I was trying to consider how I might honor Payton today and I decided to email family and friends who walked with us a year ago. I have attached a copy of the email to this blog. We miss you, Payton. May Jesus hold you until we can hold you.
Dear family and friends, I am writing to tell you that a year ago today Payton died and if you are receiving this email, you walked with us during that time. I was contemplating how we might spend today. I knew it was going to be a hard day and I wasn’t wrong about that. But I also wanted the day to have meaning and somehow honor Payton.
Just as Payton taught me many things in life, her lessons have continued after her death. I guess that most of all, I have been reminded over and over that God is faithful. I have always had a great deal of difficulty with the “whys” of life – if God is all powerful, all knowing, all everything, then why do such horrific things happen? My daughter reminded me that we live in a fallen world and just because we go through difficulties doesn’t mean that God does not love us or is waiting to teach us a lesson. So with that simple yet profound truth, I learned this year that although God didn’t prevent Payton from losing her battle, He walks with us in the grief. I saw God’s hand in so much of Payton’s life and it would be impossible in this small space to explain it all. It was reaffirmed to me that life is sacred and the quality of the life of another is not up to us. God allowed Payton’s life to continue until her purpose was complete and believe me, it was not a small purpose. And by allowing that entire process to unfold, we were able to experience great peace. Although we had to walk through the unthinkable, we had the peace of knowing that each of us had completed our calling in the life of that child.
In this past year our family has had the opportunity to comfort others in similar situations. We are traveling back to Mayo’s on October 27 for a memorial service for all the children who died at Mayo in the past year. It will be difficult for us to visit the unit where she was but it will be good to see some of the people who became so precious to us during that time.
We thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I leave you again with Payton’s legacy to me. - We need the thoughts and prayers of one another. During those times when the struggles become too difficult, the prayers of others hold us. As you held our family in prayer and love, it is now our responsibility to hold you in like manner. - Life is precious and God alone holds the significance of that life. Payton was only 5 months old, yet she touched people literally around the world. - Payton kept her eyes on her parents. While the storm raged around her, she was at peace in the presence of her dad and mom. In like manner, we must keep our eyes on Christ to find peace in the midst of our storms. - Payton endured much so I should be able to get a flu shot, get a blood test and go to the dentist like a big girl.
And my life verse – Romans 8:28 For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
To all of Payton's loving family, Many days to remember and to reflect upon the strength of each other, for a child brought unto us from God. May her spirit continue to bring us life. In remembrance and love, Laura 5MB
Aaron & Heather, We have been praying for you knowing that it has been a year. As parents who has lost a child we know that the first year is tough even though it has been almost 5 years since we lost Connor every year is hard. But we know that we will see Payton and Connor again. Just think the two of them will have wonderful stories to tell us when we get to heaven.
We love you guys and are praying for you always. Josh, Tammi, Olivia, & Madison Pond
14 comments:
Love you guys! Thinking and praying for you this weekend.
Love you!
Jamie
We are thinking of you and remembering sweet baby Payton today with you. Love you!
Dan, Sara, Gabe & Caleb
I was trying to consider how I might honor Payton today and I decided to email family and friends who walked with us a year ago. I have attached a copy of the email to this blog.
We miss you, Payton. May Jesus hold you until we can hold you.
Dear family and friends,
I am writing to tell you that a year ago today Payton died and if you are receiving this email, you walked with us during that time. I was contemplating how we might spend today. I knew it was going to be a hard day and I wasn’t wrong about that. But I also wanted the day to have meaning and somehow honor Payton.
Just as Payton taught me many things in life, her lessons have continued after her death. I guess that most of all, I have been reminded over and over that God is faithful. I have always had a great deal of difficulty with the “whys” of life – if God is all powerful, all knowing, all everything, then why do such horrific things happen? My daughter reminded me that we live in a fallen world and just because we go through difficulties doesn’t mean that God does not love us or is waiting to teach us a lesson. So with that simple yet profound truth, I learned this year that although God didn’t prevent Payton from losing her battle, He walks with us in the grief. I saw God’s hand in so much of Payton’s life and it would be impossible in this small space to explain it all. It was reaffirmed to me that life is sacred and the quality of the life of another is not up to us. God allowed Payton’s life to continue until her purpose was complete and believe me, it was not a small purpose. And by allowing that entire process to unfold, we were able to experience great peace. Although we had to walk through the unthinkable, we had the peace of knowing that each of us had completed our calling in the life of that child.
In this past year our family has had the opportunity to comfort others in similar situations. We are traveling back to Mayo’s on October 27 for a memorial service for all the children who died at Mayo in the past year. It will be difficult for us to visit the unit where she was but it will be good to see some of the people who became so precious to us during that time.
We thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
I leave you again with Payton’s legacy to me.
- We need the thoughts and prayers of one another. During those times when the struggles become too difficult, the prayers of others hold us. As you held our family in prayer and love, it is now our responsibility to hold you in like manner.
- Life is precious and God alone holds the significance of that life. Payton was only 5 months old, yet she touched people literally around the world.
- Payton kept her eyes on her parents. While the storm raged around her, she was at peace in the presence of her dad and mom. In like manner, we must keep our eyes on Christ to find peace in the midst of our storms.
- Payton endured much so I should be able to get a flu shot, get a blood test and go to the dentist like a big girl.
And my life verse – Romans 8:28 For we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
With much love,
Grandma Ila and Grandpa Terry
As we pray for you today we remember sweet Payton and how her life served to glorify God and show us His faithfulness and provision.
We love you!
Russ and Peggy
It's hard to imagine what this day is like for you. Know that I am praying and remembering Payton right along with you.
Love,
Karen Kilps
We love you, and we loved Payton. We are remembering her precious life today, and continue to hold you and your families up in prayer.
alli
we love you guys!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love,
Sandra, Terry, Emma & Trent
Oh, what a pretty picture of Payton!
We love you guys, and have been praying for you today.
xoxo,
Dave, Joy, and Ruby
Celebrating the life and the gift that is Payton.
Heather Marzorati
you're being prayed for and thought of! Thanks for sharing your lives with all of us.
To all of Payton's loving family, Many days to remember and to reflect upon the strength of each other, for a child brought unto us from God. May her spirit continue to bring us life. In remembrance and love, Laura 5MB
Aaron & Heather,
We have been praying for you knowing that it has been a year. As parents who has lost a child we know that the first year is tough even though it has been almost 5 years since we lost Connor every year is hard. But we know that we will see Payton and Connor again. Just think the two of them will have wonderful stories to tell us when we get to heaven.
We love you guys and are praying for you always.
Josh, Tammi, Olivia, & Madison Pond
we love you both... what a beautiful girl. we pray for peace, hope, and joy for you guys.
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