the strength of a mama's heart

you may remember i shared about my friend ginger 

and the tragic death of her daughter virginia back in september.
if not, feel free to view here,
or a memorial site set up for virginia here.

i think about my friend often.
i thought about her that first thanksgiving
i thought about her christmas morning
i thought about her on mother's day
and many many random days in between.

i think most of us fear the loss of one of our babies more than anything.
for those who have traveled that road,
& i know many,
i realize that there's no words to say.
i realize that we fumble trying to adequately express our grief
or our empathy.
it never sounds like what we want it to.

when i saw ginger that day at virginia's funeral
i basically said nothing
i hugged her
i cried with her
i told her i loved her
& how virginia is one of the most beautiful young women
that i had ever seen.
 she always was a gorgeous child.
i loved getting their christmas cards for 17 years & seeing that stunning photogenic family
& especially viriginia.

we've played telephone tag

& a few weeks ago i was finally able to catch up.

we both sat outside on our back porches 

and talked for almost 2 hours.

she in montgomery

me, in atlanta.

two friends discussing life after the loss of one of our loved ones.

something we never thought we'd have to do.

no one ever does though.

ginger always had a steady easy going sweet spirit.

i don't know why it came as a surprise, but she still does.

even after heartbreak, her voice still steady. still strong.

she told me that she while she misses virginia

while he daughter is constantly on her mind & on her heart

she longs for Heaven.

the things of this earth are growing dim in their luster

as she focuses her energy on what matters.

she told me, "Paige, the only thing that matters is the hearts and souls of men and women. 

and the word of God. 

and that everyone come to know Him.

I'm so thankful I know Him".

she said those very words.

no lie.

& i believe her.

she knows she'll see her sweet baby girl again.

she holds no anger to the man who was driving the car that caused the wreck,

who incidentally was just arrested this month.

she holds no anger to God.

she harbors no bitterness.

i was blown away.

i asked her to tell me more about their relationship
especially during virginia's teen years.

she told me that that virginia had the most respectful heart towards ginger & her hubby kevin.

that maybe she rolled her eyes at her mom twice

& then quickly apologized.

that her verse at the time of her death

on facebook

on facebook people!

was Ephesians 6.1
"children obey your parents".
wow.

she loved to lead others to the lord & was a strong witness.

she wanted all her friends to know & love the savior that she knew and loved so dearly.

she loved her family

her friends

& her Lord.

a beautiful legacy

i love you my friend....

&

i bet when i get to heaven

i'll spot that gorgeous virginia a mile away!

(the graphic above was used by permission from joyshope)