Death. We never think it will come so soon.
But on January 29, my little sister went to sleep, and on January 30, she awoke in the presence of her Savior. We weep here on earth, but not as those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Our hope is sure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19).
Although we still do not know the medical reason for her death (probably SUDEP), we know it was her time to go. We can think that it is too early, that she was so young, but God's plans are perfect and He never makes mistakes (Isaiah 55:8-9). He simply calls us to trust Him. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Our family continues to miss her greatly. Some days are harder than others. Some days we laugh about memories, other days we cry, still others we do both. As my 3-year-old niece says, "My heart is crying and sometimes my eyes do to." We miss her skipping through the house. Her silly jokes. Her hugs. She was one of the quieter siblings, but she leaves a huge hole. As flowers start poking up, I think about how excited Lydia would have been. How she would probably be out cleaning out her garden, or helping Dad with a project. It hurts. But then I remember that she is no longer suffering from seizures. She doesn't have to deal with the effects of sin on this world. She can simply spend all the time worshiping and praising God. One of the things she looked forward to was a time when there would be no more death. She no longer has to experience that. God is good.
If you do not know Him as your personal Savior, please do not wait. You never know when your time on earth will expire.
"behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation." 1 Corinthians 6:2b
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23
"For God so loved the
world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9
Please feel free to contact me if you need any information!
Here are a few pictures of her life, as well as her funeral.
Baby Lydia
She had such a beautiful smile!
She loved being goofy!
She loved being an aunt and spoiling her nieces and nephews.
She enjoyed WW2 history.
Lydia very much disliked having her picture taken and would have been very unhappy at me posting all these pictures of her, but she was so beautiful!!
Funeral and burial photo credit: Lydia G. and Beth P.
The week of the funeral, family came into town to be with us.
Dad's family and some of our family.
After seeing Lydia's body before the calling hours, we sat and watched the slideshow of pictures. She disliked having her picture taken, but there were almost 650 pictures in the slideshow and that wasn't even all of them!
We were so thankful for the MANY people who came to be with us during the calling hours and the funeral, as well as the many messages and cards we have received!
Lydia always wanted to be buried in the back field under a pine tree, but we compromised a little and started a family cemetery in a little more accessible area on the farm. :) She always wanted a weeping cherry tree, so we will be planting one near her grave.
The 5 brothers and 1 brother-in-law were the pallbearers. It was extremely difficult for them to carry and lower her casket, but also special.
Many flowers at her funeral.
The funeral home dropped all the flowers off at our house and when we got home our mudroom area was lined with them. We joked that that was the only part on the day Lydia would have liked. :)
Lydia loved to paint! These were some of her favorites.
All the family, including the soon-to-be family! (2 weddings coming up!!!)
Yes, we are crazy. :)
God is good! All the time!
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