Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The Last Big Thing

I arrived at the cemetery yesterday to a nice surprise- Thomas's gravestone had been set!  Picking out the stone was the last big thing on the list of dreadful tasks we have had to do over the past nine months.  I'm so relieved to have it done!



Initially I could barely handle going to the cemetery, much less pick out a gravestone.  It all seemed too cold, too hard, and too final.  Now the cemetery is part of my routine, and I go 2-3 times a week.  I keep flowers by Thomas's grave, so I usually go visit and water them.   Over the past few weeks my perspective has shifted.  Instead of being upset about picking out a gravestone, I was upset that he didn't have one yet!  This whole grieving process is such a roller coaster!

I think I'm as pleased as I ever could be with a gravestone belonging to my baby.  I love it.  Our family stone will be ready in the next few months, and I'm looking forward to that, too.

The verse we chose for Thomas's epitaph is "I, the Lord, made you, and I will not forget you." Isaiah 44:21 (NLT).  The Lord had a hand in every minute of Thomas's life, just as He does in ours.
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12 comments:

  1. Amy ScottAugust 21, 2012 at 7:58 PM

    It's beautiful, and so is the verse. I am always amazed with the amount of courage and grace you navigate this very painful and difficult road. We love and miss you guys, and think of you often!!

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  2. ejmAugust 21, 2012 at 8:25 PM

    It's beautiful, Melissa. Love to you and TJ.

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  3. AnonymousAugust 21, 2012 at 8:29 PM

    Melissa,
    You are amazing!!! Love to you and your family.
    Cindy and Joe

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  4. KatApAugust 21, 2012 at 9:12 PM

    I love what you chose. It's perfect and beautiful. And your sentence, "I'm as pleased as I ever could be with a gravestone belonging to my baby" is so aptly said. Praying for you guys!

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  5. Jennifer89August 21, 2012 at 10:36 PM

    Still praying for y'all a lot. I love the verse you chose- good for you to remember and for us all to hide in our hearts!

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  6. AshleyAugust 21, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    Hugs to you.

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  7. AnonymousAugust 21, 2012 at 11:17 PM

    Melissa, you continue to inspire us with your honest transparency and faith in God's ultimate goodness and love! Thank you for allowing us to continue this journey with you.
    Much love, Debbie

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  8. Sophia CaparisosAugust 22, 2012 at 6:22 AM

    May God bless and keep little Thomas, and may He grant you the comfort and peace that comes from deep, abiding faith.

    Prayers and hugs, Mrs. Cap

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  9. gailAugust 22, 2012 at 2:23 PM

    So beautiful. And you are so amazing. Jesus is rocking Thomas to sleep each night telling him what an amazing mother he has. He is so proud of you for how you have stood tall, held on to Jesus for dear life, and shared the gift of Thomas to everyone. I am proud to call you my friend. You have taught me so much and continue to.

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  10. oliviajackAugust 23, 2012 at 8:46 AM

    So beautiful, as are you :)
    Love and hugs,
    Frances, Olivia & Jack

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  11. UnknownAugust 24, 2012 at 10:46 AM

    It's beautiful my friend. Your sweet boy is a gift.

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  12. Winona CannadyAugust 30, 2012 at 4:17 PM

    How beautiful! You continue to amaze me! Love you!

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