I think that even though our loved ones love and care about us very much - there will still be moments in our lives, circumstances, things that happen --- that they will not have the answers to. There will be things that they can do nothing about. They can "comfort" us, but that will not always give us the peace and joy that we search for. I know me speaking about my brother will probably irritate some people here - but his life and his death, are the only thing I can think to use to explain what I mean by this... My brother and I were close. We shared memories and moments together that no one PERSON could ever give back to me and no one PERSON could ever understand completely. Losing him hurt me a lot and for a long time, I struggled day to day with wanting to go on. I had/have a wonderful husband, 4 great children who are beautiful gifts to me, and a job that I have worked hard to achieve. But when death comes in and steals your loved one from your life - you realize how insignificant some things in life can really be. And no one truly understands - unless they are IN your shoes...and even THEY will deal differently because THEY are not you. But God has a way of comforting you and giving you hope and peace through it all. He shows you that He is with you - and the promise of eternity for your loved one gives you truth hope and comfort. I KNOW that my brother is in a better place. Who here on earth, can do THAT for me? There are THINGS and CIRCUMSTANCES that people will go through, that no one can truly fill those gaps and empty places except God. He (God) made it that way. He wants to be a part of our lives...

"Death is only the cutting of a delicate flower that enables it to bloom anew in an eternal garden more beautiful and fragrant than earth's eye has ever beheld." I have copied this from the book titled "Jesus Wept". It is a beautiful book and has brought me much comfort - much like the piece I quoted above. I lost my brother over a year ago, and although the pain has subsided some, it never really goes away completely. I often think of memories, my brother's face, and the yearning to hold him and give him a big hug. I pray that he is smiling down on me right now, in peace, joy, and comfort --- all of the things he couldn't seem to grasp hold of while he was here. Our God is good and only does what is right. This is a scripture that many may question, but God has shown me through many of life's experiences how this is true. I don't understand all of the time - but He has shed light on some. I will never forget the day that as I was passing my computer (leaving the room), a picture on the computer struck me and I stopped in my tracks. It was a tree. Underneath the tree was this scripture. God is good and does what is right. My brother went to be with Jesus on the night of April 28, 2006. His car hit a tree and split in two. My brother's life here was difficult. He suffered from depression, bi-polar, and was a severe alcoholic. He was only 22 and could not stop drinking. Not a day went by that he didn't stop at the liquor store. But my brother had a good heart. He loved the Lord even though he could not understand His ways. He wanted to feel that peace in his life. Unfortunately, in my brother's life, Satan's voice and lies were too loud to hear His God who loved him. Our God took him home. In the arms of Jesus my brother is now. At peace. God is good and does what is right. I love you, Josh. I love you.