Annie Jane

I have this friend, Sarah. We grew up about a mile from each other and have been friends since 1st grade. We have a history. We always knew we were a lot alike and people still mistake us for sisters when we're together. I'm always very flattered when that happens. I love her and even though we have been separated by many miles most of our adult lives, we have remained very close.

Sarah was one of the few people that I drew comfort from when our Lauren went to be with Jesus. She wrote me a note about 2 months after Lauren died and in it she said,

"I hurt for you and Matt, because I can't imagine your pain, I want to be there for you, to understand what you are going through, but I can't."

In the same note, she affirmed my feelings, assured me that she was praying for me, offered her support, and let me know that she would never forget Lauren. She is a great friend and her support meant so much to me. She was good on her word and has continued to love and support me through this almost 8 years later.

It breaks my heart to say that on Friday, we will be attending the funeral of Sarah's 6 month old baby girl, Annie Jane. Annie was sick for about a month before doctors discovered she had a large brain tumor. She went from the arms of her mom and dad straight into the arms of Jesus on September 22. I can't understand how something like this happens or why. Matt and I felt like since we went through what we did with Lauren, that everyone close to us was "off the hook" so to speak. Surely this type of tragedy wouldn't strike so close to home again. It did and boy does it hurt.

My prayer is that I can be the kind of friend to Sarah that she was to me. I certainly don't have any answers but I can offer her the same support she offered to me and this time, unfortunately, we will both understand the pain that comes with this type of loss. I hate that it is like that. I hate that Sarah has to know that pain. I hate that we have that in common. I do know that God is at work and I am trusting that he will sustain Sarah, Peter, William and Kate.

I am coveting your prayers now for my dear friend and her family. Pray for a peace that passes all understanding. They are going to need it. Annie Jane and Lauren are together in heaven. I can only imagine that they will be the best of friends.

I will leave you with a scripture that Sarah and I memorized (or were supposed to memorize) during a bible study that we attended together.

Isaiah 61:3 "and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."