Connecting with the present…

Who doesn’t love a gift?  I’ve always loved presents. Never did I believe that they would keep me moving forward each day as they do. The gifts I speak of are not store bought but handmade. They are made from the hearts of those placed in our lives, not by chance.

One week ago tonight our family attended a concert. We truly had no idea what it was about, aside from the name…”Memories.”  As the concert began, we were delighted with the talented young man that had put this show together. He was sharing his story, dedicating and singing songs to his mother, father, friends and people that had influenced his life. His talented speaking, vividly told of the good and challenging times experienced in his 18 years. He then began to speak of our son, Connor.

During a time of learning self confidence, he had signed up to attend Lutheran Summer Camp as a camper. He explained that Connor had taken the time to encourage him all week long, in his leadership position, of a Junior Counselor. As he was leaving camp, he said Connor stopped him and said, “Hey Brad, I just want you to know, I see amazing things coming out of you.” His openness about Connors kindness was unexpected. Our family looked at each other in disbelief as he sang a song dedicated to our son. He spoke and sang again of joining our son as a junior counselor that next year. Once again, Connor had befriended and encouraged him. He then quietly told the audience that Connor had died.  The room was silent.  He explained how loss effected him.  Each night, camp ends with the same loving song.  He asked all those that knew it to join in as he sang. We may have been the only other people that knew it, as tears ran down our faces, we kept singing.

Months before this night, Brad had messaged me and invited our family to attend his concert. We did not know him well, but knew that He and Connor were friends. We were grateful he thought of us. We planned to attend. Little did we know how his concert would bless us. Unexpectedly, I was to be out of town that weekend for business,  As I was fretting about how to clone myself, the phone rang. The second meeting I was to attend, had been cancelled. What an amazing turn of events!  I made it from Chicago, meeting my family at the concert in St. Louis, just as the curtains opened.

This young man was a friend of Connor’s that we had only known through camp.  Two years after Connor left this earth, he gave us the gift of his “memories.” This is what love looks like from above. I cannot make His presence up.

Only a parent can understand deep love for their child and know the joy that they can bring. Once they are gone, memories are what is left, until we meet again. A forever thank you to all that share memories and time with grieving parents.  It is the best present you could give!

Yesterday brings memories, tomorrow is never guaranteed, each day is a gift from God and ALWAYS a present. MamaC

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17