Friends,
Many of you are aware of the parenting journey that Kevin and Jennifer Meacham have been traveling. A few years ago, when their son, Turner, was born, they learned that both Turner and their precious daughter, Gracey, were born with cystic fibrosis. From his first breath to his last, for a period of several months, Turner fought for life with the heart of a warrior (just like his father). However, his little body ultimately succumbed to the disease. Turner never came home from the hospital. The pain and confusion for Kevin and Jennifer was immense.
With the love and support of family and friends, and, most importantly, the infinite, matchless grace of God, over time they moved on. Recently, they chose to continue their dream of parenting through adoption. The process progressed to the point where earlier this month a beautiful baby girl was born to the birth mother with whom they had been in contact. Their baby girl, Gabby, came home from the hospital to the Meachams. The birth mother signed the legal consent to the adoption and all seemed well.
Then, for reasons which we may never know nor understand, after the baby was with the Meachams for a couple of weeks and with only a few days left in which she could legally revoke the consent, the birth mother changed her mind. The social worker came to the Meachams' home last night to take Gabby back to her birth mother.
Most of us will never know what it is like to lose a child. Kevin and Jennifer have now lost two.
What do you say to someone who has no more tears to cry? What do you do for someone for whom the pain is so intense they feel numb? Please understand that Kevin and Jennifer know and love the Lord. However, I suspect at a time like this that even the most sound theology and even the most relevant Scripture will provide little relief or comfort. For those who are in a position to do so, let me suggest something more tangible: a neck to hug; a shoulder to cry on; arms to hold them.
Secondly, let us pray. Let us pray that the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, will visit them in ways that He never has before. Let us pray that they will be surrounded by people who love them and care for them, and who will be with them no matter what. Let us pray that the peace that passes all understanding will guard their hearts and their minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, I believe there is one other thing we can do to honor Kevin and Jennifer at this time. For those of us who are parents, take some time to let your children know how much you value them and how grateful and blessed you are to be their parent. If you are close enough to them, give them a long hug. If not, express your love some other way.
Either way, as parents, may we teach them as if we will be gone tomorrow, and may we love them as if they will be gone tomorrow.
Press on....
Andrew
