Loss and new life

Three years ago tomorrow our family lost one of it's own.

My twin sister's husband of nearly a decade was welcomed into his eternal home.

He was taken from a body wracked with pain and made whole. 

We will never understand why somethings happen like they do.

Or when they do.

I don't think I've ever struggled so long and deep over the sovereignty of God in allowing a loving father and husband to be lost.

I still don't pretend to understand it.

Death is a part of life.

It's a sucky, crappy, confusing part of living in this world. 

However, I know without a doubt that this world is not all there is.

As I look back over the 12 years that I considered him my brother I am thankful to have known him.

We loved him.

There is someone missing at our family gatherings. 

In the last 3 years we have watched his children grow.

We see his personality, his eyes, and his smile, in those children.

We continue to pray for my sister who lost so much. 

In the past three years we have welcomed a new brother in law and two step-nephews into our family.

2 adoptions and 2 new births also add to our family portrait.

Loss and new life.

The world continues to spin.

But for a moment I am pausing to remember and to thank God for 31 years of a life well lived.  

Rarely have I met a person with such a genuine caring heart.

Scott, we miss you!