Words have been incredibly hard to come by when it comes to the events surrounding this day one year ago. The case has certainly not been that I have felt nothing. More feelings than can be described rushed over me like a tidal wave when I received the phone call, stealing oxygen and making it impossible to breathe. How can this be happening? What can I do? I felt powerless. I was terrified. I was speechless. I could only muster up enough courage to say one phrase, "God, You're still good."
And He is.
A year has passed since my best friend Jocelyn's precious baby Everett was stillborn at 41 weeks. A time we were all awaiting with great excitement for months and months became a time of great sorrow in what felt like a mere moment. That moment, however, was never ending for Jocelyn and her husband Jason, who long for and wait expectantly for a day of sweet reunion with their firstborn son. What a joyous day that will be!
The life of Everett Merkel has made such an impact on the world. I have learned more about the gospel and the character of God from his life than I have from persons I have known my entire existence. Most of that has been because Jocelyn has written so candidly during these dark days, allowing those of us that read her blog a chance to learn and struggle with hard questions involving real pain, the Truth of the gospel, God's sovereignty, and our faith. I am thankful for her willingness to offer a window into her life and sharing Everett's story when she didn't have to. She allowed me to be touched in a real way by her son.
So today and many days, I hurt for my friend. We thank God for the gift of Everett Merkel. We miss Everett fiercely. We celebrate his life. We praise God for the fortunes He has restored in the birth of Everett's little sister, Eleanor Pearl. Furthermore, we desire with great hope the coming of our King. We ready ourselves for the day He has promised in Revelation 21:5: "Behold, I am making all things new." And I end this post as Jocelyn has in light of that glorious promise - until then.
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