Sunday, September 27, 2009

Nathan and Sheri: The Story of Losing Their Two Sons

This happy lady is our a dear classmate from high school, Sheri R. She and her husband Nathan have a story that must to be told. So please take a moment and listen to their story of love and sorrow.
This is Nathan and Sheri, who in spite of great sorrow have so much joy and peace in their lives. These are Sheri's own words: "Most of the time I do feel so very blessed that God chose Nathan and I to bear our boys even if only for a minute and trust in Him enough to give them back."
I'm amazed at their love for God and their faith in him even though they tragically lost both their sons at different times.
This is pretty Sheri showing the hope she has in her heart that some day she will be reunited with her two boys some day in Heaven. Sheri's own words, "How blessed am I?, people ask....VERY!! They are both with Jesus and watching over us and waiting to meet us in the sky! I don't have a death wish either but I can hardly wait to be with them again and to be with My Father and My Savior."
Here's how the story began. Sheri and Nathan were in love and got married. Sheri beaming on her wedding day with four of my classmates, Tammi R., Brenda B., Carla W. and Sandy W.
What a beautiful bride and handsome husband, looking forward to their happy life together.
Soon this beautiful baby boy, Matthew, was born to them in 1980. What a darling little boy holding his puppy.
His smile is contagious. I wish I could have known this little fella.
He was a precious little boy.
Then another darling little guy was born named Nick. Sheri looks so happy holding him.
Grandpa is holding new baby nick (crying), and his lil' cousin and sweet big brother Matthew is in front.
Sadly Matthew died of heart failure. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child. I grieve with you Sheri and Nathan, just thinking of the sadness you must have endured that day and for years to come.
This is a family picture taken after little Matthew died. In this photo Matthew has been inserted, to the original picture at the age of three. Nick who is actually younger than Matthew, was about the age of four when this photo was taken and is the striped shirt.
For many years this was Sheri and Nathan's little family of three: Nathan, Sheri and Nick.
What a cute little boy Nick was. Here he is in his stroller.
Sheri with Nick at Christmas time.
Nick with his Thunder Cats. He has Sheri's sunny smile.
Nick's 5th grade school picture.
Nick playing baseball.
This is the last photo taken of Nick before he died in a car wreck. He was 18 years old and had so many friends. Sheri said, "My boys touched so many people, especially Nick, our 18 yr old! They finally had to close down the high school the day of his memorial because there weren't any kids left to attend that day." Sheri and Nathan, we grieve with you today as this is the anniversary of Nick's death. We are so sorry for your loss of a not only one, but two dear sons, Sheri and Nathan. We will always think of you on Mother's Day and Father's Day, and know that these days are difficult for you.
We remember you and your sorrow. We also want to keep alive the memory of both your boys, Matthew and Nick.
Sheri talking to her boys and remembering that she will see them again. They are with the Lord and someday their family will be together again. We love you Sheri and Nathan. Sheri said this: "God is helping us to live with broken hearts and He knows our pain for sure, as His only begotten Son suffered through so much for us!" "Precious in the sight of the Lord, is the death of His saints." Psalm 116:15

13 comments:

Cottage Contessa said...

Oh Kathi, sweetie....I'm at a loss for words, but Sheri and Nathan are in my prayers. Thank you for sharing their heart breaking story with us, Sheri is a true inspiration!
Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

Sandra said...

This story makes all my problems seem so small. Thanks for posting it.

Shelldell said...

Loosing your children is a great loss. I recently had a friend loose her daughter in a car wreak, My daughter had a miscarriage of her first son, and I had another friend loose her high school son to leukemia.
Watching these women grieve over their lost made me appreciate the children I had and not take anything for granted.
We planted a tree in the back yard in memory of our first and only grandson Isaac Andrew. I grieved alone as a grandmother that never held her first grandson but dreamed of his future.
When I see Isaac's tree, I think of these women who lost their children and I pray for comfort for all of us who lost the dream of life with them on earth and I thank God for the hope of the joy we will have in heaven when we are re united for eternity. I see Isaac in Jesus lap and this brings me comfort.
I pray for Sherri today that God will bring her comfort and that her story will comfort others who have suffered the same lost.

onlymehere said...

We may be of different religions but I believe with all my heart that she'll be with her boys again. My parents lost my little sister who was run over by a tractor at the age of 4 (I was 5) and then my brother drowned on a scout trip at the age of 14 (I was 18). Now that I have children of my own I can only imagine what it would be like to lose a child but I'm positive it would be far more painful than even I could imagine, much less the pain of losing two. Faith in Jesus Christ and the joy of knowing we will be together forever is all that would carry me through, I'm sure. God bless your sweet friends and may God send peace to their hearts.

welcometomyfrontporch said...

What a great friend you are to remember your friend's sons. I lost my first born son and now have 3 boys in my arms. I know they aren't mine, but the Lords. He has loaned them to me like he did my first son. It is very difficult when you lose a child. It is people like you that help us endure the hardship by remembering our children. God bless!

PS: I have been following your sister's blog. I used to live in Idaho and wanted to meet her. I like your blog.

Michelle said...

What a beautiful story of love and hope. May God continually bless Sheri and Nathan. They sure are wonderful examples of praising God in all circumstances...

You are such a thoughtful friend, Kathi, to share their story with us.

Love,
Michelle

Julieann said...

Thank you for sharing there story, I will be forever touched by it!!

Julieann

Unknown said...

Thank you this touching story. It brought tears to me. I will pray for their happiness.

Elena said...

What an amazing story. I can't even imagine the pain they have. I know the Lord is near them and helping them. Thank you so much for sharing their story.

Judy @ daily yarns said...

What a touching story...Thank you for sharing it. Sheri and Nathan are truly inspiring.

Rose of Sharon said...

My heart and prayers go out to them. I can even imagine their pain. It is so encouraging and inspiring to hear about their amazing faith. I pray that the Lord will put His arms around them and they will feel His presence.

Hugs, Sharon

Charlotte said...

My goodness. This made me cry. So very sad and yet they have that wonderful reunion to look forward to. Thank you for sharing their story with us.
Charlotte

Anonymous said...

What a sweet and sad reminder to hug our children closer...

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