For those of you that are new here, I was given a beautiful and unforgettable glimpse of Paradise when an outpatient procedure went horribly wrong April 21, 2006. Mere words will never do it justice, although I still strive to do so. Recovery was the hardest thing I have ever done, and it has just been the last 6-8 months that I can truly say "yeah, I DO know how far I've come". There are parts I do not remember, may never remember. There are parts I wish I could forget and never remember again. But being given that glimpse, just to be told "It's not your time, Nancy. You have to go back", has been something I still speak of with my counselor.
Today I saw Rick Norton, the father of Skylar. He still grieves and I honestly cannot imagine how difficult this road is that he and his family must travel. To look at him, you see pain and heartache etched upon his face. Within his eyes is trauma that only the King understands, for He too lost His child to death. Yet there is an assurance that I saw today, the assurance that he is moving forward. Forward to that time of being reunited with his daughter.
He asked me, what I thought, an odd question today. One that I contemplated during the ride home with Johnny. Rick asked, "Did you see any animals?" I told him what I did see, and yet he repeated, "But did you see any animals?" And I had to tell him that no, I don't recall seeing any animals.
You see, Skylar loved animals, and he wondered if there were animals in Paradise. He wanted her to be surrounded by what she loved, not only by those she loved and loved her. I saw no animals, Rick, but I did see ~
tall, shade giving trees and the most beautiful flowers, and shrubs, and the greenest of grasses. It seemed to go on and on forever. These are all living things, so I believe that yes, it is possible that there are animals in Paradise. They are created by the King, just as He created and placed the flowers, the trees, the grass, all within the Garden that defies mortal words. He created them for our pleasure, and I remember well the happiness Skylar's pets brought to her world here.
Just as I know there was a heavenly being beside me, just as I knew I was separated from Earth and my beloved Johnny, I know I saw Paradise. What I was given was a brief glimpse where His children go to await Judgement. It was more beautiful, more peaceful, more everything than I have ever read of within the Scriptures. I know He loves us, He comforts us, He provides for us and I know that when I return everyone I love and everything that brings joy and delight and appreciation for my King will be there.
So yes Rick, I prefer the vision of Skylar playing and frolicking in that Garden of the King with loved ones that have gone on before us and animals. My father loved flowers and I promise you the most magnificent arrangement he was watering was nothing like he had here on Earth. Why shouldn't there be animals in Paradise? He created them for our enjoyment ~ why should that end here?
I am no theologian, so please, if you are reading this and disagree, that's fine. We can agree to disagree. But I know what I saw, what I felt, what was there ~ and that's all that really matters to me. My heavenly Father has created a most unbelievable place for His own, and I refuse to limit Him to what may or may not be there.
Did You See Any Animals?
For those of you who knew and loved Skylar Norton, a dear friend and minister of the gospel, Raymond Elliott has written a beautiful tribute to her and to her family. You can read it here. If you know of others that would be comforted with his words, I know he would not mind if you forwarded it on.
I hope Thursday treated you kindly and that Friday will be even better!
Lunch Bunch, MeetNEat! UPDATED!!
Okay Lunch Bunch!!! and this includes everyone that blogs and wants to drive to Montgomery to meet other blogging buddies!! The poll is showing a preference for every other month, so~
We will meet on the ODD numbered months. How about that?! It will always be at 11 am on the first SECOND Saturday. So, first SECOND Saturdays. 11 am. ODD numbered months. This means we WILL meet the first SECOND Saturday in November!!! Yay, and yes, I'm grinning.
I did NOT want to wait until after Christmas to see you again and I knew everyone would be too busy and have too many excuses for the Saturdays in December. If you can come, great! If not, then you know you can count on the first SECOND Saturday of January. We will post a place to meet prior to each gathering. In fact, Lunch Bunch, it would be nice if you could post the information on your site.
Let's plan to go back to Eastside Grille and we will set, at that time, a place for the January MeetNEat. If you were there, put it on your calendar now. If you weren't able to come, then I sure hope you'll plan to make it a date!
Thank you for your kind words, prayers, and support in reference to the death of young Skylar Norton. I thought of her mother so often today, this being the first day that they weren't surrounded by family and friends. I'm sure it's been a hard one.
My appointment with the cardiologist went well, and I had an echogram as well. He feels that everything looks as good as it can, considering the damage done during the accident trauma. So. I see the surgeon next Monday and a surgery date will be set! The sooner, the better! I'm ready to get it over and begin the recovery process!! I'll keep you posted!
Skylar Dawn Norton~
Today. Today was a hard day. A difficult day. A very emotional day. One that rips at the heart, shuts down the breathing process, and reduces you to a sobbing broken heart. We die. We know that. It's just that. Children aren't supposed to die. Not suddenly. Without a clue. And with an "inconclusive" autopsy. It's just.not.supposed.to happen this way.
And the parents ~ Jamie crying in my arms, "I know where she is. I do. I know. But I want her here. I want her here right now." and the father, Rick ~ a tall, tall man folding half way to the ground just to hold me and cry as if his heart had been cut in two. And it had. and the brother? Tyler ~ shell shocked. Those were the only words that come to mind.
And the crowd. so.so.silent. The graveside service in an ancient cemetery filled with the thoughts of generations of family. You could hear the breeze whisper. It was that quiet. Children. Parents. Family. Friends. Angels. I know they had to be there. Too many of us were praying for them to hold us all, to comfort us, to lift us above the pain and grief.
And then, there was the other grief. This was the first time since the accident that I had been with so many from school. The school I called my second home for almost twenty years. The school I left through no wish of my own. The life I used to have. The life I still miss and am adjusting without. So many teachers, so many parents, so many students. The headache began on the way there and intensified to the point that speech became next to impossible. Thoughts were fragmented like broken glass and frustration took over.
And the tears came. It would have been so easy to just have sunk to the ground with the sadness of it all. To leave that sorrow within the confines of a piece of ground used to tears of the grieving. But no, there were too many around. So with His arms around me, and John's strength holding me up both literally and figuratively we walked that long walk back to the car. And I cried. Most of the way home. Four extra strength Excedrin's and five hours later, it had abated somewhat.
But Rick, Jamie, and Tyler? Their long night has just begun. Dying is easy. I know. It's living that's hard. And telling someone that where they have gone is so much more than one can imagine, is just not the words they want to hear. Like Jamie kept saying, "I want her here. I want her here right now." Oh, what anguish our heavenly Father had to have felt for His Own. And I know. I know He was crying with us today.
