I’m posting the first of two “updates” from the medical update portion of Leaf by Leaf. After that I’ll be sharing exclusively from my blog page (a distinction without a real difference for how things will pop up). When we created Leaf by Leaf, the intent was to blog weekly. Maggie was in “remission”, and we were both itching to allow our writing to flow through different veins – find new inspiration.
God had other plans. Her remission morphed into relapse before the ink was dry on the tree design. So, the medical updates flourished while the blog shriveled. It has been my honor to give you a glimpse of God’s work in our lives through Maggie’s journey. I’ve plowed this fertile ground for 4+ years. How do I not write?
I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. Psalms 89:1.
I must rush to paraphrase: I will write of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my pen I will make known your faithfulness. You really don’t want me to sing. That’s the other Cranford girl. But I’ll write as long as He is faithful to inspire.
This post is a thank you. In a few days, when thoughts are ripe, my final medical update will be putting Maggie’s final two weeks into focus. We want to give you some perspective from our vantage point.
But first, tonight. I’ve sat on my bed most of the day (in pjs) with mostly dry eyes – I think they needed a well-deserved break. I’ve been catching up on FB posts (sorry for the lateness), reading cards, and reflecting…..
Many of you have moved lock-step with us from day one. Others joined as we met you or you heard of us. But you all crossed the finish line with us. Well done. Your hearts bled, tears dripped, laughter escaped, hopes dipped, spirits soared right with ours. But your faithfulness never wavered. Thank you for never letting us walk alone.
In this painful season of loss, you have already begun to minister to us: visits, calls, food, texts, messages, food, hugs, tears, food, gifts, promises, food.
A mighty throng overwhelmed us with love Thursday night. Thank you for your patience in allowing us time with each fellow visitor. One person, who came near the end and had waited several hours, commented (more than asked), “You’re a hugger, aren’t you?” I am or have grown to be. I wanted to hear every consolation and story. Several traveled the miles – from across the country and out of our distant pasts- to reach us. Some of you had to leave but signed our book. Many came tired and weary from long days at work. Thank you for showing extravagant love to grieve with us. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18. God came near us through you.
Planning and executing the service, we were blessed with the dream team. The order of service came together around our dining table with four ministers (Darryl, Paul, Scott, Phil) in perfect unity. They humbly assumed their roles to jointly bring us all to worship. Music is a “big thing” to my family. It’s our language of worship, accompanies our travel, constitutes much of our entertainment, and pulls us together. My music people led us to the perfect selections (Molly, Charlie, Lindsey, and Paul). Our hope for Maggie’s Life Group guys to serve as pall bearers met with perfect timing. They were all willing and available. Our personal media team pulled a miracle with the program materials. And the flowers…… there are no words. Maggie would have loved them.
As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another. I Peter 4:10.
Friday morning the service was the sweet time of celebration and worship we prayed it would be. Thank you to those who came and also to those who wanted to but could not. Thank you to all working behind the scenes in roles we didn’t see. Thank you to the Lamar County Sheriff’s office for organizing an escort to the cemetery befitting a visiting queen. We watched in amazement as our path was cleared. To the many neighbors who stopped in true respect, thank you. And, finally, Life Journey BF class, you hit it out of the park with lunch. One relative asked us, “Is this catered? This is amazing!” We had a refreshing time with our family before returning home to rest.
We are resting. And continuing to thank God in every remembrance of you – and her.
You continue to amaze me with your words and enduring faith! So beautifully written ❤️
Your fsmily is amazing! Only God could enable you to encourage and minister to others through the loss of your own precious child. I know God is and has been glorified at all times, in ways you haven’t even noticed. Your gift of writing….your words have ministered to me more than you know as I myself have experienced inconditional grief in recent days. Thank you for being so transparent in this journey. We grieve with you over Maggie’s departure but also rejoice with you on her arrival at the gates of heaven! May god provide sufficient grace, comfort and strength in the coming days…..
I have had you all constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Your writings have taken us with you on this journey and moved us deeply. Thank you for that. Lives across the country have been touched,,I had a friend from Colorado and one from South Carolina who had followed Leaf By Leaf call me when they saw that Maggie had transitioned home, We will be praying in the days ahead as you find your new normal. Our love goes with you in the days ahead. Maggie was an amazing young lady and oh the wonderful legacy she leaves behind will live on.. I know that her, mamaw and Billy are having a great time. Probably having some chocolate cake or donuts..
I’ve thought about you all day. Thankful for rest for you! We are only a phone call or may a yell away. Love you all.
As always, an inspiring and beautiful post. I don’t know either of you personally but feel as though I know you well as you’ve shared your heart in each post. I didn’t try to come because I knew there were so many who DID know you and needed to be there with you all. I have kept you in thought and prayer and will continue. I look forward to every post. You have a gift of pen and I thank you for sharing it with us. Love in Christ ~ Mona Gipson ????✝️????
You have shared such an amazing story of the very difficult journey y’all have been on these few short years. I am humbled to have been able to follow your lives and to pray for y’all along the way. God is so faithful. Love to you and your family. Susan
Love to your family, so wanted to be there but due to an unexpected death in our family we could not be with you. Continue to pray for you daily. ❤️
Melissa, your writing is absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of a very personal journey with your family these last 4+ years. I’ve been praying since day one. Y’all’s strength and faith have touched me so many times during this journey. I do know one thing….Heaven gained a beautiful angel when God called Maggie home. I am continuing to pray for y’all ????????❤️
We have thought about you guys all day. Praying for peace, comfort, rest and joy.
The service was so beautiful and honored Maggie “practically perfect in every way”! I love her so much! That sweet smile is forever etched in my mind. The beautiful sunset today reminded me of her and I wondered if God let her do the honors of painting it today. I took second and third glances at people that reminded me of her. I’m going to miss her so much but so happy she has seen the very face of God! I’m just a little bit jealous but I know I will see her again! I am so thankful God gave us 4 years and 3 months with her and in that time to see her faith, her hope, her perseverance and strength blossom into the beautiful servant she became allowing Him to use her for His glory. My memories are beautiful and will carry me until I see her again. Thank you Jesus for letting me know her and love her
I will continue to pray for you. I know there will be good days & bad ones. But you all have such a strong faith in God I know he will always be there for you. I know Maggie was such a blessing to you as well as you were to her. I admire your strength & care through these 4 years. I know we prayed for healing & God did heal Maggie in His own way. We love you all & will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Pat & Terry
May God’s Love continue to flow over You our Hanberry’s with His Grace, Peace and Mercies thru the daily struggles to come… God’s Blessings
Thinking & praying for all of u. In Christ.
Greer
Melissa and family, I know y’all don’t know me, but I feel like I have known you. Your posts and faith d strength have been amazing. And for Maggie she is definitely a child of God, what an amazing young lady! What an angel heaven has received! It has been my honor to pray for y’all. I will continue to keep all in my prayers???? Your families faith and strength have helped me in so many ways! Sending my deepest sympathy,
Thank y’all for allowing us to journey with you. Thank you most of all for pointing us to Christ no matter the circumstance and reminding us where our Hope is! We will continue to miss and grieve over Maggie this side of eternity but anticipate the day we will all be united!!! Praise God for His healing and hope! We love you all and prayers will continue!!! ❤️
Melissa, thank you for sharing Maggie’s and your family’s journey so we could come alongside in prayer. Your family’s faith and love for God and each other is truly inspiring. I believe that on this side of Heaven, no one will never know just how many lives have been touched by Maggie’s and your family’s faithful witness. My family and I continue to pray often for each of you and ask that God continue to hold you close and surround you with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Melissa, thank you and your family for sharing your Maggie and her story! The journey has been amazing and inspirational! Watching that beautiful young lady and family show so much grace and faith, inspiring so many to look harder at our faith! I feel blessed to have been able to follow Maggie’s beautiful story written by a mom who has an amazing gift to write with so much love . Thank you all for sharing Maggie with us all!
Your updates were so well written and I have admired your faith and love for God throughout your journey. You have such a love that we all need to have. You will surely have a place in Heaven next to your beautiful Maggie. Our prayers are with you and your precious family through the days ahead.
Dearest Melissa, we never met but I heard about Maggie through my friend Julie Staires. It has been a privilege to pray with you and for Maggie and your family throughout this difficult journey. Your strength and faith have touched my heart in a way I can’t explain. I rejoice for Maggie that she’s whole, healthy and living what we all look forward to but this Mama’s heart hurts for you. I will continue to pray for you and your family. Thank you for the honor of walking this journey with you. Love in Christ.
I was unable to attend but have watched, read and listened to every word. My prayers are with you two. And sweet daughter. I will pray daily for you!
Praising!
Thank you for allowing me to join in this journey. Be Blessed as it continues and God continues to amaze your family with His blessings.