As soon as I found out about my sister, Lily and I immediately flew to Oklahoma and Shaun and Eva drove a few days later. It was a whirlwind week. The hardest week of my life. Everyday was so difficult: writing her obituary, planning her funeral, seeing her in her casket, her funeral, and cleaning out her apartment.
Although it was the hardest thing I have ever experienced, it was also so incredible to see the Lord at work. He didn't lift us up out of the circumstances but he gently walked us through each day. My family is so wonderful and we all worked together so well to plan everything and to accomplish all that we needed to. We were loved on by so many wonderful friends, which was an incredible blessing. We also got to see and spend a lot of time with my Aunt Kathy, my cousin Kerie and her precious daughter Lindsay, that we hadn't seen in years. That was such a gift.
I miss my sister very much. I miss her laugh and her sense of humor. I am so very thankful that I got to see her at the end of July. It had been 2 years since I had seen her before that. I am also so thankful that we took pictures while we were there. What a gift from Lord.
Please pray (or continue to pray, as many of you have been) for my mom and three nephews. My sister was a single mom with three boys (ages 9, 6, and 4). My oldest and youngest nephews are living with my mom and my middle nephew is handicapped and is living with his dad. I am very thankful that the boys are with my mom. They are very close to her so it is a real blessing.
There are so many thoughts in my heart but I will stop here. There are more things going on with the Spencers, light-hearted things that I will start writing about very soon. Until then, here are a few pics of my beautiful sister.
Oh Danielle, thanks for sharing and know that I will continue to pray for you, your family, your mom and your sweet nephews.
ReplyDeleteI love you Danielle,you did a beautiful job of writing
ReplyDeletelove, mom
Thanks Danielle. I especially like this, "He didn't lift us up out of the circumstances but he gently walked us through each day." I know that will continue to be true everyday. The pictures are priceless as was your time with Brandi in July. Love you!
ReplyDeleteNe-Ne
Beautiful post Danielle. Love you
ReplyDeleteCindi
Danielle, we don't know each other, but I am so sorry for your loss. My mom died recently so I understand, in my own way, how surreal it is, and how hard. Take it one day at a time.
ReplyDeleteWhen it seems too much to bear, pray that He would carry you. "He didn't lift us up out of the circumstances but he gently walked us through each day" - this is so true. The scriptures that have really spoken to me through my own ordeal are Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 15, and John 16, particularly verse 22: "Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." Revelation 4 also has some good verses in it too.
(Also, I am pregnant and due just after you, so I am beginning to understand the juxtaposition of anticipating a new life while also grieving a huge loss.)
Thinking of you.
Amy Huffman in Charlottesville, VA
I'm sorry - I said Revelation 4. I meant Revelation 21, particularly verse 4. :)
ReplyDeleteTake good care of you.
Nice pictures! :D
ReplyDeleteBeautifully written!! You all are always in our prayers. I love ya!
ReplyDeleteElise