I went to the memorial service tonight for my friend Amber’s husband Brian who passed away suddenly last week while at work. It was a beautiful service, filled with memories shared of Brian, encouragement for Amber and the rest of the family, as well as the celebration of knowing that Brian is now living in the presence of Jesus himself. It was so hard, but so good.
The hard part is just imagining half of what Amber must be feeling. We all went to give her a hug after the service and none of us could even utter a single word. I could have said many things to her, but I just couldn’t even get a single word out. I was looking in the eyes of a woman my age- with kids my kids’ ages- and just feeling only a sliver of the burden she has to bear- and I couldn’t utter a single word. I will be making myself very available to her in the near future- in case any of the four of you who read this might wonder what I’m doing these days.
Any time someone dies, I stop and think about how I am living. And what I feel most thankful for right now is just that I am where I am in life. I have an amazing husband who would do just about anything for our family, two kids who are just so incredible, and I get to stay home with them full time. I get to be here raising them day in and day out. It’s not a job for the faint of heart, but I am so thankful for it- and I am striving to leave my kids a legacy of faith, of love, and of living life passionately in love with the One who made us all. The song “Legacy” by Nichole Nordeman is one of my favorites because it captures the essence of what I am striving for with my kids. Check it out on itunes if you haven’t heard it.
I don’t like losing loved ones one bit. It is such a hard part of living. One day (long from now, I hope) it will be my turn to die and I hope that everyone knows how much I will rejoice in seeing my Savior face to face. I want to live a long life, and have oh so many stories to tell. But one day, I will be so happy to finally go Home- to see my mom again, my grandparents, all the loved ones I have already lost and all that are to come- and to stand in the presence of God himself. How amazing that will be…
If you think of it, say a prayer for Amber. If you feel moved in any way to want to help- she has definite financial burdens to deal with. There is a fund set up in her name through our church and if anyone is interested in offering financial help, please send it to (if check, payable to Grace Community Church):
Attention: Janie Cupp
Grace Community Church
4501 Hedgecoxe Road
Plano, TX 75024
For: Amber Emery
Please make sure that you state that the purpose of your contribution is for the benefit of the Emery family so Janie can easily track it.
Leave A Comment