Saturday, June 20, 2009

another ripple...in New York

MM: Summer has been a whirlwind thus far. The three of us headed to Waco, TX last week in order for me to perform a wedding for some great friends. It was the first time doing that, and, well, they're married.

I had the paradoxical honor of speaking at Eliot's funeral. Like never before, it was something, for some unknown reason, that I felt I had to do. Wanted to do.

And although "difficult" does not begin to explain the toll of that experience, I no doubt live in light of the satisfaction that being Eliot's father on that day meant that I stood and spoke at his funeral. Being his dad meant doing that. And I always love being his dad.

On that day, near the end of my words, I said, "We encourage you today to not forget Eliot. To not forget whatever his sweet life taught you. Please go & do that which has been stirred in you through his life.

And we look forward to hearing of the ripples he has made in eternity."

I do not think we anticipated the actual weight of these words. And at that moment, if we had never heard of another life impacted by our son, we still would be floored by what we had already witnessed.

But the ripples have become waves, and we just sort of stand on the shore and laugh in bewilderment.

Eliot's story re-aired on the Oprah show last week. The three of us will be heading to the Today Show in New York in order to do a follow up interview. I know...crazy.

Feel free to follow our excursion via my twitter account. We leave on Tuesday. We will be on the show on Wednesday. I believe it will be a later segment in the show, but I will pass on details when we have them. Of course, everything could change, and once they meet me who could blame them for a changing their minds.

As always, we feel that we must explain that excited is never a word that we could use for an opportunity such as this. We are honored to share Eliot's story. As noted earlier, we feel that this is the way that we are his mom & dad now. So, we are thrilled about telling his story and talking about the great folks that make rEcess happen, and for going to New York on someone else's dime. However, we are going before a large audience to share about the hardest thing we have ever experienced.

As this has come together quite fast, we would love your help in spreading the word to anyone who you think might care. We have good friends who currently do not know of our plans.

New York holds a special place in our hearts as its streets were the ones we wandered together on a trip shortly after losing him. Little did we know that upon approaching his 3-year birthday, we would be back to share his life on the Today Show, with his little sister in tow.

15 comments:

Mindy said...

Wonderful news about the Today Show. Thank you, and may God continue to bless your family.

Deb said...

I have followed your story for a while now... initially because of mutual friends we have in the St. Louis area.

We lost a son as well... his name was Noah. I won't fill this comment box with all the details of his short life... you can read about him at http://thelauers03.blogspot.com if you like. But I will say that we feel as though we are kindred spirits with you - we miss him desperately and pray each day for the "ripples" his story has made in the lives of those who have heard it.

We are pregnant now, expecting a brother or sister to Noah in December. I have thought of Ginny many times during the last few months, wondering how she found peace during her pregnancy with Hazel.

Thank you for sharing your story in such venues as the Today show and Oprah... in sharing Eliot's story and God's grace, you speak for many of us who remain just faces in the crowd.

mel @ the larson lingo said...

that is awesome about the Today Show, I just put it on my DVR to record on Wed. It is so neat to see God continue to do mighty things because of Eliot's life. I think of him often whenever I wear my eliot necklace & love sharing about you guys when people compliment the necklace. Much love to you, Ginny & Hazel!

The Trone's: James, Misty, and Bella Grace said...

We will be praying for you as you share your story once again. James & I finally saw the segment on Oprah this week- sweet Eliot is such a light for the beauty of eternity. Enjoy the city...

kaw said...

We will of course watch and pray!

Brax, Kim, Thomas and Mae

Anonymous said...

sad to see you removed the link to Avery's blog

Lisa (Myers) Hartsfield said...

What an honor for you both. Of course I will be watching....thinking of Eliot. I still wear my necklace often and continue to get compliments. Safe travels.....

Lisa Hartsfield
Mansfield, Tx

Happi said...

I was one of the ones who watched the show on Oprah for the first time last week. I was so touched by your story and so encouraged by your faith. My husband and I are Believers and we have two little boys of our own. I cannot imagine the heartbreak you've endured, and yet I know that you truly have the peace that passes all understanding. Thank you for sharing your story with us and I look forward to hearing about all God is doing in your lives.

God's blessing on you all!

JPTG said...

WOW, so cool about the Today show- I'll be watching! I did see the rerun on Oprah last week and nearly jumped out of my skin, needless to say I recorded it. I think I had seen it before before I knew your story through your blog, and then coincedentally found your blog months later through a "six degress of Eliot" internet path.

Ripples and waves of influence are surely understatements- even for strangers like myself, your words and story of faith, written over the past years, have touched me deeply. I check back to read more as often as I can, and pray for you three, as well as Eliot smiling, laughing, and playing in perfect health with Jesus.

Carissa said...

It is a gift to be able to share Eliot's story. I understand your comment about excitment vs. honor. After having experienced a critically ill baby, I am not sure I would ever be excited to tell the story of our miracle baby, but I would most definetly be honored to tell whoever would listen about Avery. Love to you guys and we so look forward to seeing you again soon!

Carissa for all

christina said...

All who know you are honored to know of Eliot and his story before the rest of the world who will be blessed by it wednesday! Praying for the hearts that will hear it for the first time. Praying for your words and hearts as well.

can i be real? there is a part of me that longs to be a part of your story because of the platform by which God is using you...and i long to share of Cana's story too. I long to tell others, to witness, glorify, cry, rejoice. Until then, i rejoice WITH you in Eliot's journey thru you.

Randi said...

I will be honored to see it.
Thinking of you guys.
Randi

Anonymous said...

Hi there,
I saw your story on the Today show as I was sitting in a hotel room the day after attending the funeral of my good friends 6 month old baby. I hope they saw the story and will gain strength from your story as they begin this next stage of their mourning. Here is their story...
www.sweetbabyzane.com

Nancy said...

Your family and experiences have taken me on a roller coaster ride of emotions this morning. I've cried/laughed and re-visited my own tragedies in life. It's left me with a strange but peaceful feeling. Breathing feels easier. Thank you for that. and thank you both for being such loving devoted parents to your son for his short life and to your beautiful daughter. You two gave a tiny angel-in-waiting the ultimate gift of real love. any time I see a ripple I'll think of him. I lost a child years ago early into my pregnacy but I know in my heart that one day I'll get to meet her. Till then I constantly know that it's her tugging gently on my heartstrings. Waiting for me. I've only touched her in my dreams.

Anonymous said...

My daughter was born on May 2, 2009. Every day of her life has been changed by your story, because every time I get tired or frustrated I think of Eliot and your courage and thank God for every moment I have with her. All three of you are directly responsible for improving our lives, and I think of you every day. How can I thank you for your poignancy? My tiny one's life is better because of you, and Eliot. God bless you all.