The Piano Guys and Craig Aven: The Sweetest Gift

If you’re missing someone this Christmas this song’s dedicated to you - ...

Jon Schmidt dedicates to those missing someone this Christmas.  I am missing my oldest sister, who passed away two years ago New Years Eve.  She was the life of our family, and kept things going.  There is still a void that hasn't been filled.  We visited the Buff clan for Christmas a few years ago.  tony made a snow man, Camberly met her great-grandmother who was staying with them at the time.  Sara, like my mother, had a way to make things right.

Lyrics: I’m not going to lie. Christmas really hurts this time Cause you’re not here to celebrate with me. Tears fill my eyes. And memories flood my mind, As I place your ornament upon our tree. Although this year I have a broken heart, It gives me hope and joy as I remember where you are. Chorus: You’re with the Son of God. You’re with the Prince of Peace. You’re with the one we’re celebrating And that thought amazes me. Sometimes I still break down, Grieving that we’re apart, But the sweetest gift is knowing where you are. You’re with the Son of God. Got your picture in a frame And a stocking with your name. Oh God knows it’s been hard letting go. And I can’t bring you back, But I’ll see you again. And oh, that thought is healing to my soul. I’ll miss making angels with you in the snow. I guess instead you will be singing with them All around God’s throne.

Chorus And I know the Christmas season Was your favorite time of year. You loved to help us decorate our tree. But now that you’re with Jesus, I can’t imagine how you feel Cause He’s the one who bled and died Upon the tree for you and me. Chorus

Loss Via Automobile Accident

 I read in the Deseret News Website that this past weekend eight people have died on Utah roads.  Most of these accidents are weather related.  It must have been a terrible storm with icy conditions. 

 http://news.hjnews.com/news/article_2356561e-0aee-11e0-855c-001cc4c002e0.html

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hjnews/obituary.aspx?n=bridger-maxum-h-ferguson&pid=147333540&fhid=4507 

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/hjnews/obituary.aspx?n=mgwire-ethan-ferguson&pid=147333549&fhid=4507 

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700093171/Two-brothers-7-10-killed-in-Cache-accident.html

Two of those who passed away were the children of Jace and Teri Ferguson, friends of ours.  They were seven and ten, Bridger and M'gwire.  The family previously lived in California while Jace, their father, was going to school.  They have been living in Cache Valley for the past 10 years.  As my mother lives in Logan, and my youngest, Caleb was good friends with the older brother of these two; we stopped by and saw them a couple times while on visits to the area.  However, we had lost touch over the past few years, the family had moved to Mendon from Logan which was a bit farther away from my mother’s home.  One of their daughter’s is a Facebook friend.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865566722/4A-high-school-football-Brotherly-love-inspires-Mountain-Crest-fullback-Gaje-Ferguson.html?pg=2
added 11/14/12

 

I am so torn over automobile accidents that take children before their time.  It really isn’t fair.  My wife’s brother lost a son, Joel, a few years ago.  He was riding his bike when struck by a car.  They seemed so strong at the time, but even so I think they carry some of the pain from this tragedy.  It is especially evident in the siblings who were close to their brother.

Last year, my brother lost his youngest son, Trevor, to a car accident.  I know he is also still in pain, as are his children and his wife.  These types of wounds take a long time to heal. 

And so yesterday, when I heard of this tragedy, I felt for the parents and the siblings.  How do you overcome such a thing?  The older sister was driving when the care spun out of control on the ice, slid into oncoming traffic, and then was hit.  The rear of the car was destroyed, and the brothers in the back seat were killed.  The driver and sister survived with injuries, while the driver of the other vehicle was also injured. 

My worry is that the emotional injuries will last much longer than the physical injuries;  that the loss will be felt intensely, especially during the Holiday season. 

When I was at the funeral for Sheri’s nephew Joel, these words came to my mind—the beginning of a poem I have never dared finish.

On thing I would never want to be;

Is the guest of honor at a funary

Celebration.

The guest of honor at a funeral, are the other family members who survive.  They are the ones who carry the pain and the regret.  It is so hard to let go.

People leaving this world, are ushered into a better place.  Those left behind deal with the loss, missing their loved one until they are reunited.

My prayers are with the Fergusons who lost their boys, Bridger and M'Gwire.  I also pray for my brother’s family, and Sheri’s brother’s family who have also gone through losses.