She and I were blessed to have a very full life in spite of the battle and were allowed to enjoy so many experiences together.
I am still in shock. Even after having had 4+ years to prepare, I think I always expected that our God would provide healing this side of death for her. So while I have been thinking about how I would handle her death for a long time, I also find myself trying to accept the Sovereignty of God in our lives in his decision to take her home.
I am surrounded by family, both Sonya's and mine. I am so thankful for their support and I am already hoping that their support will remain tangible for some time to come, but acutely aware they all have responsibilities and families that will require them to return to their own lives. I would ask that you all check in on me from time to time as you are enabled by our God to be a part of the support system I will need in the days, weeks, months and even years ahead.
I am excited to share that at about the same time as her passing a dear loved one accepted Christ and experienced His love! I hope that this will be only the first of many lives that were so touched by the Love of Christ in her and will experience the unconditional love and reconciliation with God as a result.
I suspect that this blog, Sonya's Journey, while I don't expect to rename it, may become more of a "Simon's Recovery after Sonya's Journey" sort of thing as I may choose to continue to post about my own Journey of grief and recovery. I suspect, my story will not be as exciting or full of wonderful experiences or travels as Sonya's has been able to share with you all. But it may serve to keep you all aware of how I am doing, and remind you to pray from me and family form time to time. And someday, might serve to help someone else in their own journey.
In Christ,
Simon
Simon,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts both hurt and rejoice with you. Rebecca and I are thankful for yours and Sonya's testimony over the past 4 1/2 years. Thank you for your openness with everything. It has honored the Lord and been a help to so many. May the Lord's comfort and grace be your continued source of strength and encouragement in the days, weeks, and months to come. We will continue in much prayer for you.
Stephen Henderson
I am a friend of Katie and Phil and worked with them and Sonya at a summer camp in 1998. Although it was so many years ago I have vivid memories of her energy and her smile and her love for the Lord. I recently lost my Dad and although he had lead a full life and it can not be compared to the loss of a young, beautiful life, I understand your grief and shock. You think you are ready and even though you know they are passing on to much better place than the one we are in it is hard to imagine life without them. You will be in my prayers in the days ahead!
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry for your loss. (I worked with Sonya at Southland years ago) I know you don't know us and we don't know you, but I can only imagine the grief you're experiencing. We are praying for you now and in the days to come, that you would know God's peace and comfort like you never imagined you could experience. His grace truly is amazing and sufficient.
ReplyDeletePlease know that our family is praying for yours! We are so thankful that the Lord's grace is sufficient, even through our darkest valleys. We will continue to pray!!
ReplyDeleteSimon my family and I have been praying for you and your family. I knew Sonya when she was a college student and I worked for the Dean of Men's office. She was always helpful and had a sweet spirit about her. May God's grace keep you all from this point forward.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your great loss. My husband Joel and I had the joy of knowing Sonya in Pensacola, through our friend Tracey. We got to attend your beautiful wedding. (We were married just a couple months before ya'll.) We'd been following Sonya's journey since she was diagnosed and praying for complete healing. Please know that we will continue to pray for you and your family, and Sonya's family as well.
ReplyDeleteSimon, I am so very, very sorry for your loss. We have been praying for you and your family and will continue to do so. I knew Sonya from college. We are praying for strength, peace and comfort for you.
ReplyDeleteSimon, my husband and I are friends with Rich and Angela. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of loss. We pray that you will sense the love and comfort of our dear Savior and that He will provide divine strength for you in the coming days.
ReplyDeleteSimon, I had the pleasure of meeting you a few times before Sonya found out about her sickness.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry for you loss and I have not stopped praying for you and your family. I am glad you have decided to keep this blog open for your journey. I will continue to pray for you as you go through this most devastating loss. I will miss Sonya...she inspired me every day!! She was amazing in her love for life, family, friends and Our lord and savior. I will continue to pray for you each and every day.
Simon I am so sorry for your loss. (I was Michael's roommate and co-worker with Sonya and Michael in college.) Sonya was always such a joyful and encouraging person to be around. I am praying for you and your extended families. May God grant His overwhelming grace to you in the days to come as we all wait and long for THAT day when we are all together in Heaven. In Christ, Brian Fairchild
ReplyDeleteHI Simon.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is breaking for your right now. I know that you do not know me, but I am a breast cancer survivor [4 years] and I was in the fashion show with Sonya a couple of years ago. There really are no words that I can say to your right now that will ease your grief, but I can tell you that I will continue to pray for you as you go forth. I am so sorry for your loss. Jeanne Hamilton
Lamentations 3:22-24 Praying for you as you both rejoice that Sonya is in perfect form in Heaven with our Savior, but yet mourn her presence in your life. I am so sorry. We've prayed for you all for over 4 1/2 years, and we will continue to as you adjust to how your life looks now.
ReplyDelete~Tammy Schindel
Franklin, TN
simon- my husband anthony and i knew sonya at southland for several years and really enjoyed her fun, loving and outgoing spirit. how she would reach out to the kids that would come to camp. she could certainly be a crazy woman, and alot of fun!!! i also remember how she would pray, and give testamony to what God was doing in her life. it was a blessing to read the blog and continue to hear of all the ways God has moved in your lives. you will be in our thoughts and prayers! i hope and pray that God will give you peace and comfort. liz and anthony griffith
ReplyDeleteDear Simon,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I have known the Wessburg's since they lived in Nebraska. I went to church & school with them at Marshal Drive Baptist. I was a teenager then & I babysat them often. Sonya was a young 2&3 year old then who was very quiet & shy. She loved being read to & playing "house". We would play 'hide & seek' every time & she had to hide with her pal Lanissa. The thing I remember most vividly about her, was how she LOVED her Momma. When I would pass by them as Phyllis was talking to someone, I would bend down & say hi to her; she would cuddle further into her Mother's skirt, then smile at me as I walked away. I am so sorry for your loss Simon, no words seem sufficient; but what I do know we serve a God who loves & cares for us, & I know he will see you through. My prayer now is that God will show you his love, peace, & comfort. Continued prayers for you & your families.
Simon - my heart aches for you and your entire family. Even with time to process the "what if's" of her horrible battle, it still doesn't make the coming days, weeks and months any easier.
ReplyDeleteI adored Sonya. We had a bond through Keller (along with Rika) that was amazing and brought us all together. I so looked forward to having lunch with her every couple of months and to our frequent phone chats. She had amazing grace and poise, even during her darkest points in this battle.
Please know that Ryan and I are here to help you in any way possible, whether it be dinner together, a beer and football game or just prayer. We pray for strength and courage for you as you navigate the near future. Please keep my number handy and call me for anything. And please keep the blog going. It lets us all know where to direct prayers on your behalf.
Sending love and hugs,
Tracy
Simon - We met Sonya & her family at the Regular Baptist Camp at Clear Lake (IA) when she was a young teenager. She was a very sweet girl, most of the time! But when she was playing Dutch Blitz it was another story! Through no choice of my own,in my eyes, she will always be the fastest hand ever. Lars & Phyllis remain some of our closest friends,and we will continue to pray for all of you.
ReplyDeletePastor Brad & Marie Hansen
Hi, Simon,
ReplyDeleteAngela and I were in ensemble together at PCC. I also remember Lanissa, but not sure if I ever met Sonya. Anyway, I wanted to let you know I've been following since Lanissa gave me your info a week ago and I am so sorry to hear that Sonya has gone to Heaven- of course, not for her, but for her family and friends who are left here.
I have not lost a spouse, but I have buried two children in the past four years and am well acquainted with grief. Please know that my husband and I will earnestly keep you in prayer and please know that it's one minute at a time for awhile.
Lifting you and your family in prayers,
Jody & Kris Abernathy
Hello from Siberia,
ReplyDeleteI knew Angela as she and I went to PCC together. My husband and I are missionaries to Siberia, Russia. I have only a few days ago started following the updates on Sonya. I want to let you know I will be praying for you in the difficult days ahead. I appreciate you being open about needing support and maybe even posting on this blog to help yourself through the grieving process. Take it one day at a time. God will see you through this valley.
God bless,
Dee Dee (David) Sterling
We prayed for Sonya to be healed every day for the past few years and it is with tears streaming down my face that I write this. Even though we haven't spent time together recently, we miss her. The holiday meals, birthday dinners, and Settlers of Catan games are beautiful and sweet memories of Sonya and you that we will always have tucked in our hearts. Our hearts ache tremendously and cannot imagine the grief you are facing, but we will continue to pray for you and grieve with you.
ReplyDeleteWith warmth and prayers,
Erick and Rachel Martinez