Blessed are those who mourn. . .

* UPDATED *
Sunday evening, June 7th, 2015 My family experienced the unexpected loss of my dear uncle, Kelly Thomas. Forty years of age, he leaves behind a loving wife, Jana, and four precious children: Janelle, age 12; Keljan, age 8; Joelle, age 6; and Kenton, age 4.

Mother's Day, 2014

Jesus took him Home Sunday evening after he suffered a severe allergic reaction from a red wasp sting to the head. There are no words as to what a shock this was to me and my family. We thought they'd take him to the hospital for a shot or something and he'd come home and laugh it off.
But for as long as I live, I will never forget the grief-laden wails of four children upon learning their daddy wasn't coming home. As I write this, the tears begin to come, for though he was only my uncle, in a way, my siblings and I were his first children at least 11 years before his daughter was born.
We are so loved. Countless people have come to pay their respects and to bring food. We have laughed and wept together, we have embraced and prayed together. And never have I felt such agape--selfless--love. I thank my God for you.
A Memorial Fund has been set up for my uncle's family. As he was the sole provider and only source of income, my aunt is dealing with worries for the future, and this fund will serve to calm those fears. Already, in only three days, we have raised $32,753. Wow. God is good! And He will provide.
In prayer there is power. And yours mean the world and beyond to us. Thank you. Continue to remember me and my family. Funeral arrangements have been set for this Friday and Saturday. The service is from 5:00-7:30pm on Friday at Laycock Hobbs funeral home in Athens. Burial is at Clearwater Baptist Church at 11:00am on Saturday.
Again, your prayers and support are so very much appreciated. May we never take for granted the love we have been shown. Thank you, my dear friends.
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So this is Sorrow. So this is grief. Heart-weary, heavy-laden-- Oh, Lord! Where is Relief?
How can we bear When wife and children weep For sudden loss of husband, father Whom Jesus took to keep?
How do you bear The young wailing cries Of those precious little ones Who find Daddy has died?
What do we do When life must go on? When we feel time should stop Because our loved one is gone?
O praise to the King Who holds every tear, And whispers His love Through friends & family dear.
So amidst this pain And grief and sorrow, Let us find Love, Hope, And Joy for tomorrow.
- Sarah Dake - So This is Sorrow, June 9th, 2015

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May God bless and keep you.
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Comments

Kirsten FichterJune 9, 2015 at 11:38 AM
Oh, Sarah, I'm so sorry! I know how difficult this time must be as my grandmother passed away in February after battling Parkinson's for a couple years. We may not understand why things like this happen, but God has a plan. His strength is sufficient, His peace is overwhelming, His grace is endless, and He will never leave you. I'll definitely be praying for you and your family.
Tracey DyckJune 9, 2015 at 12:23 PM
I am and will be praying for comfort for all of you.
Your poem nearly brought tears to my eyes. I lost my grandpa over a year ago, and your words reminded me both of the sorrow and of the hope we have in Jesus.
Blessings, Sarah. <3
AnonymousJune 9, 2015 at 1:16 PM
Praying in this hard time!
Grace
sweet like cinnamonJune 9, 2015 at 1:43 PM
So sorry to hear this. Many prayers for the family xx
Sarah CnossenJune 10, 2015 at 7:39 AM
Kiri Liz: Thank you, dearie. We understand God is in control and that He has a plan, but it's still so hard to accept and move on when you feel like the world should simply stop. Thank you for your prayers, they are so needed. <3

Tracey: Thank you, my friend. It's so good to know we are not alone. You all are such a blessing to me.

Grace: Thank you! Lord knows we need your prayers.

Lizzie: Many thanks, girlie. You all are the best.

Thank you so, so much, my dears. You don't know how much your comments mean to me. And your prayers hold such power. Thank you!
Christine SmithJune 10, 2015 at 10:24 PM
Oh, Sarah, my heart absolutely breaks for your family! I cannot even begin to express how sorry I am to hear this awful news. I will be continuously praying for you all. God is an amazing, faithful, loving Creator and He will get you all through this, just keep clinging to Him as I know you are.

I had to blink back tears reading the beautiful, heartfelt words of your poem. In fact, I'm still fighting the tears. I love you, sweet girl! *many, many hugs*
Hannah MaryJune 11, 2015 at 10:26 PM
Oh, Sarah. I'm so sorry to hear this. My heart breaks for the loved ones that are mourning his loss. I will pray that God will bring comfort and peace to you all in the midst of this tragedy, and that God will provide for your aunt and cousins.