Some Good News on a sad day

[maureenreynolds]

Despite today's significance, I thought I'd share some good news with all of you who went through my dgd's struggle with aplastic anemia right through to her death last September. It truly was a gut wrenching decision for her parents to cease treatment but god bless them for having the courage to do so because Bekah died almost instantly. Her suffering was over.

Naturally, it's been a hard year for them - and us - but they continued with counseling, and working on the Bekah garden their church planned with lots of her fellow 6 yr olds. At one point they thought about a foster child but realized they weren't ready for that. Michael, who was 5 needed all they had to give and they needed him.

This summer we were thrilled to learn that Sharlah was going back to teaching. She had been and now is again a hs history teacher. We were so glad that she is no longer home, alone, all day with Rich teaching and Michael in full day school. She is back to her running and I'm sure will be up for a marathon again. Rich? being an introverted man, he keeps more inside but we pray that they'll both continue to develop soul scar tissue and be more able to see the joy in life, always, I know, with that shadow of loss.

The DD family was such a big big support system to us all that I will always have a special place in my own heart for you here. If you're new to DD, trust me ...this is another perk of the site - a bonus family you're privileged to be loved by.

[Myra]

That is good news Maureen. I'm so glad Sharla and the family is finding their way back.

[digigrandma]

Maureen, I think of Bekah and her family often. I have wondered how they are doing and how one copes with a loss like this. Since I have a grandson Michael's age I was especially concerned for him knowing that little boys that age get very attached to their siblings and they have fears and concerns of their own. You are so thoughtful to take time to update us. It is a reminder to me to keep this family in my prayers...I am happy to learn about their resilience in the face of tragedy.

[blkcow]

So glad to hear about their road to recovery....having never walked in those shoes, it can be hard to know what to say or do! I think of them (and you) often and wish them godspeed on their journey. Thanks for updating us

[Jen D]

I am so glad you updated us. I think of them and you from time to time. I will continue to pray that peace resides in their lives.

[earlofoxford]

Thanks for sharing this good news, Maureen. I know the process is not an easy one, but I'm glad to hear that Rich and Sharla are moving forward.

[Deirdre]

I'm sorry to learn of your terrible loss. How difficult this year must have been. You're right, your DGD's parents sound strong and brave. Wonderful to hear that some healing is beginning for all of you.

[lesvrolyk]

I'm sure it must still be terribly hard for them, but it sounds like they are doing well. Hugs to you Maureen!

[cstaff]

continued prayers for healing for all of the family...Thanks for the update Maureen...

[SharLamb]

So glad to hear of their progress. We've walked this pathway (lost a DGD in an accident when she was 2), and although you never get over it, you do begin to live again, and find joy. I pray for their marriage. So many couples split under these conditions. I'm so thankful that my DD and her husband grew closer...not what usually happens. And they have since had three more children! They are each so precious--maybe even more so because of the loss.

[home in ottawa]

I vividly remember seeing your post about Bekah and hoping that I'd misinterpreted it. Alas, I hadn't. I am glad that your family is on the road to healing, but I am also aware that no one fully heals from the loss of a child. It also serves to remind me of just how lucky I am to have a child who is healthy. Hugs to you and yours Maureen.

[anke]

I am so glad to hear that things are becoming a little more normal for them Maureen! It was such a tragedy they had to go through and I don't think this is something they will ever fully recover from! Thanks for sharing that bit of good news with us!

[Lynn Grieveson]

That is good news Maureen. I am sure it must be a good thing for her, and I hope it all goes smoothly :-)

[readstoomuch]

Maureen thank you so much for sharing this good news with us about your family. I too think of Bekah, her parents and little brother . . . I cannot imagine what pain they have been in. I'm happy that Sharla is teaching . . . she must have much to offer young people . . . I pray that this will be fulfilling to her. Glad too that little Michael is enjoying school and time with other children. Prayers for Rich too . . . that he may heal in his own way and time. Thank you again.

[AllynD]

Thank you for posting this, Maureen. Such a sad and terrible loss.

[Shannamay]

It is good to hear about this little family moving forward - I too think of them from time to time (usually when I see your face, Maureen!) and wonder how they're doing. Thanks so much for the update.

[jcaruth910]

Oh my gosh Maureen...because I am fairly new to the DD family, I had no idea. I can only imagine what a loss like this feels like, but am so glad to hear that the healing has progressed. My heart goes out to you and your family. Thank you for sharing this piece of good news.

[echogirl]

I still think of Bekah. Thank you so much for the update Maureen. True love never dies.

[Janet1949]

Thank for giving us this good news Maureen.. (On this sad rememberence day)..
Its so nice to hear that Sharlah has found the strength and courage to go back to teaching, after the family's terrible tragedy.. I hope that she achieves a renewed joy from being with lots of children, and hopefully this joy will flowon into hers and your family.. cyber hugs to you Maureen..

[beehive50]

Maureen, thank you for posting... I do think of Bekah and your whole family and I'm happy that they are finding their way back. You and your family will always remain in my prayers...

[Denise Gormish]

Thanks for sharing this good bit of news Maureen. It's nice to have this update.

[carollee]

Oh Maureen, I like to think that Bekah is their guardian angel giving them the strength to keep going. Thanks so much for the update, I have wondered how they are going.

[Amy L]

That is so good to hear, Maureen. Thanks for the news, blessings to you all.

[esther_a]

It sounds like it will be a long journey for them. It is so good to hear that things are gradually on the improve. Thanks for the update.

[MINIDEB]

Maureen,

I didn't know you last year when you were going through this terrible tragedy - I found out about it when we added another family in need of extra prayers last week via your heartfelt words. I'm glad you had dd as a second family to give you all the needed love and help and hope that you needed during this oh so difficult time... I added you and your family to my prayers about a week ago...time won't fix it so to speak... but time does heal the heart. The heart has a gazillion pieces in it like a puzzle .... sometimes it takes it a little bit of time for the brain and the heart to get everything back in order again... the pieces come back stronger.

Debbie

[maureenreynolds]

Thank you all. I truly believe good news shared is doubled ...or even more here.

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

It's nice to hear how your family is doing, Maureen. I've thought of them often over the past year. May God continue to bless them.

[Schokolade]

Thank you so much for this update Maureen.

[tylertooo]

So glad to hear good news. It has to be the hardest things to live though the loss of a child, and I am glad they are doing better. I am sure it is a long road for all, but with the help of family and friends it hopefully makes it a bit easier to handle. I think about all of you often, and are pleased to hear good news.

[kikimama]

Thanks so much for letting us know how things are going, was just thinking of them the other day. Glad Sharlah is finding ways to occupy her time, I'm sure it'll be very positive for her.