It was April of 2011 when my husband Richard and I moved south, just west of Richmond, Virginia. We had lost our beautiful 14 year old daughter, Lacey Richelle, in 2002 from a fast and furious brain tumor; diagnosed and gone to Heaven in four days. Then two years later, her older brother, Matthew McKinnley, began a six year battle with a brain tumor, and went to Heaven on January 5, 2011. To say it was a difficult time would be a bit of an understatement. The Lord still was our strength and yes, our song, in all the pain and sorrow.
Matt’s journey was not a new journey to us, but the same journey, with new strength to forge the uphill battle in the strength of our faithful Lord. He had never failed us and we both KNEW for certain where to go for hope, help, peace and yes, JOY!! How I prayed for JOY to return ..... again!!
When May came around in our new home, I was surrounded by gardens of glorious beauty. God had given us our last seven months in Pennsylvania, a home one mile from the amazing Longwood Gardens. I was constantly grateful to the Lord as HIS creation feeds my soul like nothing else since childhood. It seemed I was made to live in the forest or a garden. This new home had 15 azaleas, camellias, nandina, roses, mahonia japonica and much, much more. We were surrounded by very tall trees. My favorite, a split leaf red maple in the front yard. It all brought me great joy after so much loss.
Suddenly it was Mother's Day....again. Most of you know how difficult the week up to and including Sunday that week can be for all of us!! Early morning I woke, and knew I had had only four months into this loss; I had a rough day ahead of me, also tears were already falling. My dear man asked me, "Do you want to go to church?" I promptly said, "No, I don't want to see anyone -- just be alone and go kayaking." He was fine to go to church alone, perhaps, but I don't recall if he went or stayed home as well???
I was soon in the middle of our lake, crying and begging God for His HOPE and PRESENCE and SOMETHING to show me He saw me and was with me. I remember when Hagar SUDDENLY knew HE was the GOD who sees [Jehovah El Roi]. There was not another boat on the lake, only me. I began paddling as quickly as I could to see what could be out here in the water. Suddenly, lying perfectly in the water was floating a perfect PINK ROSE, stem down, as if it was in the biggest vase EVER. I began to cry even more knowing the GOD of this universe sees me and knew my sorrow and wanted me to know that HE is Always with me and sees me. This particular Mother's Day was unforgettable for me, and I hope a blessing to you. May the God of perfect peace give you all joy and peace as you trust in HIM alone.
– Jeannette Taylor, laceymom88@yahoo.com
