A year ago, our daughter was born and died in my arms a couple of hours afterward. Today we celebrate what would have been her first birthday. We are in Mexico City with Areli's family and there is the smell of homemade pizza and apple pie filling the house. And we are about to go for the ice cream.
We are a bit sad but mostly thankful for everything God has done for us this year. We are thankful that Areli has recovered very well from the c-section and her subsequent gall bladder surgery. We are thankful for my health and God's protection--especially for all of the motorcycle accidents I DIDN'T have. We are thankful for the words of our pastor at Esther's funeral and more thankful for the assurance that she is with her Heavenly Father:
We mourn today, but we do not mourn as those who have no hope.
You cannot bring Esther back to you again. But someday, you will see her again.
Daniel and Areli, do not let anyone comfort you because you lost your daughter. You remember that something is not lost if you know where it is.
Esther is dead, but she is not lost.
Today we don't say "goodbye."
Today we say, "I'll see you later."
--Pastor Don Logan--Funeral for esther: an Easter message
Today we have published a new website to allow us to tell our story, to be an encouragement and help to some, and to give glory to God.
It will still be a while until we have most of the content completed but you can check out the preview: