In Remembrance...

A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.

1 Corinthians 11:28

Our local small town newspaper delivers only once a week on Wednesday. It was that day an article appeared about Meg entitled, In Remembrance written by Christine B. Dickson. I read it with melancholy as I held in mind the picture accompanying the writing piece that televised a sweet photo of Meg’s dazzling smile. It was a beautiful heartfelt essay. (read here)

More capturing than the composition was the title of the commentary as it transported me to my Lutheran upbringing. I adore the Lutheran doctrine although I don’t attend church regularly, more so, I don’t attend ‘organized’ worship but feel an immense connection to God and my spirituality. However, the words, ‘In remembrance’ brought to mind communion preparation; but specifically observing the moment we take to examine ourselves before partaking in the bread and wine.

In remembrance…what an encumbered phrase, along with it the daunting task of self-evaluation. Ummm, what are my actions and thoughts that are pleasing to God? Hopefully, my compassion and empathy of others who suffer, or my tendency to give individuals the benefit of the doubt is nice? How about my sense of humor and charm?

Or those procedures that aren’t so gratifying or delightful; I’m certain I have a few or perhaps more. Is it my critical nature or my snap judgment of others and their intentions? Or possibly the part of me that holds grudges and doesn’t forgive so easily? It is probably my intolerance for ignorance!
So let me pose this question; In remembrance…what comes to your mind?

Save a Swing for Me~

      Pink, fuchsia and silver ribbons adorn our neighborhood…

...our entrance ways

...our mailboxes



...our stop signs



...our fence posts

...our street signs

...our trees in abundance

They signify the life of Meg Wasley, a third grade student at Holly Grove Elementary; my school. When I spoke of her death on Monday to persons not living in this area they were saddened and distressed, and immediately inquired how well I knew her. Does that make a difference in my sorrow? Should it matter? I floated in and out of her classroom so I was captivated by her swift smile. I passed her in the hallway and her eyes sparkled with recognition. I encountered her at car pool where she bid me a good night.

I’ve not been able to write since Tuesday as a result of lingering thoughts in my head and in my heart of sweet Meg. No matter was more noteworthy than the death of an eight year old child; however words eluded me. The passing away of any child brings scores of questions but a petite number of answers. We want to know the ‘why’s’, the ‘how’s’ and the purpose of such a devastating occurrence; conversely it remains one of life’s countless mysteries.

I strolled through the neighborhood taking photographs to capture the images of pale crimson and gray sparkly ribbons accompanied by goose bumps on my arms and tears on my cheeks as I reminisced. Furthermore, I silently acknowledged copious parents including myself who would be whispering extra words that were more gentle and kind and embracing their children more tightly.

I recognize parents like me would be murmuring prayers of thanks to God that it wasn’t their child while in the same breath appealing for comfort for the family of Meg. I pray for solace and consolation of Meg’s family that they be armed with strength to grapple with the monumental devastation at the loss of a child; their child. May they be enveloped in a blanket of memories to soothe their heartache and ease their pain.

Rest in peace Dear Sweet Meg and save a swing for me~

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy. ~Author Unknown