What to do now... so I post. Aaron's aunt printed out the WHOLE blog for us (with all the comments) which ended up to be 400 pages! Anyway, Tuesday night, after the busy day of the funeral, I read the comments from last Friday's post where we posted about her passing. Your kind words were a healing balm. It's a joy as a mother to see that your child has touched so many lives - well, really it was the Lord who did it. Londa started this blog so we could keep friends and family updated, and I have been astounded at how He's used it and how far it's circulated. I'm glad through all of this that He's used it and worked in so many hearts - I'm still not sure how or why, but He did.
Aaron and I were sitting on the couch yesterday, and I was trying to figure out why my arms were so sore when I hadn't been doing anything (and haven't exercised in a few months). Then I realized that I had hugged a few hundred people on Tues., and that's why my arms hurt! We had a good laugh. I'm such a weakling, but if anything, it's physical proof to how much we just know we're loved and prayed for right now. Thank you. The service on Tuesday went really well. I was so grateful for how it all just came together. On Sunday's (oct.8) comments, someone posted the words to a song, "Glory Baby". We used that song for a slide show of Payton. I thought the lyrics were so beautiful.
I miss Payton a lot. It's a strange kind of grief because I've (we've) been missing her for 2 months while she was in the hospital, but it's the knowing that she's gone. I'm so glad she's in heaven. She had SO MUCH in front of her - not just her heart (which was obviously the most urgent and pressing matter) but so many other problems that had to be dealt with, and I'm glad she won't have to go to doctor appointment after appointment as well as further surgeries. But we just miss her.
We've decided for the time not to get our internet hooked up, but I'll post again soon. With much love and gratitude, Heather and Aaron
13 comments:
We love you Heather!!
The service was beautiful and everything did go very nicely. Aaron did an incredible job, it must have been so hard but he did so good and it was so touching.
You're in our thoughts and prayers. We'll get together soon!
Love Jamie
That is the best reason EVER to have sore arms, from hugging people you love!
Give yourself a big hug from me!! I wish I could have been there.
-Rach
Aaron and Heather,
Thank you for posting again. I find myself going to your blog multiple times a day just out of habit and hope that there will be something there. I continue to pray for you and will continue to do so as you walk down the road before you. I wish I could have been there on Tuesday. Sarah Lahoda told me about it and I couldn't help but cry just hearing about it. You are so brave, the way you are honoring the Lord and Payton through all of this. I continue to pray for your marriage and for your walk with the Lord.
Love to you,
Hanni
Hi Aaron & Heather,
I can relate to what Hanni said. It's been such a habit to check your blog that I find myself still going there. It was so good to hear from you.
Aaron, thank you for sharing those glimpses of Payton at the service. Those are the kinds of moments you can't capture in a picture but I can still hear Payton's sneeze as you described it. Such precious memories you have of her!! Hold on to them.
We love you and look forward to seeing you again at Calvary soon.
Inge (and Dudley, too)
Hello friends, thanks for posting again... I'm like so many others who are finding it habit to check in and see how you're doing and how I can be praying for you today based on what you write on this website. It was so humbling to be with you both on Tuesday and catch a more personal glimpse into Payton's life by the things you both shared. Aaron did do such a wonderful job bringing those pictures to life and I'm so thankful you have many memories to make you smile... please continue to share them. I definitely am here to listen anytime you want to laugh, or cry... or just remember. You have both been such an example to me on what it means to truly walk with the Lord and trust Him in the midst of difficult circumstances. Your faith has strengthened my own. I am so thankful for you both and for your daughter. I'm still praying for you. Love, Shanda
I also have the Jones Family blog habit and check it frequently.
Heather and Aaron, the service was perfect and it was such a joy to hear Aaron so tenderly share Payton with us. I love his description of her fluffy hair. Payton was a precious gift that the Lord sent for a short but powerful season. I am so thankful that you have those beautiful memories and incredible pictures of her. We continue to pray that God's grace will sustain you and strengthen you as you walk through this healing time.
"...I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world." Romans 1:8
We do thank God for you and for your faithful testimony of His mercy and grace that is being reported all over the world!
We love you,
Russ and Peggy
I don't even know you and I'm hooked to your blog too! I find myself teary-eyed with both joy for your baby resting in Heaven and grief that I know you have here on earth until you get to be with her again. Hang in there-- God didn't see you this far through the struggle to let you go at a time like this, when you'll need Him and family and friends as much as ever. I'll be praying too.
Sally Stall (friend of the Hogans and Vances)
Heather and Aaron,
I just wanted you to know that you are in my prayers. I haven't been able to stop thinking of you this week...Love, Carrie Johnston
I am sorry for not coming to the memorial. I wanted to come... look for a letter in the mail soon. We love you and will keep praying for you. You guys are great and continue to bless us.
love,
alli :)
Aaron and Heather,
Though the amount and frequency of the comments we're all posting has slowed down, please know that there continues to be many dozens of people (and maybe hundreds) praying for you two throughout each day. We won't stop walking beside you as you faithfully follow God's plan for your lives. We love you, and continue to grieve/rejoice with you.
much love,
Dave and Joy Feldner
Wishing you strength and peace.
"How can there be laughter, how can there be pleasure, when the whole world is burning? When you are in deep darkness, will you not ask for a lamp?" (Dhammapada, 146)
You asked for a lamp and that lamp of human kindness, support and loving is still with you both. This lamp doesn't fade, it is a lamp which burns brightly for both of you.
I will never forget the journey you have shared with us and never forget the privilege of sharing it with you.
Metta and karuna to you both,
Amanthi.
We echo the words of Joy and Dave. We, as a family continue to pray for the 2 of you and for your families too. When we pray with Abby at night, she continues to ask us to pray for Payton. . . so we pray for Payton's mommy and daddy and grammy's and grandpa's. . . and I know that many more families than just ours continue to lift you up. I pray you get some good time away and with one another in the next days and weeks to come. I was hoping to make it to Eau Claire while I am back in the U. S. for my bro's wedding, but it doesn't look like I will be able to coordinate a car for my time there - I would have given you one more "reason" for sore arms Heather. :) Although, we were not able to be at Payton's service and hug you in person. . . we were there in spirit and our "hugs" come in a different form from halfway around the globe. Your lives and your faith have truly touched many students here. . . to Him be the glory! much love, Josh, Tammy & Abby Hunt
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