There are some days I wish would never come. Like the day we lost a friend, a daughter, a mom, a sister… These days leave me with many questions. Like a child, I ask why over and over again. God always answers the same way.
He answers in love.
He answers in mercy and grace.
He answers in the gift of community.
He answers in comfort and healing.
He answers by capturing our tears and holding our hearts gently in His strong hands.
He answers with the promise of an eternal life shared with Him and the ones we love that have gone before us.
On the day that Carmen passed away, the scripture that began our family devotional read: “Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39.
Today, we will come together not as mourners but as rejoicers to celebrate a life shared, a life lived, and a life eternal. We will remember that God is for us and His love is with us – just as Carmen did.
Heart Shaped Raindrop
Written by Carmen Duppenthaler
June 21, 2013
I could not wait to get home and share this amazing phenomenon with everyone!
Early this morning, Jeff and I drove to Swedish Issaquah for my PET Scan. As we were driving over Squak Mountain, a large raindrop hit the windshield and took the shape of a heart. It was directly in my line of sight, so I couldn’t miss it. I said to Jeff, “look someone is sending me love”. I quickly reached for my phone to snap a photo before it washed away. Amazingly, it stayed long enough for me to capture it. The timing of this raindrop could not be more perfect.
This past week I have felt very alone and have questioned my faith. After finding a lump on my lower back near my spine, I got angry with God and told Him so. I got scared and let my mind wander to dark territory I usually avoid.
I believe someone sent me this heart shaped raindrop to tell me that I am not alone. It was a gentle reminder to keep the faith and keep believing. I feel completely rejuvenated and have new found hope. This raindrop of love changed my outlook. Thank you to the kind spirit who sent it to me.
Today’s scan went well. I even did the scan without anti-anxiety medication. I felt a rare sense of calmness and somehow knew I didn’t need it. I see Dr. Wahl on Tuesday June 25th for my results. Until then, I will keep visualizing the heart shaped raindrop ♥
♥ Carmen
Parsianna
January 31, 2014Thank you for sharing this with us. I wish I could have known Carmen and her family. God be with them today, They all need your shoulder. ♥
Terry Abrams
February 1, 2014Carmen, one of the truly most courageous, inspirational human being I never met, I knew you through the loving stories and memories of my amazing friend and adopted little sister,your cousin Angela. Carmen, you can rest assured knowing that the beauty and grace, the love and laughter that was you, will live long after in the memories you once shared with your family and as a pivotal member of the craziest trio of women ever “the magpies!” Rest in peace knowing that you will live on forever in the hearts and minds of all who knew you, and of you, and were touched in some way by your courage,your strength and your faith. In the words of your cousin….only the good die young