Reuben's parents, *Beth and Richard, were delighted to discover he was on the way. They had a 20 week ultrasound and were so relieved to hear that everything was fine. They went on a babymoon. Beth was starting to show.
Life was good.
Soon after, they went from that mountain top to crashing down into a dark valley with the words "you're going to lose him". Those words sent ripples of shock that still echo today.
"Everything is fine"
"You're going to lose him"
The extreme emotions in response to those statements. The human system is not built for this roller coaster.
As I watched the resin trickle down and color bleed into color I thought about the emotions we experience. The joy of discovery of a new life. The chilling recognition of loss. It all bleeds together until we no longer know where we are in the darkness and confusion.
Reuben's parents, *Beth and Richard, were in the hospital.
Praying. Pleading. Hoping.
That God would save the life of their beloved little boy.
They prayed in faith, believing.
But God saw fit to take the life of their son. Beth held him in her arms as he took his last breath.
Bad dream. Shock. Numb.
Everything turned dark. The words of scripture were just that - words on a page.
Have you felt this? The darkness, the numbness, the sickness of heart when your hope is destroyed?
You are not alone.
When Reuben left this earth, Beth and Richard had to walk their own path of grief. They had no choice but to try and survive. Scripture verses meant to comfort were just words on a page. But Beth talks of God's presence being there. The sense of His presence and His love guided them out of the darkness.
They named him Reuben - A son from God - and Samuel - who was given back to God.
Reuben's Shadow Flower is based on an iris and a hydrangea. An iris symbolizes a link between heaven and earth and it is said that it's 3 petals stand for faith, valor, and wisdom.
This is what loss of a child gives us. Faith in a God who's presence and love carries us through, courage to continue on, and deeper wisdom with which to face life.
Beauty from ashes.
