Blog Poaching

http://preachermike.com/2012/02/24/when-a-child-dies-13-intubation

This is a link to a blog of a friend of my family, Mike. Mike is the one that spoke at Tyler's funeral for us. His daughter Megan died about 10 years before Tyler did. He has had a series of blogs recently, about losing a child. I have enjoyed reading them and they have meant a lot to me. So, I thought I would share.

In this particular post he was giving advice to the friends of those that have lost a child. This was one of the things that he said that really spoke to me: When you are the friend "You can’t turn loose of your end of the rope. Even if your friend is hard to be with. When you’re on the other end, that rope is actually a lifeline. If feels thin and frayed. Even if they’re unable to express thanks or are irritable, they need you more than you can know."

Audrey and Ivy

I have been meaning to write this post for quite some time. When Matthew and I first moved here we began going to this church in Anchorage where the people welcomed us with open arms and made us feel so loved. Audrey Cortez was one of the first people that came up and talked to us after service. She also invited us to lunch that day! After that we were invited into the Cortez home many times. We always felt so loved by them! They will forever hold a very special place in our hearts. Not long after we met Alex, Audrey, Miranda, Mariah, and Ethan....Audrey was diagnosed with cancer. She showed great faith and hope throughout her battle with cancer. In the end, she went home to be with the Lord. But I will forever remember and be grateful for the short time that I got to know Audrey. She encouraged me in my faith and in my marriage. During our short friendship she also gave me a small piece of this beautiful ivy. It was just one small piece with maybe 10-12 leaves on it. And this is what it has grown into! Plus, I have been able to cut some pieces off and give them to friends who now also have flourishing ivy! Because of this plant I get to tell people about Audrey and her faith all the time, and I remember her everyday as I see this plant in my kitchen.