It has been but two weeks since we buried our Jessica and at times it seems as though the wheels of eternity have gone so slowly that this tragedy happened so, so long ago....
I keep reminding myself that God gave us four years with her that "could not have happened". Had her cancer layed itself within her chest as it did this time, our sorrow now could have been but a past memory. We were lucky. We were blessed. Especially in these last four years, Jessica touched more lives than many of us will ever do in a lifetime. Her courage and strength were inspirations to so many, her love for her friends and family just as strong. And her smile. The one thing that so many people remember about her. Through it all, she somehow managed to smile and make us all feel that everything was ok. Even when it wasn't.
Yes, our hearts are heavy. There are times when I feel as though this weight won't allow me to live again, yet I know that she'd be saddened by this grief. And I know that this grief is all but a part of life. I know in my own heart that she still lives within us all and I know that we have to "get through this, not over it" and that time will ease our pain. But I miss her. We all do. I miss her warmth, her presence, her love, her smile......
The outpouring of love and support that our family has received since her passing has been overwhelming. There is no way to adequately thank everyone for their encouragement in helping us to let life go on as we remember Jessica.
Many of you have gifted us with stories of Jessica and how she embraced your life. These have been of great comfort to us and we would be honored to have them as a keepsake. Please be inspired to share more of these stories with us. I encourage you to either post them on this blog, or if you would like them kept private, email to JessandChrisZifchak@yahoo.com or mail them to our home address: 214 E. Second Street, Girard, OH 44420
We thank you for loving our child and sister as we did and for helping to make her life as special as it was. There were times when she was afraid that people would know her as "that girl with cancer" instead of "Jessica". She never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her. She never felt sorry for herself, so why should someone else? She lived her life the best that she could and was able to scratch off a lot of items on her personal "bucket list". And she did it all with such grace and dignity. We should all be so lucky....
Saturday, July 25, 2009
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2 comments:
It is a blessing to see that Jessica's strength carries on in you,Chris and in her Father. There is no better knowledge than the knowledge of knowing that you are so right , one day you will celebrate with Jess again. But until then , continue on as she would want you to and let her smile forever live in you.
Love Kim G
"Safely Home"
I am at home in Heaven, dear ones,
Oh, so happy and so bright,
There is perfect joy and beauty,
In this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless yearning passed,
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly,
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh but Jesus love illumined,
Every dark and fearful glade.
And He came, Himself to meet me,
In that way so hard to tread,
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread.
Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's Will.
There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand,
Do it now while life remaineth,
You shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you Home.
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come.
Jessica will always be remembered.
~Leslie and Kim, Admixture Techs, The Hope Center for Cancer Care
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