In Memory Of
Emily Anne Roberts
has blessed me with allowing the Roberts family to come into our lives
through the purchase of our van several months ago. It's
important for me to have our things bless others the way they have
blessed us and so I prayed for the right family to buy our van and God
definitely provided them. Living near Savannah, GA the Roberts
were expecting quadruplets with a toddler already at home. Lisa
ended up delivering very early in a special hospital out west and after
just 19 days with us, Emily Anne Roberts left us to be Jesus.
I sat down at my computer tonight hoping to hear of a miracle, one that
would have kept Emily here, with her parents. However, upon
seeing Phil's email blinking at me in my inbox I knew tonight's email
would bring sad news. I sat, silent, staring at my inbox, knowing
the reality that opening the email would bring. Because I heard
nothing throughout the day I had hopes that God's miracle would be
played out here on earth. Instead his miracle of Emily resides
with HIM tonight. Oh, how my heart weeps for this precious family.
Three of their children … Danielle, Benjamin, and Casey still fight
for their precious lives in the NICU in a hospital somewhere out west.
This family's faith and love for Jesus has been overwhelming. So
many people love this precious family I have only met over the phone
and online. My arms ache to hold them, to give them a hug and
weep with them tonight. I know God sees my tears and they mingle
with the Roberts on behalf of Emily.
HIS ways are not our
own. There are things we will never understand this side of
heaven. But one thing I know for sure. My Jesus loves
us. He has our best interests at heart even when we grieve so
desperately as I know the Roberts must be grieving tonight.
I understand their grief for I too have two precious children waiting
for me in the arms of Jesus. I smile through my tears to think of
them playing with one another at His feet. And it makes me long
for my Saviors arms even more.
Included in the Roberts email tonight were these words of faith, grief and encouragement:
Outside
the hospital, in a beautiful garden in the fresh air and sunshine,
Emily Anne Roberts went from her Mommy and Daddy’s arms into the arms
of Jesus. With no more IVs or tubes, and
wearing a beautiful pink and white dress, she looked at Mommy and Daddy
for a moment before she left this life peacefully, as she heard words
of love and adoration, songs, Scripture and prayers. We
thank the Lord for every moment that we were able to share with her,
and for the prayers of all those who came to love her so quickly, and
through our tears we yearn for the day when we are reunited with her
again.
matthew 6:19-21
we held in our arms a treasure
for a moment yesterday—
her beauty, beyond measure
or words we knew to say
try as we would her life to keep,
this jewel we cannot own;
we smile at her, and softly weep
and know she’s not alone
and though it hurts with all we feel
( this leaving—so abrupt),
we place her where no thief can steal
nor moth or rust corrupt
Jesus, heal our precious child
as we so wanted to—
and till the day we’re reconciled
we lay Emily up with you
How heart wrenching. What a difficult loss. At least the family sounds strong rooted in their faith though. I’ll be praying for them and for their other 3 still fighting for their little lives. This truly puts things in perspective.
I hope this makes sense through my tears, but wanted to say what a truly heart-wrenching posting that was. I am so sorry to hear such devastating news, my thoughts and prayers go to all that are involved. God bless.
I’ve just lifted a prayer for this family. A family in our church just had quads about a week ago; I haven’t heard any news about the babies. But your post was a reminder to pray for them as well. And to hug and kiss my precious babies ( who all but one are taller than me), for life here is fleeting.
<><
Beth