Today is Jared's birthday. Twenty-seven years ago, God blessed William, Adam and I with a big, bouncing baby brother and son. He arrived on Mother's Day and completed our family.
If you are reading this blog post, you know Jared's story. Four weeks ago, we remembered him on the day he went to Heaven. That week I asked several people that knew Jared what they remembered most about him. Most mentioned his smile.He had a great smile and he smiled often. Sweet boy. He was also very caring. One of my special memories with Jared occurred while in the hospital a few weeks before he died. That morning I sat by his bed and read from Chapter 1 of the Book of Joshua. Jared had been on morphine for a few days so he was a little drowsy but awake. As I read, the words "be strong and courageous" were mentioned over and over. After reading, I was so tired I rested my head on the side of his bed. I felt him reach over and pat my head. As I write this, tears stream down my face as I remember. Even in the midst of all that was going on, he was comforting his mom the best way he knew how. Love that boy. God did give strength and courage during the days following. We are thankful.
This week I've used the word 'challenge' to friends and family. I've challenged others to lose weight (me included). I've challenged others to declutter (me too). Today I have another challenge...
As you live this day, May 8, 2015, remember Jared and his life... Take time to smile at others... take time to listen to others... take time to comfort others... and take take time to love others.
We are blessed.
"9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other." John 15 9-17)
