Last week was a tough week for the Kearney community, and even more so for a local family that had to say goodbye to their sweet boy. I will admit, it was hard for me to understand. I didn’t know Cole, I didn’t know the family very well, either. But I could, at least a tiny bit, wrap my brain around the pain they must be feeling.
I think any parent can.
When our babies are born, a bond is created. It’s a bond that will not shatter. You’re a parent too – you know what I’m talking about. It’s this “I will jump in front of a moving train to save your life” type of bond.
I know the Roseberry family would have done just that.
Instead of trying to understand – because that’s simply impossible – we turned to other parents, local and beyond who share that same love for their babies. We reached out to them asking if they would give a donation to help with a special project for the grieving family.
The response was overwhelming.
Strangers across the community, state and beyond gave. And gave. And gave. It was incredible. It was humbling. It renewed my faith in the world.
These were all parents. Some who have experienced the unbelievable pain that must come with burying your child and others who never want to.
I never want to.
I held my girls tight this week. Extra tight. My youngest even let me lay beside her for a longer amount of time than usual. We sang extra songs that night. Prayers were longer, more books were read. I wanted to soak in their tiny bodies. I wanted to thank God for one more day with them. I know, we all know – we’re never guaranteed another moment.
“Can I sleep beside you for a while,” I asked my 3 year old. She loved it a first. She even put her tiny sweet arm around me and gave me an extra kiss on the cheek. But after a while I heard these words.
“It’s OK, Mama. You can go now.”
We all have to let go, some way too soon. To the Roseberry family I can only say I’m sorry. I can’t possibly understand the pain you are going through, but I do know what it’s like to love a child. So many of us do. And if it helps at all, even in the slightest bit – know that there are prayers lifting you up from strangers across the globe.
I hope you can feel it. I hope it helps bring you comfort. We’re all so sorry for your pain.
*Here’s a link to the photo you guys helped find for the family.