5 NEW ANGELS

Norm,

I still remember hearing the horrible news about the loss of your family and then reading your original post here. My heart goes out to you and I hope that you find peace tomorrow, and always.  Think of your beautiful angels and know that so many people care for you and are keeping the memory of your family alive. 

Many warm hugs coming your way to help get you through the day tomorrow. 

I've never said how very sorry I am for your tragedy, Norm, and I'm ashamed I haven't over these long, painful months for you. You have withstood a year which only a few in life ever travel through, and which required a strength many don't have, probably including myself.

I know you have been comforted here by many. I join them tonight in wishing you peace as you can perceive it, feel it, touch it and live it. May strength continue to infuse you, never to forget but to allow you and yours to go on with the purpose of being in memory of the bright five Angels.

My support for you tomorrow and beyond,

Tender 

Norm,

I remember reading your post here nearly a year ago. I always felt like I should post to you, but have been struggling with trying to find words to provide you with comfort and encouragement. I cannot imagine the depth of pain you have been through; I have never been personally touched by such a tragedy.

My words are insufficient. But, as the anniversary of your great loss approaches, I realize that there are other words--God's words--that provide comfort, promise, and hope:

 Psalm 116

1I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

2Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

3The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.

4Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.

5Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

6The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.

7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

8For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

9I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

10I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:

11I said in my haste, All men are liars.

12What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

14I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

15Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

16O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

17I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.

18I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

19In the courts of the LORD's house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.

Much love and many prayers to you,

Diane

Norm:

That painful year of firsts have finally passed.  Your heart has been bruised yet you found the ability to extend your love of your wife and children to make other children's Christmas better.  And as you patch those vehicles back together, you are patching yourself back together.  And with Eddie at your side, you do still have a reason to push through.  And maybe this year you can think about being a Big Brother or some other way of connecting with youngsters again.  I hope you did find someone to talk to.  You may be able to help other families suffering the loss of a child.  Your heart will lead you.  On the first anniversay, my thoughts are with you.  You are a good person Norm. 

Tenderly with the Strength of Many We will help you through this wordless time....I say wordless cause words are so Inadequate for what you have been through. Though I feel Much From You through Your....WORDS.

Norm, while I had only posted my condolences to you in the beginning of your "journey" (what a lousy choice of words, I know), I want you to know that I have lurked on this thread often. 

It has warmed my heart, soul, and spirit to see the circle of friendship that has come to you, and I am honored to witness this. 

Diane (as always) has chosen beautiful Scripture to mark the one year anniversary of your angels, and if I may, I'd like to include this:

"Be strong and courageous, Do not be afraid or terrified...for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."  (Deuteronomy 31:6). 

Heavenly Father, while words may be few as we remember such a sad time, we ask that you lift Norm and wrap your love and grace around him.  Please give him peace and comfort as he remembers the precious moments.  We know that both can be hard on the spirit, but we ask that you give our Norm the steadfast ability to move forward while still having the ability to love the 5 precious angels in your Kingdom. 
In your most Holy and loving name, Amen. 

Dear Norm,

I am so sorry for your huge loss and the overwhelming sadness of it all. A year has passed and you made it through one day at a time. I guess that's how you will continue to progress.

May you take comfort in the love of friends and the caring you find from others. May you also rest in the arms of God until it is time for your earthly life to be over. Cherish each little memory and hold fast to the hope of seeing your loved ones again.

Hugs,

Miss S

Norm I can't imagine the severity of your pain.  You obviously must be a strong man and God has a plan for you.  It is just finding that plan and fulfilling it seems so hard in light of such loss.  I cannot imagine the loss of one of my children and cannot even come close to imagining your pain.  I will pray for strenght and the ability to move on during this season.

Hello Norm,

I join with these wonderful,supportive friends and will be thinking of you. I have read this forum and am sorry that I have not offered my condolences before now. My words seem like such a small thing to offer;however,my heart is with you on this challenging day. You have found some awesome friends here and the support is profound and genuine. Faith,I have "cyberknown" and is such a wonderful supporter and always was so concerned and cared about you and your welfare. There are many others here that do as well;what comfort I found just reading the posts here.

May the good memories prevail on this day...so many wise things have been written here and so much support as you are so loved. Know that you are among friends and supporters here...thinking of you,Norm.

 Iris/bearlysane111

(((((Norm)))))

Norm. Grieving friend. I find the collective wisdom here so enlightening. The scripture, the graphic image above, the encouragement, the greetings from individulas who know about grief, who have learned to grapple with anger and limitations on a daily basis.

I am encouraged as I know you are by the outpouring and expression of care on your behalf.

Today is the day.

I wonder how you will 'mark' it? I hope that you can find busy-ness that can fill your minutes. My own dear husband has often counseled me, never to wish away any day..... and I have learned that wisdom is sound.

Know that we are here, beside you, holding hands and sending you strength and courage, strength and courage, strength and courage.

We got a call yesterday that our 41 year old neice, mother of 3 daughters had a baby boy safely yesterday. The cycle of life continues. I know that your own new grandchildren are growing, sitting up, starting to babble and needing your presence in their lives. Let their amazing eagerness to learn and grow and reach new milestones guide you.

I will be off the grid for a bit, as I go to no-man's-land MI (remember last month I couldn't even get cell phone reception up there: LOL)

I trust that these good folks will continue to keep you company till I get back.

It's so hard to leave you today, but my car is packed, my guitar is tuned, my maps are readied...... children await my arrival. 

Spend a portion of the day reading and rereading the wisdom assembling here.

Norm, I'll be praying for you. You can count on that.

xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

((((((((((((((((((((((Norm)))))))))))))))))))))))))

We're all here, holding hands, keeping watch with you today, as the sun comes up:

Love and prayers, all day long ... Granny.

Norm, you humble me.  I wanted to check in and see how you are today. 

Praying for your peace once again. 

Dear Norm, I am fairly new so just heard of your story, it is just too sad.  My heart is heavy for you.  Will be praying for you.

Norm, I heard of your loss yesterday and would like to add my prayers and thoughts to you and your angels.  If you open your eyes and can only see red, don't be afraid - you are in my heart.

Take gentle care of yourself.  Know that you are loved.