Grief vs. Answered Prayers

As many of you are aware, we have a family in the neighborhood who have been struggling the last 3 months as their 5 year old daughter fought brain cancer.  Dear sweet Gabby passed away last night around 8:15.  Of course this day is filled with tremendous grief.  Grief for John, Carolynn, Madison, and Katie.  Grief for my neighbors and grief for my family.

When I found out upon waking up this morning, I immediately panicked thinking that I was going to have to tell my two daughters that one of their friends, whom they have been praying for every day, has died.  And then, as we gathered together on Emma's bed, God sent me tremendous strength as well as the words to help them understand death.

I immediately focused on the fact that God has healed Gabby and has indeed answered our prayers.  We have been praying for healing.  It is not at all what we as mortals want.  Of course we want Gabby here on earth with us running around and playing and swinging and laughing.  But, as I have come to realize, God's healing hand has answered our prayers and for that I offer up prayers of thanksgiving.  Later on at lunch, Rebecca asked me where Gabby is now and I immediately answered her that she is with God in heaven.  She said, "Wouldn't it be cool if she was swinging on a swing set?"  I love the way that girl thinks!

So as I sit here with tears streaming down my face, I pray for peace and strength for the Vogel family.  I pray that our neighborhood family will heal from another loss in our extended family.  And I offer prayers of thanksgiving for God's healing hand on Gabby.