YET AGAIN!
The Phone rang. I answered it. The trembling voice of a young woman on the other end said, “Father Peter, can you help us?
We really need your help.” She went on to say, “We’ve just lost Ethan, our only child. Our baby.
He was only with us for 32 hours! We don’t know what to do!”
“That’s bloody awful! Goodness me, what’s your name, dear?”
“Leslie, my husband’s Stephen. His Mum comes to your meditation nights, but you haven’t met us.”
“Where are you?” “Hong Kong” And that’s how it started.
Alone in Hong Kong, their suffering continued like nails being driven in. Ethan’s tiny body had to be cremated. Leslie was hospitalized again with post operative infection.
Now Stephen and Leslie are home at last. I am standing with them and their close family, six mourners in all. Before us is the grave of Ethan’s grandfather, Kevin where a little place has been prepared for Ethan’s ashes. As a fierce wind blows with more rain threatening from black clouds above, the brave young mother steps forward. Held by her husband she reads a letter to her son amid tears:
“Baby Ethan, I’ve thought a lot about what I want to say to you today. Finding adequate words to describe the love your Dad and I feel for you is almost impossible. I feel I’m coming up short, but here are a few thoughts I want to share…
For a little guy that spent just 32 hours with us after birth, there are a number of words to describe you.
Dr. Lee called you resilient. I’d add feisty and spirited, making the most of a difficult hand that was dealt to you. You made your presence known through your kicks and jabs, most lively between the hours of 2am and 6. If you were awake, I should be
too!
Your Dad and I knew it was early, but we were so excited to have you join us on February 3rd. I spent 2 hours post operation counting down the minutes until I could meet you, my baby son. I said those words over and over in my mind “my son, Ethan”
and had a big grin on my face.Dad went to visit you and was amazed to see you that you looked like your grandfather, Kevin. When we went to see you that night, we noticed one of your little legs had kicked out of your nappy – defiant already!
Everything about you was perfect and adorable –
your button nose, your blonde hairs, your long eyelashes – and we couldn’t stop looking at you. The love we felt and feel for you is immense. I’ve learned so much from you since last August. I was in awe of your strength and your will to live, to keep on going, and survive. Not having you with us now is so painful.
Your name Ethan means strong, optimistic and enduring. On this we will focus as we continue life’s journey, with you now watching over us. My dearest son, here is a poem by Henry Van Dyke that I want to share with you..
Time is too slow for those who wait,
Too swift for those who fear,
Too long for those who grieve,
Too short for those who rejoice,
But for those who love,
Time is Eternity
We love you, Mom and Dad”
Yet again, a Mother mourns the loss of her only son, the tragic death of her first born. Good Friday is now all around us. What hope would we have without the Resurrection? May hope fill your hearts. Guide your steps. And bring your loved ones home This Easter
Every Easter to come.
Peter Easter 2009
