Somewhere over the Rainbow

Today was a tough day. It was the day we joined our good friends Jordan, Kari & Peyton and their families in our farewell to the sweet and precious Drew.

Keegan, Josh & Connolly have prayed earnestly and only like a child can that Drew would be healthy and happy again, so it was important for them to know Drew is in heaven, and he is healthy and happy. Plus, they are Peyton's friend and even at such a young age, it would be nice to Peyton to have a support group amongst his peers.

Not surprisingly, the funeral home was packed to the brim with those who loved Drew, who were touched by Drew, who will be forever changed because of Drew. Drew, in his 14 months of life, made a bigger impact on people than many of us will do in our lifetime. What a blessing it is to have known Drew, even for such a short time. Our lives will never be the same again.

The service was absolutely beautiful; the words spoken and songs sung couldn't have been more perfect. The tears flowed freely from my eyes, especially during the moving slideshow tribute to Drew. Keegan, Josh & Connolly did so well during the hour-long service and they quite enjoyed seeing a picture of Drew with Harvey the Hound, taken at their 3rd birthday party in May.

It was an honour to see Kevin, Patti, Marnie and Dennis, as well as a few other friends and family wearing the button pins we had made for the boys, Peyton and some of their friends as a way of helping them remember Drew.

The hardest part though, personally, was giving my 'in person' condolences to Jordan, but particularly to Kari. From one mother to another, I am heartbroken for her and I struggled to find the right words. I cried, she cried, we hugged each other tightly. No words were needed.

We also got a chance to express our condolences to Marnie & Dennis (Kari's parents), Kevin & Patti (Jordan's parents) and to Nicola (Jordan's sister), Nicole and Kevin (Kari's sister & brother). That extended family unit is the strongest I have ever seen and we have gained faith and strength in watching them endure the heartbreak.

Jordan & Kari, along with their families exemplify everything it means to be a faithful child of God; trusting in him from the very first day Drew began his journey to heaven. We will forever admire their strength, their faith, their love and their compassion for those of us who knew and loved Drew from outside the family.

You will never be forgotten, sweet Drew. We will see you again one day in Heaven, that beautiful place, somewhere over the rainbow.