On August 28, 2009, we lost one of our precious orphans.
Four-year-old Lawrence passed peacefully from this life to the next (in the hospital), when (as far as we know), a fairly ordinary illness turned lethal in his fragile chest and lungs.
Lawrence had been at Acres of Hope for just over two years. Lawrence was abandoned at Acres of Hope by his mother, due to his severe limb and spine abnormalities, right before his second birthday.
(Lawrence, just less than two years ago.)
We are all devastated by this lost. There are so many questions in my mind right now. Yet God remains in control.
I still can't believe he is gone…
Patty Anglin (founder and director of AOH) had a very special relationship with Lawrence.
This is what she wanted to share:
I had just returned to my office after a busy day running from one place to another. We had a staff meeting scheduled and I headed for the conference room, but got distracted when hearing the whimpers of a baby. Lo and behold, under a chair in the waiting area was a little soul left abandoned, crying for someone to come to his rescue. As I looked down at this sweet hurting child I offered my arms to him as a refuge and protection from the harsh reality that he was left alone, likely never to see his familiar surroundings or mother again. He quickly responded by reaching his little arms out to me. As I picked him up, I felt a tear touch the side of my face. I held him close and whispered in his ear that God loved him and now so did I. There was a special bond that took place that day between Lawrence and me. God had entrusted me with one of His precious angels. I knew the road would not be easy for either of us as I committed to welcoming this little boy into my life.
God gives us the privilege of reaching out to those in need. What we get in return is the immense joy of experiencing God love and blessings as we strive to honor what He commands us to do. The road can be rough, the challenges many, but as we give of ourselves unselfishly, God promises His faithfulness and steadfast love through our journey of life. My comfort is knowing today, I did my best for God, and little Lawrence is resting in the arms of our loving Savior. I will miss my precious angel who touched my life in a profound way. For Lawrence...he is dancing with the angels in a perfect body. What joy to know his suffering is over. Lawrence's life brought a ray of sunshine for me and many others. I saw a baby grow into a sweet little boy and if only for a short time he helped me realize that God called me to reach out to the orphans in their time of distress. For us...we must remember there is still work to be done.
Little Angels
When God calls little children to dwell with Him above
we mortals sometime question the wisdom of His love.
For no heartache compares with, the death of one small child
who does so much to make our world, seem wonderful and mild.
Perhaps God tires of calling the aged to his fold
so He picks a rosebud before it can grow old.
God knows how much we need them, and so He takes but few
to make the land of Heaven more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult, still somehow we must try
the saddest word mankind knows will always be "Goodbye."
So when a little child departs, we who are left behind,
must realize God loves children, "Angels Are Hard To Find."
Love Forever,
Grandma Patty
Lawrence was matched with an adoptive family who loved him dearly and was anxiously waiting to bring him home. For reasons we can't explain, they will never see that day.
To the Son we never met,
You were such a hope to us in our quest to expand our family. We waited, anxiously at times, for that definitive word that said you would come and be our Son. That day was so joyous even with all your difficulties it didn't matter because together, with God at the helm, we would overcome them.
We showed your pictures to everyone who encompasses our family and they too prayed and dreamed of the day you would come and join us. People would ask, "Are you any closer to bringing your Son home?" Our response would be, "Only God Knows that answer."
We would hear stories of the joy and happiness you had and willingness to freely give hugs to everyone. We cherished those times for they helped us to hope and dared us to dream because you were in our hearts from the moment God spoke you there.
Now our Son, we must let you go to the Father's hands where you will bask in the glow of his unfailing and eternal love. Yes we will be sad that you couldn't come to be with us, but we understand what a great time you are having there, dancing with joy at the Father's feet.
We love you,
The Parents you never met.
Mommy
Daddy
& Brother Ben
Please remember those who loved Lawrence in prayer, including his adoptive family, the nannies and staff, and all the other AOH children. They have already lost so much, now they have lost a dear friend.
-Melodie (AOH Volunteer)
