When They Die Too Young...We Must Still Hope

When the Waves Subside: There is Hope ~ written to encourage the grieving parent.

Lisa uses the analogy of the broken glass turned into "glass rocks" or "sea stones" to explain how the grieving parent is beaten and tossed against the waves after the loss of their child yet is stronger and more beautiful because of the tragic loss they experienced.

Lisa wrote this for her parents to illustrate to them and other parents, you are stronger than you might realize.

No More Pain: I Can Fly ~ written to encourage anyone who has lost someone "too soon".

Lisa's eighteen year old sister was kidnapped and remains missing. Her nineteen year old cousin was killed in a motorcycle accident. Another cousin survived less than a day after his birth. A friend lost her battle to cancer, leaving behind her husband, and two wonderful children. All of them, left us too soon.

I'm sure you can think of someone in your life that was taken from you before it was time. While in our mind we know all our days are numbered for us, because the Bible tells us so. In our hearts, it is too soon. Sometimes it is always too soon but when they are young, it seems to sting a little bit more, and requires more time to heal. At times, it feels like the pain will never go away.

No More Pain: I Can Fly is written to encourage the broken hearted after the loss of someone...too soon.

The twentieth anniversary of Heidi's kidnapping has provided another twist on the roller coaster of life when a loved one is missing. The actual anniversary date of Heidi's disappearance was eased thanks to the outpouring of love, support, and community gathered in remembrance of her. Some of you physically were at the New Haven Fire Barn for the social hour and/or candle light vigil while others joined us via prayer, email, private message, text, or a phone call.

Thank you again for never forgetting and helping to keep the Light of Hope alive in New Haven. Heidi will always be remembered and God always answers prayer...keep praying God brings Heidi home. We can't give up.

"Rejoice always,
 pray continually,
 give thanks in all circumstances; 
for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In 2013, I gifted When the Waves Subside: There is Hope to my parents for their anniversary at the end of January. This was months before the release of Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey, yet a release I didn't make a big deal about or promote a lot. I wrote When the Waves Subside to encourage my parents as they continue to wait for answers about their youngest daughter, Heidi M Allen. I used an analogy based on the glass rocks we used to look for along Lake Ontario's shores as a family.

This past Christmas, I gifted them No More Pain: I Can Fly. A book written to encourage anyone who lost someone "too soon". Initially I intended to keep these books as something for my parents or to share with other parents of missing children/adults but then Mom started sharing her book with friends.

Something happened I never dreamed possible, these two books are helping parents who lost a child for whatever the reason, even if they were adult children when they passed. To God be the glory, only He knew how these books could encourage and help others endure one of life's toughest losses, that of one's child.

This weekend, we will extend comfort to my husband's cousin and her family. Their twenty-two year old son died during Spring Break last week. The loss and pain they are going through just breaks my heart. Although I didn't know him well, he is family. His twin brother mourns the loss of brother, best friend, and "his other half". His parents say good-bye to their son...too soon.

We could spend time asking why or we can be thankful for the moments we have. These words feel empty at a time like this yet it is the times like this that remind me to seize each day, make memories, and enjoy life.

Only God knows what tomorrow, or even five minutes from now holds. If you've lost a child or someone "too soon" ~ check out my books. I've heard from other parents, siblings, and even friends that these books helped them heal and understand how their loved one is feeling during the most difficult moments of their life. I can't promise God will use these books for instant healing yet they might provide the seed of hope someone needs at that very moment. My prayer is for all to know there is Hope, even on the most tragic and sad of days. What gives you hope?

---

Prayers for the parents grieving the loss of a child
and thanksgiving for the memories made to give them strength on the most difficult of days...
Have you made a memory today?