My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to the Hitchcock and Parke family without ceasing, as today they celebrate the life of their precious four-year-old son, grandson, nephew, great-grand, and brother.
When I read through comments and articles in the newspapers, it is evident that this boy, even though he has only walked this earth for a short time, had a huge impact on all those he came in contact with. As you can tell from the borrowed photo, Hayden Hitchcock had an infectious smile.
When tragedy strikes you, you question, hurt, and cry out; all the while God is looking down on you wanting to comfort and strengthen you.  When you find yourself in a difficult situation that has brought you to your knees or even flat on your face, you have no place else to look but up.  That’s when you look up and notice that our great God is looking down on you.
I cannot imagine what Hayden’s parents (Kristen and Brett) are going through, but I do know a Parent who does; our Heavenly Father.  Even though the circumstances are different than His was when His Son passed, God knows. He knows how one feels, the thoughts racing through their minds, their mumbled prayers when one’s words may not be clear or they may not even not what to say.  He knows.
God also knows how to strengthen, comfort, hold, love, and help you bring glory to Him through it all.
In Isaiah 41:10 the Lord says, “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”  He will.  God will reach out, take hold of you, and wrap you in His loving arms.
This precious family is a family of faith.  Their belief, trust, and confidence in God have been, and will continue to be, evident.  Will all their faith bring Hayden back?  Not physically, but through conversations, stories shared, sights of his favorite hero Captain America, and precious memories will keep Hayden’s memory alive.  Will they see Hayden again?  Not here on earth, but absolutely when we all get to Heaven.  I can imagine Hayden sitting and smiling on Jesus’ lap, and then when God tell Jesus to come back and get His bride (us), Hayden will be jumping with open arms when he sees his momma and daddy.  Oh, what a sweet sight.
In John 16:33 we are told that, “In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!”  Yep, troubles will come, but… “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.” Romans 8:18.  Until then…When heartache comes, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18.  Until He comes… “We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. ⁵ And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:3-5.
Be strong Hitchcock and Parke family.  Be strong in the Lord, know that He will use you for His glory, and hold onto hope.
Thank you all for praying for this dear family. This Celebration of Life will not be a good-bye, just a see you later.
I pray many blessings and much joy for you! – Stephanie