Prayer Circles

Welcome, rmcl, ~ So sorry to read about the loss of your beloved son. I am Diane's mom. Diane, the oldest of our two children, was killed 8 years ago in a chain reaction crash which was caused by drunk driving. Diane was a front seat passenger in a car that was hit first by a car, then 2 pickup trucks. She was said to have died instantly. Though we never get beyond missing our children, God does provide the strength and support we need to help us go on in spite of the indescribable pain and loneliness we feel; especially during the first few years. Eventually, it becomes a little easier, but we will always have what we here refer to as "valley days." In time, and with much effort, we learn to laugh again and seek joy in life again. On hilltop days, we manage to forget [for brief periods -- Just how different our lives have become. And although going on is not easy, we do so, as a love tribute to our beloved children, whom we know are alive and well and helping us to continue on our journey. Somehow we know in our hearts that we are all here for a purpose, a reason. And, like our beloved children, once we have done all that God sent us to do, we will be reunited with them in heaven forever. Only then will the "Why" of all deaths be revealed in full. Until then, we will continue to remember each other in our heartfelt prayers.
Love & Angel Hugs,
[Miss V.] :)
Verna

Hello my dear Sisters! I'm baacckk, ha, ha. No, ... Not officially, but soon I hope. I finally forked up the upfront money to have my wrist examined. The insurance company say they will reimburse me. Ha-ha! I sure hope so! I tried to get them to pay it, but no luck. So, I had no choice in the matter. Anyway, no broken bones, but a very bad sprang to my right wrist. According to the doctor, an injury of this kind usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks to heal. The good news is, he says I can start posting again on a regular basis. The pain is not so bad now. He advised that I use warm & wet compression to my wrist when in pain, and that I should take aspirin for the pain. He also advised that I send him a note if the wrist heals, or make another appointment if it doesn't! Ha-ha! I'm sure he thought I was a little off when I began to laugh, and told him OK, as I walked out. It took all of 5 minutes, plus 3 X-rays, 2 of my wrist & 1 of my leg, and that was that. Ha-Ha! Sandy, I don't know how it is in Canada, but down here, health care is a thing of the past. Now, ... It's all about money up front, and insurance companies who don't want to pay anything, ... [upfront, or otherwise]! Still counting my blessings, however, because it could have been worse! As MaDear used to say, ... "Honey, as long as you can still do anything for yourself, ... You are blessed!" And now, ... I understand! Good to be back posting!!!
Love & Angel Hugs,
Yo [Miss V.]
Verna

Up date is pretty much the same here. Steve is in and out of the hospital weekly. His grandpa is due to go to dr soon for prostate cancer. still have bad problems with my daughter. Mike is dueing good made it through anniversary, but had to put his dog of 12 yrs to sleep this week. I went and stayed with her till she passed so he didn't have to deal with the pain again. ( so soon )My older daughters boyfriend has a lump on his head. we don't know yet what that is.
I thank God daily that I stay healthy so I can help everyone else. I guess that's why I'm here!!!
I think that's it ! Welcome newcommers, I am also saying a prayer for you.
Stay with us, the Angel Moms are wonderful to talk to. Chris

Hello dear AngelMoms, Sisters and friends, :-)

Thank you so much to those who sent me Happy Thanksgiving Cards, and those who kept me in their love and prayers, love you all!
We had our big Dinner yesterday rather than today, Turkey and all the trimmings, deserts, it was so wonderful to have Chris and Jialing home for the weekend and having Dinner as a family.
They left around noon today to go back, they have things to do before returning to work tomorrow. We lit a special Candle for Shane at the table, it's a tradition now for all of us on Holidays.
Truthfully though, I'm glad it's over, Holidays are just not what they used to be, perhap's one day I'll feel differently but somehow I doubt it. Pray you all had a blessed, peacefilled weekend.
Be blessed, I love you all,
Sandy

Hi my dear Angel in Chief. I prayed that you will have a good time with Chris and Jailing, I am so glad, Thank God for your blesings. Love Selva

Hello my dear sister, thank you too for your prayers, thanks to everyone's prayers it wasn't such a sad Holiday, although as I said, I'm glad it's over.

Hi Miss V, great to see you back and able to post!

Hi our dear Chris, thank's so much for the update on Steve, God bless him, still in and out of the hospital, and his Grandfather also. So sorry that your daughter isn't doing well, is she still going to the Dr.? Ouch, it's never easy to put a beloved pet down, even when it's the right thing to do, gosh yes, you've got a lot on your plate now too, don't get yourself too bogged down though, take good care of yourself!
Lots of love, prayers & Angel Hugs,
Sandy

Angelmoms,
The following is daily devotional Day 197 from Griefshare.com's 365 daily devotionals. I read over many of their days that have a special meaning or message that I needed.
Hope you all are doing well. Susan, are you hangin' in there? Just checkin' on you!
With love to all,
Marci~.~

Remember the Larger Picture Day 197

Sometimes when you ask why, He answers by reminding you of the eternal picture. Learn to live your life in light of eternity. Live each day from the perspective of one whose life lasts forever.

Dr. Joseph Stowell says, "I can't underscore enough how important it is to prepare for grief and sorrow ahead of time. One of the ways to do that is to get a grip on eternity, on the world to come. Learn to live here in the light of there so that you are seeing all of your daily affairs and daily routines in light of the world to come. You need to see all of your interactions and reactions and value systems in light of the value systems of the world to come. Then when grief or sudden loss or wrenching sorrow and deep disappointment shatter your world, you are already schooled in all the realities that give you strength in that moment."

There is much more to this life than just doing your best day by day until you die. The big picture is that a glorious eternity is in store for those who know the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

"Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off" (Proverbs 23:18 nasb).

"And this is what he promised us—even eternal life" (1 John 2:25).

Eternal Savior, thank you that You have given me abundant life through a relationship with You. Every time I get bogged down with life on this earth, remind me of the reality of a glorious, eternal future in heaven. Amen.

I don't think that anyone is really prepared to overcome the grief of loosing their child. Losing a child goes against natures expected standard. It’s not the way things are suppose to happen. How do we go on? How do we overcome the tears, the sadness, the unbearable heartache and grief?

HOPE. Hope in Eternity.

With much love and prayers,
Marci~.~

Hi our dear Marci! This must be one of the Devotionals that you reread on the very difficult days, thanks for sharing it and I'm happy for you that it is a source of comfort.
I don't want to sound too maudlin here, but when we think of the 'bigger picture' our lives here on earth are very short compared to Eternity and faith, hope and love are wonderful gifts given to us to fully embrace, aren't they. Pray YOU'RE doing well yourself,
Much love, prayers & Angel Hugs my sister/friend,
Sandy

You who have lost a child -- I pray for you every night. Your child is safe in the arms of the Lord. You will spend eternity together. God bless you all. Peace.

Hi my dear sisters. Thanks Marci for sharing that with us, yes my dear sister, we will be together again with our children and this time forever, we have to have Hope in Eternity, and may God give us the strenght to go on while we wait. Love you all. Selva

Hello Jizonen, welcome to the Circle!
We're always so very grateful when someone takes the time to post here and tell's us they're praying for us, thank you! May God bless you mightily in whatever it is He know's you need,
Love & Angel Hugs,
Sandy

Sending my love and prayers to you both my dear sisters Marci and Selva, on this 15th day of the month,
Lots of love, prayers & Angel Hugs,
Sandy

Thank you Sandy. The 15th is a tearful marker for bothLa Selva and I and many others who grieve.

Last night I was dreaming of my beloved son Sean-Michael. I told him I missed him so much and that it was time for him to come home, NOW! His reply to me was so sweet and simple...
"I am home, Mom"

I don't think that I will ever get over missing him. I feel fortunate that we are blessed with our children, but it is so difficult to give them back to God.

Thank you all for caring. I pray that those who come to this circle will always find comfort here. May God bless you, sisters.

Love and prayers,
Marci~.~

Hi AngelMoms,
I hope you all are doing well. You have all been on my mind a lot lately. The pain we go through...sometimes on a daily basis (if we are having a good day)sometimes it's a minute by minute nightmare. I pray that God gives us the strength to get through those minutes and days.
Marci and Selva, I know the pain and longing is a little sharper today. For me it's the 8th of every month. I don't even try to stop the tears anymore. On the 8th, I let it all out.
Sandy, I know you have had a holiday this week. The holidays are creeping up again. I am trying to get through the next couple of months without that dreadful anticipation that just eats away at me. I already finished my Christmas shopping for my Grandcuties. They are in Germany and I want to make sure that their gifts make it on time. Last year, I didn't do Christmas at all, so the fact that I actually bought presents and it was an enjoyable experience brings me hope.
I am going to have surgery this coming Monday. Seven years ago I had my stomach stapled and have been having some problems recently. Anyway, after some tests, the doctor told me that the staples are dissolved. I have been starting to gain weight again (first clue I had that something was wrong) So...I've decided to have the gastric bypass. I'll be in the hospital for a few days next week and as soon as I can hobble on over to the computer, I'll check in with everyone. You all continue to be in my prayers.
Big hugs for everyone,
Susan ~Alex's Momma~

Hi dear Marci, I know, in the first few years the 15th of the month was always a black day for me, so I fully understand how it affect's you and our Selva, it's still so fresh in your minds and along with it come's the intense longing to have your child back, somehow undo what happened on that day.
Ah, that was a beautiful and bittersweet dream at the same time, I'm very happy for you that you had it, I don't know though if it brought you any comfort with Sean Michael's answer. It is difficult to give them back to God, He gave us that strong mother/child bond, so I know in my heart that He fully understands.
No dear one, you'll never get over missing Sean, the void he left behind that just can't be filled, but I do promise you this - in time the pain won't be as sharp and raw, or permeate your every waking moment, some Mom's refer to it as a dull ache, I call it a quiet sadness that settles in and you learn how to live with it, still with moments of pain, but not lasting as long. In your own time, though.
Lots of love, prayers & {{Hugs}},
Sandy

Hi our dear Susan,

I know, thankfully our Thanksgiving is over, so the next big hurdle is Christmas for us. You have your Thanksgiving to still get through and then Christmas not too long after that and of course this is only your second, so it's still going to be really hard on you, it's as though the anxiety starts early and continues to build until the day is here. Your stores and Malls are probably like ours, already filled with Christmas gifts and decorations. Yes, that's a good sign dear Susan, that your shopping already done for your Grandcuties was more of a fun experience than last year.
Oh gosh, Susan that's too bad about the staples, having to undergo Surgery once again, YES, we'll be keeping you in our love and prayers, but please let us know how you're doing as soon as you can! I pray the Lord guides the Surgeons hands and a very fast recovery for you.
All of our prayers will follow you into the Operating Room on Monday, as well as our love,
Much love, prayers & {{Hugs}} to you,
Sandy

hi my angel moms,
it's been along time since i posted last. everything is going well. i had the twins on october1,2004 amonth early but they are doing great they come home from the hospital with me on the 4th. Kaitlynn Victoria weighed 5 lbs and was 19 inches and Jacquilynn Rose Marie weighed 5 lbs 7 oz and was 19.5 inches . they both look like there daddy and have lots of black hair. i will try to post there picture later. love and prayers to you all.
love debby

Thank you sandy, My daughter is still having problems but sometimes it gets better. I bought her another journal, they try to incourage her to write her feelings down. They think it will help.
she has good and bad days and weeks.

Well, Big Congratulation's our dear Debby, you had your twins!! They were both good sizes and weights for making their entrance a month early, :-) I like the name's you decided upon for them, very cute! What a wonderful blessing, two little girls, so happy for you Debby and your hubby, yes, love to see a picture of them!
Much love & Angel Hugs,
Sandy
p.s. Give them a kiss for me!

I pray it keep's getting better our dear Chris, it's so hard to see our children going through a rough time. That's a very good idea, writing her feelings in a Journal, sometimes it's easier that way and she's able to let them out. She's got a wonderful, loving Mom and God will keep her in His loving care,
Lots of love & Angel Hugs,
Sandy

Dear Susan, ~ I join the other angel moms in praying for you as you go through surgery on today. May the Lord guide the surgeons hands and keep you in his loving care.

Hey Deb, ~ Congratulations on the birth of you twins! Can hardly wait to see the pictures! God bless and keep you and family in his love and care.

Hey San, Hey Selva, ~ Still having a lot of pain in my wrist. I am trying a few home remedies and praying for healing. Anytime you don't see a post from me, it means that something is going on. :) As always, you and the other angel moms can count on my heartfelt prayers for whatever is going on in your lives. I try to keep up with reading all posts so that I am aware of what to pray for.

Hello Chris, ~ Praying that things will get better for your daughter. One of the most powerful and effective things we can do for our children is pray for them. When I was there, I found that prayer & keeping the love deposits going was sufficient. Once we made it through those years, we were actually able to laugh about a lot of situations that seemed devastating to both of us at the time. I remember the oldest telling me, "Mama, I can't believe I cried and said that I was tired of going to school and that I didn't want to go on to college." But while we are in the mist of life's storms, it is so very difficult [for both parent & child], to see our way. Keep trusting God to handle each situation as they arise. Have faith that He can and will handle any given situation that might arise with your beloved daughter. Again, ... It's so important to keep depositing the love, in spite of all that may be going on. That will be sufficient for now. Will keep you & family in my heartfelt prayers.

Hey my dear sister, ~ I can hardly wait to become famous to I can send for you to come for a visit! ha-ha! But, that will have to wait until my book is sold out! :) Seriously, though, I sure would love for you to come spend a few days with me and your grandson. I told Cheryl that you said you might come and we really hope you can and soon. Maybe for Thanksgiving or Christmas? I know we would have lots of fun! Besides getting to meet me, your grandson, and the rest of our family, there are a lot of fun things to do in the Shreveport/Bossier area. Think about it & let me know!

Marci, ~ As always, it's a pleasure to read your warm post. I think it's wonderful how you and the other angel moms seem to radiate hope and the importance of reaching out to others, through prayer and compassion, even on your own special days or valley days. :) I thank God everyday for whispering in our Sandy's ear and giving her the wisdom to do as he instructed. :) I don't know where I would be in my grief process if it wasn't for the love and support I've received in our circle of love. Just knowing that we are not alone really does help us to go on, in spite of the fact that we will always miss our beloved children. Talking to others whom we know can relate to our feelings really does help. God bless you, Marci. And, remember, we will always long to see our children, ... And we will when our work here is through. There is a saying, ... "God said it, I believe it, That settles it!"

Dear Angela, ~ Still praying for you and hoping that healing is taking place. Thank you for your prayers. God bless and keep you in His loving care.

Hi Jizonen, ~ Welcome to our Circle of love. Thank you for posting words of compassion. May God bless you and keep you in His loving care!

Love to All,

Verna

Sharing words of encouragement that blessed me. May they bless you too! :)

I REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED
I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted, And here's the reason why...

I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team.

He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name;
Though everything is changeable, my God remains the same.

My God knows all that's happening; beginning to the end,
His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me, to bring my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten to rob me from my peace;
He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my strivings cease.

And when my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control;
He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me, my life is in His hand,
The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, it's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated, my eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances, o Heaven's throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything, my eyes are on His face;
The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race.

--Author Unknown; article found circulating the Net.