For Violet: Dimitri

Clasped in embrace.

 Mother and son. 

Nestled next to her heart where he will always reside. 

Violet and Dimitri.

Divine appointment. 

That is what I would term the moment that you, Violet, my childhood friend, reconnected with me on FB. We exchanged brief updates on our lives. You told me about your son, Dimitri, who was born with a rare genetic syndrome called Cockayne Syndrome: a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by growth failure, abnormal brain development and degeneration, and some signs of premature aging.
It would not be much longer before I got your message saying that your son, Dimitri was struggling for his life. Soon after that, you let me know that your Dimitri had gone on to meet the Lord.

I have 2 sons and they are part of my breath of life. I delight in them and am so humbled that God chose me to be their mother. So I could not even grasp the loss you are now feeling. When I looked at your photos I noticed that you have your arms around him when the 2 of you are together. The one featured above is my favourite.

I think to the time you and your husband and other son were informed of the diagnosis, and the grief and loss you must have been processing to realize that your son/brother would not have the 'normal' life you envisioned. A life where he would flourish in school and work, eventually marry and give you grandchildren.
But Dimitri brought you something else. He changed your dreams for him and for yourself. He changed the meaning of 'normal'.
As you said,Violet:
"He filled my life with the most profound, deep, unconditional love a mother can feel."

"He touched every one wherever he went and I am honored that God chose me to be his mother. His work was done, he fulfilled his life purpose, he taught every one the meaning of love and compassion."

God always uses our 'brokenness' to help others.
And in Dimitri's short life, he helped others to understand what he was going through to help others on the same journey as this post you shared on FB showed.

And Dimitri left his legacy in your heart by deepening and enlarging it.

I have seen the thoughtfulness and kindness and encouragement you have shared with others on the same journey.

Not knowing all that I am undergoing, you sent me a most amazing gift and note with the enclosure about Dimitri posted below. You have no idea how much that meant. You also donated to my son's internship. As a mother you must surely know how much that means.

All I can give you is my heart, thoughts and prayers expressed as best as I can.

God filled my heart with His compassion for you. God was using me to reach out to you and I am humbled by that. I am grateful to Him that it brought you a measure of comfort.

While I have not experienced a loss such as yours, I have had significant losses that allow me to understand the process of grief.
I know that for each person, grief is uniquely processed.
I also know that one day, you will be able to smile again, feel joy again, while at the same time feel the pangs of deep loss.
As a Christian, I have this sure hope that one day I will be reunited with loved ones who have passed on.

One thing that always brings comfort and healing tears is music that expresses my heart. Like this. 
A lost child:


A lost wife. Or a lost daughter:

Please allow me to pray for you:

Father, like Jeremiah when he prayed "Oh, that I (Jeremiah) could find comfort from my sorrow [for my grief is beyond healing], My heart is sick and faint within me!" Jeremiah 8:18", I know that Violet and her family echo this as they face their first Christmas without Dimitri.

I also know that You Who made them, know intimately their thoughts even more than they can articulate. You promised to carry and comfort all those Who come to You. ("Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4) Because of Your love for Violet, she will not be consumed but will receive a daily dose of grace as she cries out to you: ("Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:21-23)"

So Lord, I do ask You to draw near to each of them, cover them with Your blanket of comfort and peace. Draw them to Your heart where Dimitri dwells. Give them tangible expressions of Your lovingkindness towards them. Give them strength as they continue to walk alongside those walking the same road they have walked.

In the precious Name of Jesus, I pray, 

Amen.

With all my love, thoughts and prayers,

Your friend,

Sita