As I mentioned when I first started my personal 21-day Bible Journaling Challenge, I am actually making these pages the day before I show them on my blog (there's a one-day delay with each one). That makes it easier for me to get them made, photographed and on my blog.
Most days that doesn't make any difference in what I say in my blog post, so you might not have even really noticed I was doing that... until today.
Today's page was created yesterday - April 16th. That might not mean anything to a lot of people, but to those of us in our family (as well as the families of the other victims) April 16th is not an easy day. It is the anniversary of the Virginia Tech Shooting. It's been ten years... and yet, this day still hurts. It is the day that we lost a lovely young member of our family. It is the day that I'm sure her parents agonize over every single day, with a loss and heartache like none other for any parent. It is also the day when I lost some of my innocence.
You see, I had heard about previous tragedies - Columbine, the Amish community, etc. - but until it took one of our own, I could "sort of" put that out of my mind. Not any more. With each senseless shooting in the past ten years, my heart has ached for the families of those lost in ways I'd never ached before.
So today's Bible Journaling page, though by no means a pretty one, is one that speaks from my heart perhaps more than most pages I've done. I've cried tears as I made it. Even now as I type this blog post, my vision is blurred with unshed tears begging to spill over.
He heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
My daughter Brittney on the left and her younger cousin Austin on the right
(they were flower girls in their aunt's wedding)
Austin, you are missed every single day!
Thank you for stopping by my blog today!
Supplies Used: Recollections Card Stock, Washi Tape from unknown vendors and real bandaids
Oh Jeanette I cried as I read this. Though the tragedy's of all those events have not hit my family directly, I feel pain for those family who have to endure such loss. I was watching the news at the exact moment the first plane hit WTC on 9-11....I still cry over that and cannot watch any of those movies or documentaries about these tragedy's. I am so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteOh Jeanette, your page is a beautiful reflection of the love - and legacy - of Austin and her memory. I do remember the story (but confess not the date) and imagine this one holds a special pain. I'm glad you are remembering the joys and her beautiful smile and the love that will always be the utmost, which can never be forgotten or taken away. Hugs to you and the family!
ReplyDeleteMy tears today are for your beautiful Austin and the families and friends of all who have experienced this type of senseless loss. My soul searches for answers as this type thing happens over and over and over.
ReplyDeleteJeanette, I echo Susan's comments as well! So sorry for your loss and it is so difficult to understand the evil that is in this world but I am so thankful that we know the One who has Overcome! Hugs, sweet Sister in Christ!
ReplyDeleteJeanette- you have made a beautiful page- what a heart wrenching story!!! I love how you personalized it too- love pink! My DIL best friend (and roommate at the time) was in the Batman (Aurora Co, movie theater) shooting- she traded seats with someone who was shot and killed- she also was shot, in hospital 6 months....has terrible PSTD.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great paper to honor Austin.
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