Nathaniel's Service

Six weeks ago today, we had a service to celebrate Nathaniel's life. It was so beautiful and perfect. We had a very simple display in the front of candles, Nathaniel's picture, his blanket and two flower arrangements. The music was exactly what we wanted. My cousin Rachel sang "Your Faithfulness" and "Captivate Us" (with her sister Jennifer) and it was so beautiful. We also chose to sing "Blessed Be Your Name" and "It is Well."
Our associate pastor, Pete Parker said very encouraging words about Nathaniel, about Mel and I as parents and about our Lord and Savior who promises eternal life and the hope that He is with us through all our struggles and sadness.
I wrote the following letter to Nathaniel just days after he was born and I read it at his service.

Precious Nathaniel,
We celebrated the day we learned you were growing inside me. We celebrated as you continued to grow and we prepared for the day you would be born. When we learned that your body wasn’t growing the way it needed to, through our devastation we continued to celebrate you and your amazing little body that was forming. We celebrated your kicks and movements and seeing your precious body and face through ultrasounds.
The night you were born, we didn’t mourn. We were in awe of you. You were perfect in your own way. God knit you together in my womb and we were finally able to see His perfection. Your sweet face, your tiny lips, your long fingers and your precious toes- we felt overwhelming love and pride for you.
Today, we continue to celebrate you and your life and our Maker who created you. We know you are safely in His arms and you are whole. You never knew pain, or fear or discomfort and for that we are so thankful. You went from the comfort and safety of your Mommy’s body to the warmth and beauty of heaven while your Daddy held you. Although our arms ache to hold you again, we will continue to celebrate your life and we will praise God for blessing us with you. You will always be a part of our life, our family, and our hearts. We love you sweet child, our son.