I had a lot of amazing readers request that I post pictures from Andrew’s memorial service today. It was a very beautiful service and it brought us tremendous closure. Both my husband and my daughter spoke. I wanted to share a quote with you that has brought me tremendous strength and comfort.
“I always thought I would be the one waiting at the gates of Heaven to introduce my children to Christ, but instead God chose my son to be the one to introduce me to His Son.”
Courtney says
Kristen,
Thank you for sharing the pictures from the Memorial Service. The quote is incredible. I love in the song “Glory Baby” where it says, “I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies and what they must sound like But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home And it’s all you’ll ever know…all you’ll ever know…” also where it says, But baby let sweet Jesus hold you‘till mom and dad can hold you… You’ll just have heaven before we do You’ll just have heaven before we do”.
Kristen, my greatest advice is to cry when you feel like crying. “Take a vacation from grief” every few days to be in the moment with your kids. If you break down in the middle of Target because they will not take a coupon, or something that is little, do not be surprised. I could handle seeing 20 little girls or babies but it was the little challenges when I did not expect it that really broke me. Crying is like breathing…try to do it everyday. Face grief “head on” because you do not want to deal with this later (high blood pressure, depression etc.) Oh and talk to your husband as much as possible. Make your marital talk be your “safe zone”. Loss can either separate you or bring you closer together. Take time to sit at the feet of Jesus and cry…you do not have to say a word. He knows you and He loves you. You do not have to say anything except Help!
Randi says
His service looks lovely, and I’m glad that you have found some sense of closure. What a brave little girl you have to get up and speak on her brother’s behalf. :)
Melody says
You have the most beautiful family.
brenda says
with such a busy weekend..you were in my thoughts the whole time. i am hoping that each day finds you a bit stronger and happier. it takes time, i speak from experience, but it helps to talk about your pain and know that Andrew will watch over your family each and every day. keep looking up to God for strength.
Kristy says
Thank you for sharing. Like everyone else that quote really hit home.
Barbie says
That quote brought tears. Thank you for sharing it with all of us who now look forward to that moment.
Jennifer L. says
Thank you for sharing.
Amy says
You have so touched my heart with sharing your story. Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures! I honestly feel that memorial services really do help with the grieving process and healing. Hang in there!
theresa says
so glad to see these pics today – i was praying for you and your family throughout the day and will continue to pray!
KATHY BRAZELL says
Kristen, Please give Emily a big hug for me. How brave she was to stand in front of
people and tell them about her angel brother. She like all of you has been thru so much lately. It is so good to see her feeling better. God truly gave you a miracle
when he touched her and made her well. Will continue to keep you in my
prayers.
Tosh says
That was so touching! God bless you and your family!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I love the quote, we lost my stepson at 17 years of age, 7 years ago. We’re not a very religious family, but my husband really liked it too. thanks for sharing. you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Wright says
I am so sorry for your loss. We have lost two too soon and we had a memorial service with family with both of them. We were blessed to have land on my husbands family farm where we could bury them. I loved your quote and a song that helped me was “Glory Baby” by Watermark. If you listen to it I hope it helps you the way it helped me. You will be in my prayers.
Amy says
Kristen, thanks so much for sharing these precious memories. You look beautiful and it sounds like it was a beautiful service. I will continue to keep you in prayer.
Jaime says
I continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. What a beautiful day for you to celebrate the short time that you had Andrew in your lives.
amanda b says
What a reunion in heaven that will be…. I tell myself that we won’t care because we’ll want to see Jesus, but I miss my mom so much-can’t help but think of the people there already. I mean, how cool will it be to meet Apostle Paul? And I don’t know if Walt was a Christian…but that’d be cool too! ; )
Marie says
Kristen, God blessed you with a beautiful family here on earth and your own little angel in heaven. Keep the faith..
Tami Kennedy Collins says
Thank you for sharing and for those of us that don’t know you we can now put a face to that strong beautiful woman we follow on here <3 Your family is beautiful and prayers still for healing <3 Your Angel will be waiting <3
Wanda says
Thank you for sharing these precious pictures with us. I will continue to pray for peace and continued healing for your family.
Mary says
Kristin,
This service looks lovely! I’m sure that it has helped your grieving process, which is wonderful! And I must say, I love your shirt! It is definately a great color for you!
Margarita says
Thank you for reaching out, it is so nice that you have so much support. I wanted to have a memorial service for my 2 angels, but alot of people were telling me it was ridiculous, cause “you didn’t know them”, excuse me? I knew them for the 6 mos they were in my belly, so I am so proud that you had the strength to share this with us and that you were able to have the service you wanted for your angel. I will someday get the strength up to also do the same, I keep them in a memory urn, I know it sounds weird, but its just I have not figured out that “special place” to spread their ashes. God bless you and your family for your beauty and courage. 8)
nanci noble says
Thank you so much for sharing such a personal time with us, all of your friends who do not know you personally, but think you are wonderful. Thank you for bringing joy to our lives. I hope that helps some.
Shari says
Kristin, you have put on a good front to be a very strong women, but it is okay to greive, cry and want to talk about your little baby boy. He did exist and you have experienced this loss as well as your family and your friends (including your web site friends) You are loved and a sister to us readers. I loved your little . Now that your baby is in heaven he will be waiting for you to hold him again. He will be bigger and healthy with big eyes looking into your face.
God Bless your family,
Shari
Careen says
Kristin,
Thank you so very much for sharing these precious photos.
Jen says
Kristin,
I am TRULY honored to have been a part of your day today. Maybe someday we can meet in person if not I’ll see you in eternity.
In Christ,
Jen
Myrah says
Thanks so much for sharing with us Kristen! God Bless you and your beautiful family.