March 30, 2008. 10:56 AM

Our dear friends and family. This site was sent to me this morning by our pastor’s wife. Their son almost succumb to a genetic blood disorder, so she has an affinity with the grief that comes with the prospect of losing a child. We must all remember that unless we have been in Lauren and Dan’s shoes in losing a child, we can not truly comprehend their grief. Losing a spouse is similar, I’m told, but still different.

http://www.geocities.com/wilsfordmindy/whattosay.html

I’ve been reading through the section in this article entitled, ‘Helping a grieving friend’. I’m hurting so much as a grandmother, and I can’t comprehend their grief. Perhaps this article well help you all, too.

Above all, love them and be available to listen. Don’t avoid them even if you have a healthy child or grandchild.

Jace’s heart seems to be failing. Today at 2:00, they will prepare to remove the umbilical IV lines (the umbilical veins break down after 7-10 days) and insert a line probably in a vein in his leg; they will also remove him from the ventilator to see how he does. He has been breathing room air for a few days now and breathing around the ventilator. Lauren and Dan will be with him, and we will be waiting and praying outside in the waiting room. If the Lord so chooses, this day may his last on earth but first in eternity. Barry said yesterday, “wouldn’t if be something spectacular to have this young man walk up to us one day in heaven and say, ‘Hello, I’m Jace Garrett Steinhaus.’” Wow! Yes, wouldn’t that be something spectacular.

Our son, Sean, should be back in Barcelona now. He needs prayer, too, as we all do.

Our grief is intense, but we are not in despair. Our God reigns for we serve a risen Lord, who knows our failings, comforts us directly, and delights in loving us through this broken world. These are the Treasures in the Darkness from Isa. 45:2-3, taken from a book with that phrase as its title, written by a pastor’s wife detailing her grief journey after losing her 16 year old son in a car accident. Read that passage and think about those many treasures that only Christ alone can give.

Blessings,
Kathy for the Harts and Steinhauses