September 26, 2012

heaven has a new angel.....


a week ago today, my nephew owen was killed in a car accident. he was sixteen
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i have tried to write about him, my sister and her amazing family, the funeral, the stories, the tears, the faith, their pastors, the praying, the signs we keep finding that remind us of owen and simply the hole that's been created in our family because of his death, but the words just aren't coming out right.
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instead, i'd love to share with you what pastor george talked about at owen's burial. he told us to notice how all the headstones in the cemetery have something in common,
"the day you arrive here on earth and the day you leave this earth" but that that isn't what matters. 
what matters is the "dash" in between.
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he went on to talk about how much owen had truly accomplished during his "dash" here on earth and that even though it was only a sixteen year dash, it was filled to the brim with genuine goodness and love and so many other things that many of us might not ever accomplish.
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~the message~
you've only got one "dash." make it a good and memorable one.
*
to all of you who have already taken the time to send me a personal note, thank you.
your love and prayers have been amazing.
*



57 comments:

  1. You and your family have been on my mind and in my prayers, Beth, and will continue to be. Thank you for sharing this with us! Hugs!

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  2. So sorry for your loss. Death is amazing in where it takes those of us still in this life. Prayers for some peace during this time for you and your family. I appreciate the reminder to make my "dash" meaningful.

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  3. oh that's so sad, at only 16, my girl is this age. Sending you and your family love and hope you find some solace in this tragic time.

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  4. Such a loss for all. I am so sorry. But what a beautiful beautiful message from pastor george. It doesn't heal the pain but does highlight what is important!
    xoxo

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  5. I'm so, so sorry. mary ann

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  6. Heart breaking for you since I heard the news. Oh, Beth. So very sorry.
    But I do love what the pastor said. That's really lovely.

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  7. i LOVE the dash story. they did something simliar at my papa's funeral. as you know i have been thinking of you - we are within earshot :) or shoulder shot :)

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  8. i am so very sorry, beth. God bless you, your sister and all of your family as you grieve.

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  9. I have patiently been waiting for this post. My heart has been heavy since I heard the news. I hope your heart is beginning to heal; although, I know it will be a very slow process. May all our "dashes" be meaningful. Hugs.

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  10. More hugs to you, Beth. Even in sadness, you send beautiful words. Dash...Owen I'm certain had a wonderfully loving dash. Take care, you.

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  11. Beth, I am so very sorry for your family having to grieve such a loss. I send my very sincere thoughts for your hearts to heal and for you to smile when you think about his Dash.

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  12. I love the words you chose for this post. Again, my heartfelt condolences on your family's unexpected and huge loss. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for taking the time to update us.

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  13. my thoughts are with you and your family

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  14. Love, love, love to your tender sad hurting hearts.

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  15. Beautiful...simply beautiful.

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  16. I wish I had the right words just to let you know how I wish you and your family peace...

    hugs...

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  17. How heartbreaking! I cannot imagine the grief of your whole family. My heart goes out to you all.

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  18. Been thinking of you and praying for you and your family.

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  19. Thoughts of love and prayers for you and your family. Your words are a beautiful testimony to your nephew.

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  20. Oh Beth...I am so deeply sorry to hear this. I am here if you need anything. Xoxo

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  21. Thinking of you and your family.

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  22. I am so sorry for your loss. I'm praying for you and your family.

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  23. I'm so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with you.
    hugs

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  24. I am profoundly sorry for this awful loss :-( Many blessings of strength, courage, and hope to you and your family.

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  25. Beth I am so sorry to read this. My thoughts and prayers will be with your families. <3

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  26. At times like these, words often feel insufficient. But my thoughts go out to you and your family. I hope you find peace and healing in time.

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  27. tough tough times but all those memories will keep owen alive in your heart forever

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  28. Beautifully written post, blessings and strength for you and your family.

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  29. there are no words...sending my thoughts and prayers for your family.

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  30. So very, very sorry.
    Lee Anna

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  31. I send warm, warm thoughts.

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  32. The pastor's words are just perfect at a time like this. Sorry just doesn't mean it strongly enough. There will always be that hole, but I know it will be filled with hugs and love. Sending some to put into the hole. HUGS AND LOVE!

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  33. My heart is very sad for you, and your family. God bless and keep you strong and bring peace in your memories of Owen.

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  34. You and your family have come to mind often this past week, and many prayers have been said. Words just seem so inadequate sometimes... they just don't measure up. But the love makes up for it all- and I feel all the love pouring forth. Hugs sweet friend!

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  35. I'm sorry for your family--it's tough when it's a young person. The dash. That's poignant.

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  36. So extremely sorry to hear of this. As a mother of teenaged boys, I can't imagine the pain of that. I don't even have the words to say how sorry I am.

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  37. Oh Beth, I'm so sorry for your family's unimaginable loss. My heart aches for you and yours.

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  38. Beth, I don't think you could have said it anymore eloquently. I've been thinking of you a lot, wishing that I knew how to take away the sadness and knowing that no one does. I love the "dash." I'll never forget that.

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  39. Thank you for sharing the memory of your nephew's beautiful life with us. I love the thought of life as a dash... I am sorry his was too short....
    Blessings to you and your family as you deal with this burden of sorrow to carry on your dash.....

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  40. Oh my gosh, I am so sorry for your loss, that just plain sucks.
    I do like the "dash" though.
    My prayers go out to you and your family...Owen's in a Great place!

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  41. Beth...my heart goes out to you and your family. May God grant you peace through this time for weeping endures for a night but joy cometh...

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  42. oh beth. i cannot imagine this pain. i am so sorry, so so sorry, and sending your family prayers and thoughts. xoxo

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  43. Sending the warmest condolences to you and all of your family. That dash in between is where all the good stuff is.

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  44. 4 1/2 years ago our almost 16 year old son died unexpectedly. Something that helped me during the grieving journey was a comment that when someone dies it rips every relationship thread between them and their family and friends. It takes time for those threads to be re-woven with memories rather than the person himself as an anchor...

    praying for PEACE and HOPE for all of you...

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  45. so very sorry to hear of this loss ... I am holding your family close in my heart Beth ~ this post is a beautiful tribute!

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  46. oh sweetie, sending you big bear hugs, for as long as is needed. Be strong for your sister, she will need you...

    hugs

    hello gorgeous xxx

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  47. Not much can comfort after the loss of a child. My heart is heavy for you and your family.

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  48. Beth, I am truly so very, very sorry.

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  49. Oh I'm so sorry! I so wish those words could offer comfort and peace. The message from the pastor was a good one. I pray that God will give you all peace and comfort you as you grieve. xo

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  50. we've been away... but you are still in my thoughts and prayers. this made me cry...

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  51. what a potent, powerful post, Beth.
    and that "dash"...oh how that speaks.
    sending love.
    hugs.
    healing light.
    but no words.
    there aren't any.
    -Jennifer

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  52. oh beth, i am so so sorry to hear this heartbreaking news.

    sending hugs and love to you and your family. you will all be in my thoughts. xoxo

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  53. Beth, so very sorry for your loss. My best wishes go out to you...

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  54. Oh, Beth, I am so sorry. I just read your blog for the first time in a couple of weeks. What a tragic loss. God's Peace be with you and your family in you grief. xo Jenny

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**I love reading the comments you leave, as they make me feel like we're sitting in my kitchen, having a cup of tea, discussing life and wondering where all the time has gone ...beth