Still Standing

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!” Philippians 4:1 NIV

My husband was up and off to work by 4:30 am this morning (Yes, he is an extreme early bird), but this gave me time to wake up and be still with my thoughts. As I began to reflect on what these past 8 years have looked like and felt like I started to feel overwhelmed by God’s goodness. These past 8 years since Aaron’s passing have definitely been filled with many ups and downs, but we are still choosing to stand firm in God’s love and joy.

Something I will never forget is the letter that Aaron left for me (and Noraa) describing his love for us and also the importance of sharing our story with everyone! He wanted people to know and understand that even though he had suffered and had to leave us, our God is still a God of goodness and love. So, when Noraa was younger it was always up to me to share our story, what we had been through and all that God had done for us, but now as she gets older she has begun to tell her own story in the most beautiful way.

Noraa loves to tell people why her name has 2 a’s at the end, “I have 2 a’s at the end of my name because I am named after my daddy in heaven, Aaron!” “Wow, oh no! You’re daddy is in heaven?” Some people are shocked and saddened to hear this, but Noraa quickly replies with. “Yes, he is, but God needed him in heaven more than we needed him here with us. He is doing work for God in heaven.” She then goes on to tell people how very special she is because she now has 2 daddies! Daddy Aaron in heaven and Daddy Phil here on earth! She truly believes that she is the most special little girl because God has given her not one, but 2 great daddies to love her. She is only 8 years old and has turned our tragedy into beauty.

I will forever be amazed by her and her resilience. She has not once questioned God’s love for her amidst going through something some people will never have to experience. She believes in His goodness and considers herself incredibly special. She believes God cares for her so much, that He has blessed her in this way. She is still standing in God’s love after 8 years and she continues to share “her” story in hopes of blessing people along the way.

In love,

Suzanne + Noraa