Gavin's Funeral

Matthew and I arrived early and started helping Alicia put all of Gavin's photos in frames for the services. As we sat on the floor in silence, this song started to quietly play in the background. As I listened to the lyrics and looked at the tiny casket sitting at the front of the room, it felt like my heart was being ripped from my chest. The words of this song paints the most beautiful picture of unimaginable heartache tenderly wrapped in God's love and mercy.



"Praise You In This Storm"
(move the curser to 2:00 to bypass the intro)

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth


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I thought it might be somewhat comforting for Gavin's family to know there were so many people, all over the United States, lovingly praying for Gavin. Even after he passed away, I continued to get emails from people telling me they were still praying for the family. Here are just a few:

"Hi Christy, If my memory serves me correct, I believe you said that your friend's C-section is today for baby Gavin. I woke up with the an incredible push from God to pray for this family. They will be in my prayers today. May God bless them. Karla"

"Brad and I have been praying and as I’ve been cleaning teeth all day long, I’ve been staring at my clock thinking about what time it is there and about all of you…….God Bless! Anne"

"I am praying, praying, praying for tomorrow! Kathy"

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"Christy, Thank you so much for the update. I was updated with the devastating news yesterday. I am so sorry that baby Gavin did not make it. Alicia and her family are in my prayers. Please let her know that I am thinking of her and pray that her heart and soul come to grip with all that is happening."

"We are so sad. We prayed and believed that God would heal baby Gavins body and let him be a testimony to his mercy and grace. God always has a better plan....if we only knew what that was. Our prayers are with the family."

"Beautifully written. Tears.
-H"

"I know heaven's angels are planting lots of kisses on his sweet little face, my heart and prayers are with Alicia and her family. Please keep me updated. God bless you and your family, Christy, for sacrificing yourself."

"Christy, I prayed for this family and would love to see a picture of this sweet little baby. My heart breaks for them, but at least he is with his Father in heaven and 100% whole. What sad news. I am sure it must have been so difficult for everyone present. With sadness,
Jodi"

"Christy we are sad and at the same time are confident that baby Gavin is with the Lord. It was good that you could be there to capture with your camera a photo of little Gavin so his parents will always remember him. May God Bless you today. sandy"

"I got your message this morning and am so sorry to hear that. Was/am too choked up to call. All of our prayers weren't enough, but I'm not surprised he put up a good fight. I do want to stay updated. I can't even imagine what they are going through and am keeping them in my prayers. Mary"

"thank you for the update christy. i will continue to pray for Gavin's family. As he is in the most beautiful place ever. i consider him very blessed to get to be with God already! still, i can only imagine the heartache the family has over his loss. i pray for God's comfort, peace and joy in the midst of thier sorrow. rheada"

"Wow! I am so thankful that God used you to encourage us all in this difficult situation. May the peace that passes all understand uphold Alicia and her family. We continue to give this child back to the Lord and rejoice for the time that Alicia embraced precious Gavin. Thanks for all your love! Marnie"

"Christy thank you for calling tonight. I don't even know this family and yet my heart is broken for them. I hope you understand that you have been blessed in a wonderful way to be able to document beautifully their boy for them. Certainly your photos and willingness to witness this day with them will always be treasured. I don't know how to comprehend the ache in Alicia's heart, I'm praying that God will show her something beautiful in all of this as well as make her peace and comfort quick and deeply rooted. I also know that what you've witnessed has hit you like a ton of bricks. Please feel free to call ...I don't mind crying on the phone. Misty"