Hope To The Hopeless - by Judy Misener

It’s very hard to believe that it’s been 31 years since our daughter, Mickey, had her cardiac arrest and went home to be with Jesus.

For those of you who don’t know Mickey’s story, I’ll briefly tell you it.  It started on September 6th, Mickey’s first day in Jr. High school.  While taking a bath that morning, Mickey suffered a cardiac arrest.   However, the paramedics were able to start her heart on route to the hospital. The next 38 days Mickey was in the intensive care unit at the hospital.  Our lives felt like we were on a roller coaster, as Mickey fought for her life through all the ups and downs.  Mickey never did come out of her coma and the nightmare that had begun on September 6th became a reality on October 13th, as my 13-year-old daughter, Mickey died and went to her heavenly home to be with Jesus.

I’m writing this blog because I want to give HOPE to those who are feeling HOPELESS.  For those who have had the loss of a child.  Maybe it has just happened, or it has been one, two, five years or more.  When my daughter died, I never thought I would feel peace and joy fully again.  Part of me died with Mickey on October 13th.

But then there is the God factor.  BUT GOD…  God has done a tremendous work in my life.  He has given me “PEACE with my PAIN.”  I still miss my Mickey a lot and look forward to seeing her again one day.  BUT GOD has given me His Hope and new memories in the many years since Mickey has died.  I still have the vivid memories of Mickey in the hospital and sitting by her bedside and saying goodbye to her. But I also have the unforgettable memories of her birth, watching her grow to a toddler, a young child and then a teenager.  My weeping has turned to a smile as I think of those special memories.

In 2007 my husband, Pat, and I started Smile Again Ministries (SAM). I have the joy and privilege of seeing many people come to SAM with very little HOPE and leaving with some HOPE knowing they too will be able to make it on their grief journey.

Over the years God has blessed me with so many joys. Watching my other two children grow up, get married, and then – of course – giving me the gift of six beautiful, awesome, full of life, grandchildren.

So, for all of you who are reading this blog, and especially those who have lost a child, for those of you whose hearts are breaking, give your pain to Jesus.  He will truly help carry that pain.  He will give you” Peace with your Pain.” He will fill your heart with many unexpected joys. The Grief Journey is definitely a process, because as I tell grieving parents, “The more you Love, the more you Hurt.” (It would be pretty abnormal if you didn’t hurt.) BUT GOD will bring many new and special memories into your lives, if you allow Him to. How do I know this?  Because He did this for me! 

So don’t give up hope!