Dear Henry

Matt Skinner: Time Heals All Wounds?: "Matt Skinner

I'm a husband, father, son, brother, pastor, and friend trying to strengthen his grip on his life, purpose, and health.

Thursday, May 29, 2008
Time Heals All Wounds?

Yesterday, I attended a memorial service for the 5-month-old grandson of a friend of mine. Little P.J. had Fanconi Anemia. The service was succint and hopeful. The officiating pastor did a masterful job of leading us through what is arguably the most difficult type of funeral to do. I've only done funerals for adults; none for kids and especially none for infants. The pastor stepped up to the challenge and did it in a gracious and loving way, offering hope and help without being preachy or overbearing. A slideshow of photos of P.J. was shown, as well. Very moving and emotional. The pastor quoted P.J.'s Mom as saying that she loved him since the stick turned blue!' Everyone laughed. I imagine the impact of this loss will be felt for a long time to come.

Yesterday was also the 11-yr-anniversary of the passing of our son, Steven Chandler Skinner. He was born at 22 weeks, and died shortly thereafter the same day, for obvious reasons. Vital organs and systems aren't quite far along enough at that point to sustain life. The honest truth is, I don't believe I've completely worked through that. It's still very painful.