Thursday morning, once I woke up my mom called me over to come and talk. She had the dress that I had made to wear to Carnegie Hall. I thought that she was going to say that she wanted me to wear it to the funeral, but instead she said that she wanted me to wear it to Carnegie Hall.
That morning while I was still sleeping she asked my sister Ruth if she would go with me to New York. My sister said yes and my mom made all the plans by the time I woke up. So Friday morning we took an early flight and made it to the award ceremony 10 minutes before I had to be there. It was very special and even though my brother passed away I like to think that he received part of that award as well.
(photos taken by Ruth)
Max and Joslyn from the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. They've always been so helpful and supportive of me and I'm so thankful for them.
My brother was 21-years-old and he’s now in Heaven with his beloved Jesus Christ who he believed in with his whole heart. I miss you Dan.
Oh Esther. My heart aches for you! It is so hard to lose someone you love but there is SUCH great peace in knowing that one is with the Lord. For being with Jesus is far better then being on this sinful earth. I pray that when you and your family are hurting that the Lord will give you an overwhelming sense of peace. xo.
ReplyDelete-esther
oh and another thing. You look absolutely beautiful in the photos.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss and congratulations on your award. I'm sure your brother was there in spirit.
ReplyDeleteEsther, I'm praying for you and your family. It's amazing what comfort God provides in times like these, but it's still so heartbreaking. I'm very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the award. Your sister shot some beautiful pictures of you!
i am so sorry for your loss! and i'm also glad you managed to have a special time despite everything! :) x
ReplyDeleteEsther, I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteOh Esther, how bittersweet life can be. I hope your art (as well as your family & friends) will help you through this awful grief. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry that you have to go through the loss of your brother. Both of you being so young, it's extra sad... Keep hold of your love of the Lord, and the knowledge that you will have a wonderful reunion in Heaven. I'll be praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteIt must be so difficult for you ):
ReplyDeleteYour brother should be happily with Jesus right now and would be so proud of your acheivements!!
I will be praying for you and your family.
I can't imagine how you must feel about losing your brother. These are beautiful photographs and I hope that you and your family are alright. x
ReplyDeleteI know that this won't help, but I'm so sorry for your loss. I know what it's like; I'll be praying for you and your family.
ReplyDelete-kelsey
Praying for you Esther! I'm glad that you are pulling through OK! Remember, God "makes all things work together for the good of those who love him and walk according to his purposes" Romans 8:28
ReplyDeleteI love you so much! I just wanted to let you know that you are surrounded in prayers. Things are okay, it just may not seem like it yet.
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ReplyDeleteYou're beauty very so , so much really.Invite to my blog.;D
ReplyDeleteOh honey, I'm so sorry for your loss, I'm sure he'll always be with you in your heart. However, I'm glad you got to go to NY and collect your very well deserved award, you look beautiful.
ReplyDeleteEsther, I was so saddened to read about the loss of your brother. I've been reading your blog for quite some time now and have my own, but for personal reasons (which I will share in a moment) have chosen to comment anonymously. I, too, recently lost my brother and felt that, even though I probably haven't commented on your blog before, I had to reach out to you. Although these times are difficult and the ache in your heart is the strongest you've ever known, remember to take care of yourself. Lean on your family and friends and rest assured that you will see him again.
ReplyDeleteEsther, looking at these vibrant photos of you and your sister, all I can think of is how incredibly proud your brother is of you right now, and always will be. You are an invaluable source of light and inspiration for us, and your brother was surely such a source for others during his lifetime. That's all there is to it in the end.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking of you and your family, and praying for peace in your hearts. You are a creative soul, and may God, in time, transform your grief into comfort and inspiration.
Do not be afraid to grieve, and please take care of yourself.
Love you,
Alice
I'm so sorry for your loss Esther! *cyber hugs*
ReplyDeletehttp://insunshineandshadowsmew.blogspot.com/
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. It's funny how when we believe in the afterlife with the Lord and know our loved one is with him, our tears are simply selfish tears. We know deep inside that they would never leave the magnificence of heaven, yet we still cry and mourn because we know we will never see them again in this life.
ReplyDeleteSending prayers for you and your family. As a mother myself, I cannot imagine going through the loss of a child. My heart aches for you all.
I'm so incredibly sorry Esther. My brother-in-law passed away unexpectedly last September. It's so hard.
ReplyDeleteI realized the other day, about 11 months in, that I switched gears from healing to wanting to heal. That may sound like a non sequitur. But I took stock and sensed that I had already begun feeling slightly better (healing). Then I realized that as many regrets as I have, I hope that I can feel peace in the future (wanting to heal).
I'm sending you hugs and encouragement as you continue bringing beauty to the world. Your grief is still fresh, and we have to trust that we can feel better than we do right now.