Thirteen years ago on a cold gray day in November I stood in a cemetery with my brother-in- law Chuck, his son Tyler and my two tiny daughters. We stood there bracing ourselves against the wind, and physically holding each other up. The tears streamed down the faces of my 
brother and I, the children just shy of 5, 4, and 3 looked up at us, confused, and a little 
frightened to see us so upset. We watched in disbelief and horror as they lowered the body of our beloved John into the frozen ground….we stayed until they filled in the dirt, slowly we walked to our cars, and drove to our own houses, that no longer seemed like homes. The shock of the sudden and tragic death of a perfectly healthy 30 year old man, full of the spirit of God, and overflowing with abundance of life and joy…..literally destroyed us all. John’s parents, his sister (Rhonda), his twin brother and I could not look past our grief enough to lean on each other for support a healing. Instead, the pain turned us against each other, and within a year I picked up what was left of myself, my life and my dreams, packed up my babies and headed west.
Over the next five years I cried, grieved, wailed and broke things. I ran and hiked, I fasted and I prayed, I literally ate scripture in desperation, and slowly God healed parts of my heart I did not even know were broken. I loved my job, my family, my mountains and my LIFE again; however, I was always saddened by the loss of not just my young husband, but his entire family as well. John’s family held the keys to his story, a story I did not join until he was 23 years old. They had a piece of the history for Alexis and Emilie; a piece I could not give them, no matter how much I loved them.
Over the past year communication with Johns family started, forgiveness was given and received, emails were exchanged, slowly relationships were restored.
Then last weekend, Rhonda called in the early morning, their mother Shelby Hunt had lost a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, and went home to be with the Lord. The moment I heard the message, the Holy Spirit whispered, “you are to take the girls and go to Michigan for the funeral”. It is December, not my favorite time to go North, and every extra penny goes to Christmas gifts for my kids, not to mention the girls had finals. I was sure Gary would think I was crazy, but he was fully supportive. He agreed this was important and spent hours on the phone cashing in air-miles, and securing a rental car, I called schools, talked to teachers, and this last Saturday we were off to Detroit. Rhonda wept when she hugged the girls now young ladies, 
the last time she saw them they where preschoolers with “mushroom” haircuts. I cried when I hugged her as well, we both whispered, “I love you”….and we both knew it was more true than it had ever been. The reunion with Alexis and Emilie and their grandfather was by far the most emotional for all of us, not a dry eye in the house. Ron, just losing his wife of 50 years was holding his grand-daughters for the first time in over 10 years. I had always deeply loved my father in law, he was a proud, hard working man, yet faithful and strong like few men I have ever known. Few people knew the cross that Ron had carried tending to his wife the last 14 years; he is a hero to me in a much deeper way now. Ron fed, bathed, carried, and dressed his wife, he honored his covenant and wedding vows to the very end, and I wish him much rest and peace as he heals from yet another great loss.
I stood again in the freezing snow in a dark cemetery, staring at the grave of my first love, with a new mound of dirt next to him; Shelby was buried next to her sweet son. I think she would be proud, this time Chuck, his wife Angel, Tyler (now much taller than me), Alexis, Emilie and baby John stood together, united against the snow and the wind as a family, now and always….
Lisa, Ali & Emmers,
We love you more than words can say. Again, thank you for making this journey. You are true women of GRACE!
We will see you soon! Our home is your home.
Love always & forever,
Mike, Rhonda, Kara & of course Sparkle
i’m trying to find words to respond to this. It’s useless. This is holy and sacred. Can’t touch it.
Mike
xo
Lisa,
I can’t even begin to tell you – even under such terrible circumstances – how great it was to meet you and have you in our home. Many tears, many laughs, much reminiscing.
It meant so much to Ron (especially), Rhonda and Chuck that you were able to be here. I’m sure Shelby too was happy that all her grandkids were together.
Mike
I’m so so moved and glad to hear of this healing time. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.
I join Karen in thanking God for giving you this incredibly poignant, yet liberating time.
Wow Lisa…all in God’s perfect timing…I think of our long coversation a few days back…How God was even them preparing you…I love you…this just makes me cry and cry…xxoo t
Lisa,
Thanks for setting the bar high for all of us. You’ve taught your kids how to face life and now, even death, within their own family. Witnessing the circle of life in Africa was one thing, but when it visits your own home, it demands a new perspective. Your example of grace, forgiveness, hope and love will brand their hearts forever. It has done that for mine.
Lisa, that is beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes to see how God has used your life and your love to touch those around you. I am so glad the girls have their “new-old” family back. Love and prayers for you all!
i can’t really say much. except… i feel whole now. and thats all i’ve really wanted.
queen mother…mama black…
we know all too well how god brings healing in simple, extravagant & sometimes devastating ways. what a glorious god! i am crying not out of sadness but out of holy awe & exhilaration for what this brings to three of the most deserving, fabulous women in the world. please share a round of huge hugs between the 3 of you from me…knowing that my tears of joy would be splashing on you if i was there doing it myself ;o) much, much MUCH love to you all (the boys, too, haha)
Lisa, Alexis, and Emilie,
I really enjoyed seeing all of you (even through all the mess haha! just kidding). I hope to see you all again soon!
Love you very much,
Kara
Lisa, Alexis and Emilee
I can’t put into word’s how special it was to finally meet apart of my husband’s family. Chuck and I were so happy to see you and the girl’s you all are and will for ever be apart of our lives. It meant so much to Chuck to see you and his brother’s girl’s he felt he had apart of his brother back in his life. I’m truly thankful I have all of you in my life. I can not wait to see you all again. You are a beautiful women of God and the girl’s are incredialbe and beautiful young ladies.Chuck and I are looking forward to meeting your husband Gary and the rest of the Black family. We love you all very much.
Love you sis,
Angel
BEAUTIFUL LISA! I AM SO PROUD OF ALL OF YOU!
I agree with Paschall, not any words to describe.
THANK YOU GOD FOR RESTORATION AND HEALING AND FAMILY!
Wow Lisa. That was powerful!