tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415766182421516146.post4076628008668432042..comments2023-10-30T06:11:25.102-04:00Comments on Samuel's Heart: Seeking the Courage to Embrace GriefKatAphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16237933553147533784noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415766182421516146.post-8713243525137738892009-09-10T16:46:44.531-04:002009-09-10T16:46:44.531-04:00Kathryn and Bryan,
I am in clinic today (it is go...Kathryn and Bryan,<br /><br />I am in clinic today (it is good to get away from the hospital occasionally) and met a mutual acquaintance who let me know about your blog. I have been trying to spend whatever time I can between patients today to read your blog and watch Samuel's service.<br /><br />I just wanted to let you know that I, along with many others at the hospital, continue to think and talk fondly about you and your family. The two of you have left an impression which we will never forget. Reading your blog, it reminds me how much we as medical people can become somewhat detached from wholly understanding/recognizing what families are going through while their children are in the hospital. Certainly this is a defense mechanism for us, but it is important for us to unshield ourselves occasionally, so for that, I thank you. The technology and terminology are routine for us, but must be so difficult to understand and intimidating for those who don't spend their careers there. To have met the two of you has been so special to those of us who have to deal with this kind of tragedy on an unfortunately too regular basis.<br /><br />In medicine, you meet people and families from all walks of life and the names and faces can become a blur. However, there are a few that you will never forget- your family is one of those to me. I think it must be due to the unbelievable grace and composure that you and Bryan always displayed throughout everything. Watching Bryan so eloquently speak at Samuel's service was incredible. It was truly inspirational to me as a father.<br /><br />I once met a family and they had a similar peace and sense of grace that was something special. At the time I did not know who Matt Redman was, but I felt compelled to find out more about him and subsequently found out about his and his wife's work. I thought about that when I heard "Blessed Be Your Name" played at the service. You and Bryan left a similar impression with me after I first met you.<br /><br />While the road toward healing will likely not end (nor should it in memory of Samuel Erik), I hope the sun shines on that path soon. You have a beautiful family and I wish you all the best for the future- it will certainly be bright despite the recent overcast skies.<br /><br />Dennis KimUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05757905759157778335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415766182421516146.post-26757142367545560902009-09-10T15:25:21.662-04:002009-09-10T15:25:21.662-04:00Kathryn,Thank you for sharing this journey, for sh...Kathryn,Thank you for sharing this journey, for sharing your pain and ultimately for glorifying GOD...I sense His presence in every word you have writtenDrakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06216499816234803357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415766182421516146.post-12702512061049656122009-09-09T19:24:45.157-04:002009-09-09T19:24:45.157-04:00Kathryn, I had a dream about you. I walked into t...Kathryn, I had a dream about you. I walked into the back of a classroom and was surprised to realize it was my high school English class. There was only one student in the class--you. You turned around from your seat, and your face had a look extreme stillness and the deepest sorrow. In my dream, you were alone, and when I awoke I was teary thinking of you that way. But I agree with Allison and other posters that you are not alone in grief, and you need not be alone in order fully to confront your incomprehensible loss. Loss brings an occasion for gathering and fellowship. These pages are a testament to that. Everyday I think of Joel and Caleb. They will live with Samuel's loss forever, but you and Bryan are keeping a chronicle through which they will be reminded that they are not alone in their grief. They will learn about the faith that sustained you and Bryan through these days. And they will witness the fellowship that your faith and transparency inspired. As young adults looking back on this time, I imagine that every detail of your chronicles and online exchanges will be illuminating for them.Brigidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01262734629344653109noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415766182421516146.post-66742132361422780242009-09-09T14:56:34.968-04:002009-09-09T14:56:34.968-04:00I just heard this news today from Bryan and have j...I just heard this news today from Bryan and have just started to read your blog, but I couldn't continue to read without comment. As I come upon what-would-have-been my daughter's 2nd birthday this month, alot of thoughts and feelings come back to me. You have so eloquently journaled the reality of such an experience and shared your transparency, as they are the same feelings I have had.<br /><br />Bryan was the one who conducted our Hayley Marie's funeral service in 2007 and I think I remember him telling me it was his first funeral or at least his first child funeral. He did a wonderful graveside service and I can only pray that God used him then to help you now.<br /><br />Grief comes in bits, as I don't think God will put on us more than we can handle. If it is a comfort to talk with those that have shared experiences, please feel free to email.<br /><br />"It Is Well" was the song we chose to be sung, also. I wouldn't change my experience either and I do believe God used my husband and me during that time for a greater purpose. Nonetheless, the song continues to move me when I hear it.<br /><br />I am praying for you and your family.<br /><br />Sarah Embro<br />sarahembro@bellsouth.netUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06813577754558299482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415766182421516146.post-42532776494742090652009-09-09T09:20:21.028-04:002009-09-09T09:20:21.028-04:00Kathryn,
You and I have only ever met maybe once. ...Kathryn,<br />You and I have only ever met maybe once. Your fabulous husband is our groups director and I have the pleasure of serving on staff with him as well.<br />I wanted to thank you for your honesty on here. It really helps us to know how to pray for you guys. I want to encourage you to continue writing about your story-even if it's not on here for the world to see (though I hope it is!). I think that will be helpful for you to process everything and will give you a record to look back on and see God's hand. But I also want to encourage you to be brutally honest on here, as much as you are comfortable. I can imagine that there's a little pressure to seem super spiritual and constantly trying to point people to Him. <br />But, if none of my unsolicited advice sits well with you, I would like you to know this:<br />You are not alone. I understand what you're saying about avoiding the grief and distracting yourself. I also understand that no one on this Earth can truly know what you're going through.<br />But I also want you to remember the part where Aaron held Moses' arms up to continue the battle. It was Moses' arms that counted, but that didn't mean he had to hold them up all by himself.<br />Even though you walk YOUR road of grief and most of those around cannot really relate to your story, we are all willing to take a turn holding up your arms. I imagine this is very isolating and want you to always rest in the comfort found in your Heavenly Father, but know that you are not in his lap by yourself.<br />Praying every day for you,<br />Allison RussellAllisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15137668233714251664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415766182421516146.post-48088945815023257602009-09-08T23:07:13.943-04:002009-09-08T23:07:13.943-04:00Dear sweet Kathryn, how my heart aches for you. Yo...Dear sweet Kathryn, how my heart aches for you. Your words are so clear and eloquent that I have a picture in my head of the grief that is longing to take you under, and I know that it will be painful when it is time for you to turn and face it. I have no doubt though that as you face the sadness, anger, despair and all of the other emotions that come with a loss of this magnitude that Christ himself will be sitting by your side, holding your hand, and lifting you up when it seems the strength to go on has left you. <br />You and Bryan and the boys are never far from my thoughts and prayers.<br />Much love,<br />MelanieScott Moore, Jr.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12746455893010210518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415766182421516146.post-29307564455574361342009-09-08T22:46:40.723-04:002009-09-08T22:46:40.723-04:00My dearest niece Kathryn,
I'll be praying for ...My dearest niece Kathryn,<br />I'll be praying for you most deeply in those late-night hours when it seems the grief may be the hardest. I don't know the way to walk this path and wish that I could take some of the pain. We love you so much.Peggyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06069045606635342905noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8415766182421516146.post-67884855784678337492009-09-08T22:34:55.823-04:002009-09-08T22:34:55.823-04:00Dear, sweet Apinis family,
You don't know me...Dear, sweet Apinis family, <br /><br />You don't know me but a friend of mine sent me your blog just a few days ago. I have spent the last few hours reading everything you have so beautifully written from your first post on. I can honestly say that I know every single emotion that you have felt from start to finish. I will not go into great detail here but if you would like to e-mail me I will list it below for you. Just know that I feel your pain in every way. We must have just missed each other at Egleston. I was there with my third son as well who was diagnosed with an extremely rare heart defect on July 28th and was in the OR at Egleston having open heart surgery on the 29th. However, our third son did remarkably well. It was our second son, a twin, who is showing your sweet son Samuel around Heaven that did not live very long on this earth with us. Reading your posts about the last few days/hours with your son brought back every emotion I felt with our son, Cooper. Please know that I am praying for you and your family and if you need to talk to someone who has been where you are please feel free to contact me. <br /><br />With Love and Support<br />Lauren Hess<br />lpsau@aim.com<br />andrewandlaurenhess.blogspot.com<br /><br />PS--I know EXACTLY which doctor you were talking about who has no bedside mannor what-so-ever...Andrew and Lauren Hesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935736180809517928noreply@blogger.com