By Susan Lloyd – January 14, 2021 – Grief
The Loss of a Child…no one expects this loss. We’re not looking for it, ever considering it, dwelling on
the possibility, but then it comes. My daughter may have been a young 25 year old adult at the time of
her death, yet she will always be my child. The time she did have to live still doesn’t remove the sting
and stabbing pain that overwhelms me. She is gone.
Rachel was so beautiful to me. She was so talented at baking and creating exquisite wedding cakes. She
was funny, energetic, and passionate about her faith. She made “You” the special part of any event she
planned. We had a relationship beyond all that I hoped it would be. I wanted that to continue forever.
I never dreamed it would end so soon. Some say, “maybe that’s why it was so special.” Perhaps…
perhaps.
Just six months into my grief, I’m finding a calm between the waves of sorrow. I’m searching for God’s
new mercies I know are there for me. The Greatest Mercy thus far has been my Grandson, Aiden (2 1/2
years old), surviving the car accident. We could have lost him too, but graciously he was spared. Also,
another mercy for sure is that no one else was injured in the collision. The outpouring of support from
friends and family in our church and our son-in-law’s church, has been such a sweet blessing. All the
lives Rachel has touched, their thoughts and prayers, they mean so much. These small mercies keep
coming as the days go by.
I’ve been a Christian for over 30 years and been through many types of trials, but this one is a true test.
It tests my beliefs & theology, confirms the importance of my grief counseling training, and strengthens
my reliance upon my Lord. The comfort I’m currently receiving I hope to soon share in a grief series
aimed at comforting others.
I rest daily in the hope that this present suffering will not be wasted. I cling to the following verses for
comfort. May they help you as well.
2 Corinthians 1: 3-5 ESV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies and God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our affliction,
so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction,
with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings,
so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
How are you receiving abundant comfort in your loss and grief?
Pray for His abundant comfort,
Susan