who had waited a half day at the
airport just to make sure he wouldn't miss the opportunity to show his love and care. When
Karen returned, so far from family and longtime friends, she craved the companionship of
others who would assure her they would share in her sorrow. Part of the pain that lingered
for months and years was the pain of loneliness.
"I know that people claim that at times of loss
they don't know what to do or say," wrote this bereaved young mother, "and often
that is used as an excuse for doing nothing. Until Jesus comes again and makes all things
right, there will continue to be devastating losses of every kind, whether it be death, a
custody decision, a divorce, or whatever type of separation that takes our loved ones from
us."
Karen explains how, at times like these, she believes
that we need each other more than at any other time. She knows that their experience has
enabled her to reach out to others who have lost infants and other loved ones. She prays
that even one person will feel able to help someone who is hurting after reading her
story. Her challenge is to inspire others to lessen the burden of those who hurt so that
this church can be accurately called "the caring church."
Nine Years Later
In 1997 Karen wrote, "Here we are nine years after Kyle was born and died. I've
discovered that families are created in different ways. In 1993 we adopted a beautiful,
healthy little girl, in 1994 we adopted a handsome, healthy little boy, and then in 1995
we discovered I was expecting a baby (God has a sense of humor), and I gave birth to a
healthy, wonderful baby boy. Our house is full of little people after all."
Karen knew there would still be many days that would
bring tears and sadness. But she prayed, "If through this experience our lives can
become fit for heaven, where our family will be truly complete, we thank You, Lord.... We
cling to the promise of seeing our firstborn son, Kyle, again when he can be with us and
his siblings forever."
Karen and Landon could have attempted to forget. They
could have tried to bury their sorrow with work, family, and active church and social
life. They could have become bitter in their loneliness. But they did not and have chosen,
instead, to keep the memory of their loss ever before them, as difficult as that may be,
so they can share comfort with others.
A Dedication to Baby Kyle
"My heart aches when I read and hear the stories of parents who have lost
children, Karen recounts. "And I wanted to make a difference wherever possible. I
want to make Kyle's life count--somehow. If he should ask, when we meet again, 'Mommy,
what did you do to remember me?' I want to tell him the many stories of lives comforted
and encouraged by what his mommy did in his memory. I think that is what he would have
wanted."
"So," Karen continues, "I decided
to
attempt to make the journey a little easier and more hopeful for others." On the
tenth anniversary of the loss of their stillborn son, Karen released a recording entitled I'll
Meet You in the Morning! dedicated to the memory of Baby Kyle and to others who have
lost their babies and children. She says that she has found "that heartache shared is
healing begun."
Karen and Landon have shared this recording of songs
with dozens of parents who have experienced a similar loss. She writes a letter and sends
her recording complimentary--as funds permit. "I vowed never to let anyone else face
that kind of pain alone," says Karen. She chose each song because it gives peace and
comfort to people who have lost someone or who are low in spirit or who might even be
depressed. Three of the titles included in the recording are "Hidden Valleys,"
"Where the Roses Never Fade," and "Thank God for the Promise of
Springtime." |
