On May 23, 2022 at 4:55 pm, Gideon was happily walking with me to the mailbox. We needed to mail some letters and then we were going to walk to the train – his “favorite place in the world.” He was pushing one of his favorite toy trucks. In the blink of an eye, he was in Jesus’s arms. A car pulled forward out of its parking space and the driver didn’t see Gideon. The doctor said he was “with Jesus instantly.” Our worst day was Gideon’s best day – he got to sing Hosanna directly to Jesus.
There are no words.
This past month, my family and I have experienced the body of Christ at work in overwhelming ways. All I can say is thank you:
- Thank you to the people who came running outside and called 911.
- Thank you to the man who started praying over us and tried to check for vital signs.
- Thank you to the lady who stood with her back against my back, holding me upright so I wouldn’t crumble to the ground as I cradled Gideon and waited for the first responders.
- Thank you to the first responders. Gideon would have thought all of the action was the coolest thing – I just never imagined all of the action would be for us.
- Thank you to the paramedics for working so rapidly.
- Thank you to the neighbors who helped get Mozzie (the dog) back into the apartment.
- Thank you to my brother-in-law, Landon, for driving me to the hospital.
- Thank you to the ER trauma team who worked so tirelessly. I appreciate you trying to comfort us during the worst moment of our lives.
- Thank you to my sisters, Kim and Mikkaela. You have always been there for me in my greatest times of need.
- Thank you to the friends who said they were family so they could get into the hospital to be with us and stayed with Tesley and Elias (Kim and Landon’s children) in the other room.
- Thank you to Milestone Church. You sent people who met us with food and sleeping medicine when we got home from the hospital. You have walked by us each step of the way and continue to go above and beyond.
- Thank you to all of those who have prayed and continue praying for us. Your prayers are being answered and are greatly appreciated. I feel like I’m a walking answer to prayer.
- Thank you to everyone who donated financially, brought food and necessities, cleaned bathrooms and kitchens, did yard work, and so many other things I don’t even know about.
- Thank you to those who sent flowers, cards, and gifts. These thoughtful pieces help fill the room with joy during these moments of sorrow.
- Thank you to Legacy Church and Legacy Church MOPS for blessing me and my family.
- Thank you to the people who paid for my parents and my brother’s family to come here so we could all be together during this difficult time.
- Thank you to the friends and family near and far who traveled to be with us. We love each and every one of you beyond measure.
- Thank you to the neighbors who showered us with love and support.
- Thank you to everyone who helped make Gideon’s celebration of life so beautiful.
- Thank you to Bruce for making a beautiful urn. It is truly a work of art and it is so special knowing it was made with love.
- Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive. We appreciate you checking in on us, offering up opportunities to come visit, and all of your words of encouragement. Please always feel free to reach out to us.
- Thank you to each of our employers who were generous with time off work.
- Thank you to everyone who continues to talk about and share memories of Gideon. I love that you do this. Please don’t ever stop.
- Thank you to the strangers who have reached out. I hope I get to meet you one day.
- Thank you to my amazing family. May God continue to comfort each of you with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
I know there are so many more people to thank. Each day I’m learning a new part of the story that I didn’t know. Thank you doesn’t even begin to communicate my appreciation to each of you for the important role you’ve played. I just have no other words.
I know this is not the end of the story. The grave does not get the last word. Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Him, though they die, they will live. I am looking forward to the day I get to see Gideon again because I know he’s in Heaven with Jesus.
If your life changed in the blink of an eye, do you know if you’ll be with Jesus? Don’t wait. You might think you have time, but that’s not guaranteed. Call on the name of Jesus and ask Him to come into your life. It’s that simple. If you need someone to pray with, feel free to reach out to me.
Love,
Brittany