called 1 Peter the writer speaks thus: "you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:"
That may have its place, but there is also grief unspeakable and full of misery.
When I came to Fitchburg, MA in 1976 to be the pastor of a congregation there, one of the great matriarchs of the parish Annie S urged me to pray for her great granddaughter, a wee babe born prematurely and called Mandy. Annie's daughter Ruth C, (Mandy's grandmother) also urged our prayers.
Mandy was in special care at Mass General Hospital.
She not only survived, ( with one leg always affected by cerebral palsy) but she blossomed to become a dear wife, a mother of three daughters, and an exceptional teacher.
Over the years I have stayed in touch with Steve C (Mandy's Dad), and Susan C (her mother).
Steve and Susan divorced in due course (but remained good friends).
Steve was re-married to the wonderful Rick F.
I last met Mandy (Amanda) some three or four years ago when I went up to Roswell GA for a wonderful family party to celebrate R and S's marriage. Amanda was there for her Dad!
They entire family are now experiencing grief unspeakable and full of misery.
Dear, good, and blessed Amanda (Mandy) died yesterday from liver and kidney failure at aged 42.
Oh my: grief unspeakable and full of misery.
As well as her parents Amanda leaves a brother and his family in Asheville, N.C. and most sadly her husband Kasey with their daughters Emma. Sophie and Lola.
Yes indeed: grief unspeakable and full of misery.
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If I can, I'll go up to Atlanta for Amanda's funeral. After all I prayed for her when she was a wee child 42 years ago, so I want to grieve with her family these four decades later.
I will not have words of wisdom. But I hope that my presence will be important to Steve, his partner Rick and to his former wife Susan
That may have its place, but there is also grief unspeakable and full of misery.
When I came to Fitchburg, MA in 1976 to be the pastor of a congregation there, one of the great matriarchs of the parish Annie S urged me to pray for her great granddaughter, a wee babe born prematurely and called Mandy. Annie's daughter Ruth C, (Mandy's grandmother) also urged our prayers.
Mandy was in special care at Mass General Hospital.
She not only survived, ( with one leg always affected by cerebral palsy) but she blossomed to become a dear wife, a mother of three daughters, and an exceptional teacher.
Over the years I have stayed in touch with Steve C (Mandy's Dad), and Susan C (her mother).
Steve and Susan divorced in due course (but remained good friends).
Steve was re-married to the wonderful Rick F.
I last met Mandy (Amanda) some three or four years ago when I went up to Roswell GA for a wonderful family party to celebrate R and S's marriage. Amanda was there for her Dad!
They entire family are now experiencing grief unspeakable and full of misery.
Dear, good, and blessed Amanda (Mandy) died yesterday from liver and kidney failure at aged 42.
Oh my: grief unspeakable and full of misery.
As well as her parents Amanda leaves a brother and his family in Asheville, N.C. and most sadly her husband Kasey with their daughters Emma. Sophie and Lola.
Yes indeed: grief unspeakable and full of misery.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
If I can, I'll go up to Atlanta for Amanda's funeral. After all I prayed for her when she was a wee child 42 years ago, so I want to grieve with her family these four decades later.
I will not have words of wisdom. But I hope that my presence will be important to Steve, his partner Rick and to his former wife Susan
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