Why So Young?

Today I went to my second infant memorial service in about a months time. Tyler Susag was born on April 4, 2007 and died on May 26, 2007. I got to meet Tyler when his proud mother brought him to the office for his first visit. He was full of smiles and joy. I cannot imagine what it was like when his mother went to go wake him from his nap, and he would not wake up. There are no words to describe the effects of SID. There are no words that even hint at the shock and pain this family must be experiencing.

The service today was one of the saddest I have ever been to. Buddy Owens spoke beautifully. He addressed the mother and father directly and tenderheartedly. He gave them permission to "beat God on the chest" or do whatever they needed to grieve, but not to think that God was against them or distant. He stressed the importance of them coming together as a couple during this time instead of it driving a wedge between them. He encouraged the family and Friends to be there, but give privacy. Buddy did a great job. When he finished the closing prayer, there was just silence. For about 10 minutes everyone sat, shocked, still, and numb. Not sure what to do, what to say, where to go now. I am sure that room captured just a fraction of what his parents must be experiencing in that moment.

Luke 18:15-16
People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these..."

Please continue to pray for this family. Marti wrote a beautiful entry when she first heard the news. You can read it here.