|
Well, six months since Austin left us, end of the fall semester, Christmas just around the corner, and I'm sorry to say there are no easy answers for this difficult journey. Here are a few things I have learned and a few thoughts from the last few months.
- It's ok to be sad. Holding it in is worse than letting it out. - Don't be afraid to share your grief with a friend or parent. They are probably sad, too. It's hard to go through this alone. - If you had a faith before June, Austin's death is likely challenging it. Ask hard questions to someone you respect. Don't give up. Others have walked this road. - Going to visit Austin's gravesite is hard at first, but it does give me some peace. I know he is not there, but I like to think we meet there. - Use this time to deepen your faith and seek after the God that Austin so fervently believed in. - We miss Austin. We don’t shy away from taking about him. - As time goes on, I consider what character traits of Austin do I want to emulate from now on. - We'll never move on, but we can move forward over time. Always honoring Austin and taking steps one day at a time (#livelikeaustin) - We’ve read a few books on grief this year, we’re happy to share. - Mrs.. Silva and I struggle, too. We don't have all the answers, but we are here anytime to help you process. The journey continues. The holiday passing won't change that much. Let's keep walking together and encouraging one another until we get there! “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” - Romans 8:28-30 Our bad things will turn out for good. Our good things can never really be lost. And the best things are yet to come. - Jonathan Edwards
0 Comments
 Run like Austin. Live like Austin . That’s what these people did. The runners ran with endurance. The supporters cheered with enthusiasm. Ultimately, all to honor Austin, and he was honored. In my view, also honoring the God Austin so faithfully followed. We’re so thankful for those who were able to participate in the day. There were here so many encouraging stories of people to pushed themselves beyond what they ever have before. (lots documented on Facebook) For those that didn’t run, they had fun, encouraged one another, and had the adventure of a day supporting friends and family. We are so thankful for friends and family who love us and Austin so well! It's hard to believe this photo is from last year. There is no doubt many carried him in their hearts today.) Austin has already run his race and received the ultimate prize. As parents, sister, and brother that is still so hard to say as we love and miss him terribly. After a fun and fulfilling day, we still come home to an entry room and so many memories. For that reason, that is why we are so thankful for Team Silva. Getting through these difficult days are a marathon in themselves, and we still have many miles to go. We are thankful for all who help lessen the pain of a hard year. Only the Lord can give us a lasting hope and peace. Keep praying for us. "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus," - Hebrews 12:1-2
The holidays are here! Sigh...
I am glad the holidays are here. I'm just not happy that Austin is not! But that is the same every day. We have had so many things happen in the last six months, and I'm not happy he is not here to share them. That's just the way it is! We have so many memories of Christmas past. So, the tree goes up and the decorations are pulled out, but it's not the same. It never will be. What are we to do? Austin would be wearing his eggnog onesie around the house right now...even at 80 degrees in Texas. He would have already enjoyed his first eggnog of the season. He would have already pulled out the record player and listed to Elvis Christmas (we did that the other day!) My beliefs say he passed away and went to heaven. Do I really believe that? If I don’t, then I really see no need to celebrate Christmas. Christmas is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. That only means anything because he came into this world as a baby, and he lived a perfect life and died so that I might have eternal life. Believing Austin went to a Heaven to the Jesus made available to us means I can still celebrate Christmas. The question is, "Do I really want to celebrate Christmas?" I'm not so sure. If I embrace the Live Like Austin idea, then yes, I will celebrate Christmas. For now, only because I know Austin would. The real Christmas miracle would be if the Christmas spirit would come alive in me again. Pray that it will one day.... |
RSS Feed