What a testimony!!!
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Good Morning Everyone:
I wanted to write a message to everyone yesterday, but time did not allow.
I want to tell you all how wonderful you have been over the last few days! So much love surrounded Little Gracie and all of us on her Caringbridge site, at her calling hours, at the funeral and at her graveside service! She received many beautiful flowers (many of them pink) which made her look like a little princess. I love you all and thank you SO MUCH! TODD AND I ARE ABLE TO KEEP GOING BECAUSE OF HIM….AND YOU!
It is true that Gracie looked like an angel in the casket. Never had I seen her with nothing at all coming from her body. Her face had such a peace…even after all she’s been through. It seemed to be smiling and telling me, “Mommy, I wish you could see me now!” She was in a dedication dress that was purchased by her Grandma Brown.
As for the room, it was full of beautiful pink roses. So many flowers lined the walls. It was a room fit for a little princess!
Gracie’s service was beautiful…and many who attended said that its message had made them want to be a better person for the Lord. I am praying that even those who don’t know the Lord personally will follow Gracie’s daddy’s plea and accept Him so they can be with Jesus (and see Gracie) again some day!
My father (Pastor Brown) did a wonderful job for honoring the Lord through Gracie. He pointed out many wonderful truths about Gracie’s life and where she is now that really warmed her mommy’s heart.
Dr. Finley of Fellowship Baptist also spoke wonderfully. He shared how Gracie had touched his life and how God used her in wonderful ways. It was a blessing.
But, none was as precious as Gracie’s daddy Todd, who with God’s grace, was able to stand above his baby girl’s casket and boldly proclaim God’s love and His perfect will. He plead for those who do not have the “blessed hope” of Heaven for sure to accept the Lord today! What an honor to Gracie’s life!
My brother Jay had made an amazing video of Gracie at the very beginning of her life, since he had taken pictures on the day of her birth. This was of her birth at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC before we knew about her condition. He also sang parts of “Rejoice in the Lord” from Ron Hamilton. A friend of ours, Greg Cooney sang the new arrangement of Amazing Grace.
And, Mrs. Lynn Wells, the poem you wrote for Gracie was read and printed in the funeral programs! It is a beautiful and blessed poem that means so much to our family! In a few days, I would like to post it in my journal once again.
If you were not able to get to the funeral, you can go to www.vernonforestbaptist.com and they have downloaded a video of Gracie’s funeral. Keep trying until it’s available. I think it’s having some trouble right now.
I am posting some photos of Gracie because she was so beautiful. My dad said, “Amanda, if she looks that beautiful here, just think of what she looks like in Heaven.” For the first time ever, she had no needle or wire in her body. She looked like a baby doll.
The funeral director was such a special man. Only God knew that even in Gracie’s funeral planning He would show us a message of Grace. The wonderful man that dressed Gracie, took care of her and led us through funeral plans had lost a baby girl also at 7 months of age back in 1982. What are the chances? He showed us how a relationship with God can give you grace to help others from your own life trials.
I miss Gracie so much. The kisses and loves and cuddles we shared are never enough. But, God is giving me a comfort in my heart that reminds me that the kisses and hugs are not over…just on hold. Since I am a born again Christian, it is only a matter of time before a beautiful lady or baby girl (we’re not for sure) comes up to me and hugs my neck again.
God has already explained the last 7 months to Gracie. She already understands. If I tried to go to her right now, she would meet me at Heaven’s gate and tell me to go back…because, unlike Gracie, I still have work to do for the Lord. She would want that. I believe she sees us and is watching us from a completely different perspective…one that has made the last 7 months seem like seconds—one of God’s love—one of God’s perfect plan.
Gracie was buried in “The garden of innocence”, a special section at Parklawn Cemetery for babies under 1. Her headstone will have her “smiling” photo on it, since we know that is what she is doing now!
So, here we are trying to adjust to life as 3 again. We’re trying to adjust to being a family again. We are back at our home in Lexington, NC—
I love this Caringbridge site. It has been such a wonderful blessing to my heart, also. Gracie’s story has been used in great ways and many relationships have been built from it! I am praying about keeping it up and touching base every couple of days with those that desire. If we can lift up our precious Jesus here, then it should remain.
As for Todd and Haddon and me, we have the opportunity to leave today for Gatlinburg, TN for a few days. We are going to spoil Haddon and let him feel honored. He has been such a big boy through the last 7 months and even though he doesn’t completely understand everything, he does miss Gracie and his Ronald McDonald house! So, pray for us as we have this time!
I want to repeat how much I love all of you! If I could pray for you or if you would have questions about our Lord Jesus and how to personally know him, please e-mail me at toddandamanda.lock@yahoo.com.
Please continue your prayers for us.
We’ll update in a few days, when we get back in town. Please see Gracie’s photos and rejoice. She has had a beautiful life and now has a beautiful eternity.
Todd and Amanda
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