Who would have known getting a tattoo would stir up a new wave of grief. While I have loved sharing with anyone who asks about my tattoo of David’s name in braille, the stories and memories and loss have once again stirred up a slurry of grief deep within in me. I thought thirteen years later I would be over it. Oh silly me to think I will ever be over the loss of my son. I knew I was grieving when all of a sudden I was crying while listening to a song Craig Morgan was singing called, The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost. He wrote it in honor and in memory of his son Jerry who died in a boating accident. Craig said, “I hope this video lifts people up. For anyone who has experienced loss, I want this song to give them the desire to pursue their faith and to have hope.”
Two lines in this song jumped out at me. The first was “I know my boy ain’t here, but he ain’t gone.” Physically David is no longer here. But his life story, his faith, his part in our family, his legacy, his boldness in telling people how much God loves them, and his joy lives on and continues to make a difference in so many lives. David ain’t here, but ain’t gone!
The second line says,
“In the mornings, I wake up, give her a kiss, head to the kitchen / Pour a cup of wake me up and try to rouse up some ambition / Go outside, sit by myself, but I ain’t alone / I’ve got the Father, my son, and the Holy Ghost,”
I am thankful for the reminder that I am not alone in my grief as I ponder the privilege of being David’s dad. I am blessed to share my life with my best friend, Brenda. I am surrounded by children who love me and who loved David. I am moved to tears as I see the staff and volunteers at David’s Refuge reminding parents every day they are not alone. I am encouraged and empowered by friends who share the same hope I have in seeing David again because of our faith in Jesus. And I am reminded that there has never been a day that God has not walked with and beside me. I am not alone!
Music is a powerful thing! Music can access our deepest emotions. It can help us discover these emotions, experience them fully, and accept them. I wonder what song has touched you, moved you, ministered to you, or brought you peace. Would you be willing to share that song with all of us? Here is Craig Morgan’s song, The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost. Thank you Craig for encouraging me to pursue my faith and to have hope!