Jessamyn's Memorial Service

I was so devasted by Jessie's loss, that I had a memorial service at my local church. Below is what was said ....

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JESSAMYN
Unborn child of Trudy and Simon
December 19, 1997
Blackwood Church of Christ

Died: 18 November 1997
Due:  22 May 1998

We are gathered together today to commemorate baby Jessamyn - the child of Trudy and Simon. Jessamyn means "beautiful flower". Although none of us ever knew Jessamyn - for life was taken even before it started - we have a sense of loss because we know we will never have the chance to discover in what unique and individual ways Jessamyn would've expressed her beauty to the world.

We have no coffin before us today, no headstone will contain Jessamyn's name, but we recognise the loss just the same - for Jessamyn was a real person, and the loss deeply felt.

And so we grieve and recognise our loss today, and in particular we are mindful of the dashed hopes and dreams of Trudy and Simon.

We are also gathered to lovingly surround Trudy with our support, care and prayers in this their time of sadness and confusion. We are here to be comforted and enriched with hope as we trust in the grace and compassion of God who knows us all and loves each of us and every single human being infinitely and eternally.

At aa time of sadness and grief and loss such as this, it is in the healing words and promises that we find hope and comfort. The Bible promises that "The Lord heals the broken-hearted and bandages up their wounds;"
"Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted"

So, too, can we find peace and hope in the midst of our confusion and questions of, "Why did this happen?" We are reminded that death is not final. Jesus said : "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." The bible promises people and eternal dwelling place where "God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

We can be assured that Jessamyn has passed into the eternal care of God.

Let us pray: Loving God, in our time of sadness we turn to you, knowing you have promised to give us comfort. Each of us has a sense of sadness and loss at the loss of Jessamyn, and so we ask that you draw near to each of us, bringing the comfort, hope and peace which can only come through your presence in our lives. Amen

As I recite this reading from "The Prophet," a famous poem by Khalil Gibran, which confronts the confusion and questions of death and loss, I would like to invite you to reflect and think on your loss, grief, questions, and in your vulnerability, to be open to receiving as a gift the peace and grace and love to allow you to move into the future with hope. I'll pause for a few moments of silence after I conclude the reading before I lead us in the closing benedicition.