Yesterday was a hard day. A really hard day. No one ever thinks they'll be commemorating their baby's 2nd birthday in a cemetery but - hey - it is what it is. Lots of people went out of their way to make it a meaningful day for us though. From flowers to gift cards to homemade gifts to a statue of the Savior holding a little boy . . . everything just warmed our hearts and made us feel oh-so-loved. We feel so blessed.Along with those gifts, we received an unexpected surprise. A weeks or so ago, I received the oil painting of Bennett from Elspeth Young. I was in awe at the way she captured my boy whom she has never met. It was truly a miracle.
The day I received the painting in the mail, I took it to be custom framed. I was told that the painting would not be returned for another 2-3 weeks. And so I waited.
I awoke yesterday morning feeling melancholy. I can't possibly put into words all the emotions that went through my heart yesterday morning. How I ached to hold him, to see him run across the floor and throw his tiny little arms around me. And his smile. Oh, that smile. It lit up the room! How I longed to feel the warmth of his light.
And then it happened. My phone buzzed announcing an incoming call from the framing gallery. The painting had mysteriously appeared on an earlier shipment. It was completed more than a week ahead of schedule. Was this unusual? I asked. Yes. It was indeed. This is no accident, I explained. It was my baby's birthday. This was a gift from both him and a loving Heavenly Father that knew this Mommy's heart. The framing sales associate and I wept. It was meant to be.
So miracles DO happen. They do indeed. God - at times - allows hard things to happen. Things that will break our hearts. But in the madness and heartache of it all, He sends messages reminding us that He is aware and is ever present in our lives. Yesterday, that message arrived in the form of a framed oil painting. It was perfect. Simply perfect.
Just like the Givers.
Many have expressed interest in obtaining a print of our Sweet Bennett. He has become a symbol of Hope, Love, Light and Faith to so many. To purchase a print of this fabulous painting, click here.
This is so true! Despite the pain and sadness, our Heavenly Father does send those tender mercies to let us know that he understands. I cried for you when I read that the painting came back early. I know how much that would have meant to me and I am so happy that happened for you!
ReplyDeleteMelica (Hailey's mom)
What a beautiful painting of Bennett - and a treasure for your heart in the timing.
ReplyDeleteThat is a stunning painting, it captures the heart. His eyes have the perfect amount of curiosity. Wow!
ReplyDeleteOh Mandy, this is beautiful...the painting the miracle, your little man, just all of it! So much love goes out to your sweet family this week and all the weeks to come!
ReplyDeleteXOXOXO
tears of joy for you. what a beautiful story...one to always share in your family of the tender mercies. you are right - we are all so loved and remembered by our Father, and what a day for him to show how much He loves you and yours.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Bennett!
Wow that is wonderful! And I love this painting. Really is beautiful, and looks just like the photos of him. And I believe that is a tender miracle as well. It may not have meant anything to the people handling the framing but it truly is wonderful that it was ready the day of B's birth! Beautiful!!! I understand that it was a hard day, and thank you for sharing all of this. Cute little Bennett is a strong spirit who has already fulfilled such a ginormous mission. If you don't mind me asking, what did his blessing say? Do you remember anything that stuck out more then usual? It would be interesting to hear because of your guys' story, and because it seems like Bennett has such a huge purpose in this life that has affected many people in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteyou are so inspiring. Have you ever heard of the book called "Have Heart"? Its a book written by my pastor and him and his wife lost their son almost 2 years ago right before he was to go to college and the book is all about heaven and bridging that gulf between heaven and earth. It is amazing and i will send you a copy if you would like for me to!
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet, sweet blessing!!! She captured his sweetness! If only we could bottle that and share it with others!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Beautiful! All of it the picture, the painting, the post and thoughts and of course the absolute blessing from Heaven!! Love you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a priceless painting! So grateful you are feeling God's infinite love for you in spite of the heartache.
ReplyDeleteLove Jenny B.
What a beautiful, tender mercy Mand...that is the sweetest message from a loving Heavenly Father, and from your sweet Bennett who I know misses his beautiful mother too. I can't wait to see that stunning painting in person! Love you sis
ReplyDeleteno accident indeed. that picture is so incredibly beautiful. what a gift. i thought of you every hour yesterday. love you
ReplyDeleteOh my I can hardly breath. We call these tender gifts sessy's in our house. This was such a sessy from Heavenly Father. I LOVE the painting. It is absolutely incredible. This post stirred up so many emotions for me. However, the strongest is of gratitude that we have a Heavenly Father who speaks to us! I love you!
ReplyDeleteMandy, that is so well put. We can find those tender mercies among the hardest of trials and the darkest of days. What a miracle!! And seriously, he just looks like he is going to start talking in this painting. She captures him very well. i love it!!
ReplyDeleteMandy--First we want you to know, even though we have not made any comments, that we do read all of your blog posts. You have provided comfort and consoling to all that read your blog. We love the painting and have already emailed the artist to hopefully be able to purchase a print. Deep in my heart I have the faith that both Bennett and Rendell are both involved in a work more glorious than we can imagine. Our faith is constantly tested and I feel that it is our loved ones that have gone before we do that help us endure to the end. Sending out love to all of you:)
ReplyDeleteWhat a gloriously beautiful painting! What a gift she has in painting! Truly beautiful and SUCH a tender mercy for a birthday present! Thanks for being real and raw... you bless so many by your truthfulness. Glad such a HARD day had such a glorious and exciting gift!
ReplyDeleteHello I like your idea very much. Giving gift has always been a trouble for me and I often get confused for that. But now your idea has given me strength.Scavenger Hunt
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