Monday, June 28, 2010

In Memory of Ethan Joshua

Our oldest son, Ethan Joshua, passed away 5 Jun 10. He is missed by so many, but especially his little brother Evan, and his Mommy and Daddy. Losing a child is said to be the worst type of loss one could endure, and I do believe this to be true. It's as though a huge part of you is missing, and will never be replaced. It's only by the grace of God that we can get through this difficult time. God is amazing, as are our community of friends and family. I cannot fathom one going through such a loss, or any loss of that sort, without a personal relationship with the Lord. Am I witnessing? Why yes I am. That's what Ethan would have wanted, and I will do my best to honor his memory by being a witness and sharing my testimony. Ethan's passing was a tragedy. He was a healthy boy of 7, and what happened to us can happen to anyone--ANYONE. He drowned in a pool where adults were all around. There was plenty of supervision. It happened in the blink of an eye, and that's all it takes. The what- ifs plague our minds, but the comfort of the Lord and knowing that Ethan in safe in heaven gives us hope and comfort. I cannot describe the beautiful comfort that the Lord has given Josh and I. Because there is NO way I could have gotten through this as sane as I have without my Heavenly Father. He loves me. He loves you. He cares. He is good ALL of the time, and He knows what he is doing. It's just hard sometimes to let go and let God. It's easy to get caught up in the flesh and thinking about what could have been, when what we need to focus on is the here and now. Ethan is gone, but he isn't forgotten. We miss him every minute of everyday. If you get a chance, look up the following verses for us, and for the memory of Ethan: Proverbs 3:5, and Matthew 7:12. He exemplified both of these verses. In fact, a couple of days before he passed, out of the blue he said,"Mommy, I am going to take the straight path to God (as he pointed toward heaven)." This just warms my heart, knowing that a little boy of 7 was so in love with the Lord that he was ready to take the straight path to heaven. Are you?

9 comments:

Vanessa said...

Oh how I admire you Shannon. I want to keep up with your blog because you help me get through the grief of losing our son too. Thank you for your guidance. Your are also an angel in disguise.

Vanessa Vasquez

Anonymous said...

Thank you Shannon for sharing, I cannot imagine the pain of what you are going through but your strength and unwavering faith glorifies God! I will be continually praying for your family!

Carin Kearns

vivgam said...

You and Josh are one of the most amazing parents ever!!!!... I pray that the lord give you guys peace, healing and serenity everyday of your live's until you meet him and Ethan in Heaven. You inspire me everday God Bless you and your family always!

Viv

Anonymous said...

Shannon, I am so encouraged to see God is still giving you peace and comfort. My heart so breaks for you as a mom. But God's grace truly is sufficient. Still praying for you.

Anonymous said...

You are an amazing woman, Shannon! Ethan knew so much about God's love through your love for Him. He was such a sweet boy and I will always miss him, but his memory always brings a smile to my face. =) Thank you for blogging - it really does help me know how you're doing and it's true - only by the Grace of God can we deal with these extremely difficult times! Your family is always in my prayers. I love you.
Rachael Adamis

Adriane said...

I'm so sorry to read of your son's passing. That is a beautiful picture of him. May God continue to give you strength.

Unknown said...

Shannon,
I just found your blog after your comment on my own blog. I know that there are no words but to say that my heart aches for you. You are not alone, though often times it may seem that way. God is good all the time. Even in this, God is good and someday we will hold them in our arms once again. Holding you up in heartfelt prayer.

MarshaMarshaMarsha said...

Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. -Isaiah 51:11

There's a great day coming! Keep looking forward... keep walking that straight path to God.

Unknown said...

Hello, I saw your post from the My Fathers World forum board which made me come to your blog. You are a very strong person and have helped me in my faith with everything written in this blog and the forum. This made me weep truly. You have also cemented me in keeping with MFW. God bless.