Beautiful Life taken too Early

Many people in my hometown are asking why this morning?  Why would a young, beautiful girl with so much ahead of her in life had to die this weekend?  There are stories going around at the moment but until the family says what happen I am not going to report what I have heard out of respect for her family and friends.  No need to spread rumors if they are not true.  

As a parent of three daughters I can imagine the pain of Elizabeth's parents.  Nine years ago in 2001 I lost my only son at the tender age of 3 years old and 6 months.  He was a healthy young boy whose life was taken too soon by the hands of another person who shot him.  Nine years later I can say that I have made it.  Somedays are harder than others but there is a light and leaning on faith and friends do help.  My heart goes out to Elizabeth's parents because I remember the numb feeling that I felt when my son was killed.  The feeling that it is a nightmare and when you wake up your child will be there.  The only problem is that the nightmare continues and you do not wake up from it.  Reality sinks in and you ask why?  Why did it happen?  Could I had done anything to prevent it?  Even though I know more than likely Elizabeth's parents will probably never read this they need to know that it is not their fault.  They provided a loving home for their daughter and from what all of her friends and her brother's friends have said they are wonderful people.  There is no blame but just heartache.  

At the moment my heart is torn for this family because this is a club you do not want to join.  A club of losing a child.  I know for me it is different because I have been there and until you experience the heartache of losing a child you do not know the pain.  It is not something you get over.  There is no limit on the grieving.  Nine years later I can tell those parents who are going through this that you never forget but there is a time when you will be able to look at your child's pictures and remember those great memories of them and smile without tears coming to your eyes.  There is life after you lose a child even though at the moment and even years after you feel like there is no life because a part of you has died.  To keep your child's memory alive you must go on living.  Find a positive thing to do in order to remember your child's life.  

I wish this beautiful child would had realized how many people loved her and how many people she has touched.  It is sad that after someone dies that the realization of the love that surrounds the person comes out even though they are not here to witness it.  Please keep Elizabeth and her family in your prayers as they go through the most difficult time in their lives.  Please pray for Elizabeth's journey to heaven and help the family and friends that she has left behind.  If you are a friend of the family that is reading this please pass it on.  Also here is a little advice from just my experience of losing a child.  

Don't be afraid to speak my child's name.  Hearing my child's name will not hurt me.  Actually it is a soothing memory of him/her.  

Don't be afraid of bringing up memories of my child.  I want to hear the stories and remember everything. 

Don't be afraid to show pictures of beautiful child.  I want to see pictures.  

Don't be afraid to comfort me or talk because I am mourning the loss of my child.  I need your friendship more than ever and even though I am crying don't be scared to talk to me.  

Our children are not gone.  They are angels in heaven looking over us until we join them.