The service

I just wanted to share with you a few pictures from Jonathan's funeral service. What an amazing (earthly) goodbye to our little boy. I just want to say how much I appreciate all those who came to support us on Saturday morning. Thank you also to those of you who were praying for us and were there in your hearts. Justin and I felt everyone's love and it is helping us more than you know.

The section of the cemetery that Jonathan is buried in is called Babyland, in the Garden of Peace. An absolutely fitting name--there is peace there for us. It is set back far off any main roads, and is surrounded by trees. The picture below shows how many precious babies are already there. I know that we will enjoy the peacefulness of the location when we go out to visit him.

View of Babyland

Jonathan's little casket. The yellow blanket draped over was the blanket they wrapped him up with in the hospital. One of my most treasured possessions now.

I honestly couldn't believe how many people came out to be with us. There were over 60 people there. The funeral director said he had never seen so many people out for a graveside service for such a young baby. We are so incredibly blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. Thank you for coming. We had beautiful flowers at the service from friends and family, and are still receiving more. Thank you so very much.

The service was beautiful. Our worship pastor and close friend, Aubrey, led us in two amazing songs. The second, Pure by Kari Jobe, again reminded me to run to Jesus, because he is our strength when our heart is weak. He has to be all I seek, especially right now. Our pastor John then shared some verses that were so powerful, including Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4: 6-7. He spoke about God and about His plans. His words were so encouraging to me and hopefully to those who were there. I'm so thankful for our wonderful church--Justin and I have both grown so much there spiritually, and we have been so blessed by the support of our pastors and church during this time.

The last thing we did during the service was release two balloons up to Jonathan in heaven. Justin and I had both written a note to him and attached them to the balloons.

Last few moments...

Our pastor's words were so encouraging to me, just reminding me that it is okay to question and grieve. God knows and understands my thoughts and my pain even more than I do, and isn't offended by me wondering why, or even why me. I don't understand why this happened, why my baby still isn't growing inside of me, what I'm supposed to do now, when all I had planned revolved around my baby. He knows that there are, and will be, times that I will be angry, numb, sad, and confused, and that is okay and He will carry me through. One thing I do know is that my little boy's purpose in life was so much more that I could have ever imagined. My good friend Amy, my college roomate, lost her little boy at 26 weeks along last year. We talked the night before Jonathan's funeral, and she told me that our little boys' purpose in life was an eternal one. God had bigger plans for them--more that we, as their mothers, will ever even know. I really do thank God for that, and pray that through my little boy's short life, people will realize what is truly important in life--living for Him.

Thank you for your continued prayers--I know we will need them in the days ahead.