Grief Again

On August 1, we received news that the young son of Eric and Bri McKinney (our nephew and niece-in-law) had died in the womb and they were at the hospital preparing for his birth. Bri was around 21 weeks pregnant. Once again, grief and loss had touched our mortal experience.  Eric and Bri live in Logan and Eric had just graduated with his PhD in Statistics and had begun his ideal job in space dynamics. This little one was their fifth child and their second boy.  So, once again, we gathered as a family to provide support for them in this holy time.

Many sent food, flowers, texts and cards.  Others helped with their kids, with hugs, and prayers.  Grief is a time of gathering close with the loved ones who are here and remembering the ones who have proceeded us. We shared some books for the children which we hope will be helpful now and in the future as the each manage their own feelings of sadness.

After visiting with Eric and Bri at her dad's house in Syracuse during that first week, I stopped across the street from the Syracuse Temple site.  Even though construction was busy on the site, it still brought a feeling of peace and remembrance.  Life and families are eternal.

I also went by the cemetery to make sure things were ready for the graveside service the next day.  I am glad that we have this spot where this little one's mortal body can be surrounded by some of his large family.

The first row---

Valerie and Allan Burk's marker--

The red cone marks the spot for his burial--just in front of him is my niece, Carmen, and a grand-niece, Hannah.

Eric and Bri named their son, Nicholas Joseph McKinney, and his spot is near his cousin, Hannah.

The Bakers are Gary's aunt and uncle.

We gathered as family on Friday morning, August 6th, in a sweet service for Nicholas.  Til we meet, little one at a future time when death will be no more.