"Each child that is born brings to us the smile of God and invites us to recognize that life is His gift, a gift that must be accepted with love and protected with care, always and at all times . . ."
—Pope Benedict XVI, Sistine Chapel Baptisms
7 January 2007, Baptism of the Lord
Our beautiful daughter Courtney Elizabeth Lenaburg has gone home to her Beloved Lord. She took her last breath at 1:51 a.m. this morning on the Feast of St. John the Beloved. It was a peaceful passing. She was surrounded by those who loved her the most.
She is finally healed and whole. No more seizures. No more pain. Just all encompassing joy and love for an eternity.
That is the only thing keeping me from completely falling apart in this moment. To know that she is free from a body that never did what she wanted it to do. To know that when she closed her eyes for the last time here on earth, she opened in heaven and looked upon the face of Jesus.
Today, twenty-two years of daily prayers for her healing. This mothers prayer has been answered. Beautifully, gloriously answered.
Jerry, Jonathan and I want to thank each and every one of you for every prayer you whispered, every sacrifice you offered, every monetary or practical gift you gave to our family over the last twenty-two years. Know that we are humbled and so very grateful for your constant love and support. Truly we are.
Right now, all of our physical needs have been met. Please know there is nothing else to be done but walk through the next few days and lay our girl to rest. All details regarding her funeral are taken care of, thanks to your help. You have been entirely too generous with your support, especially with the beautiful Christmas you provided our family as well as other practical support.
We will have all the details of the wake and funeral put up in the next day or so.
Thank you for all you and your families have done on behalf of our daughter Courtney and our family. God is good, ALL the time.
The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Labels: Courtney's World
