Saturday, March 29, was the worst day of my life in all of my 28 years.
My big brother Michael unexpectedly went to be with the Lord. He was only 40 years old. He went to sleep Friday night and didn’t wake up Saturday morning. We are beyond devastated & absolutely heartbroken…
My heart hurts especially for my sweet parents & the precious family he left behind. No parent should ever have to bury a child. And my sister-in-law, who has been by his side for the last 21 years, is now a widow and going to be raising their four beautiful kids (including a 6 month old baby who will never know her father) on her own. I just cannot imagine…
Michael & I had a really special bond. He was my friend & he meant so much to me. His speech at our wedding was one of my most precious memories of the whole weekend, especially because I know how much he hated speaking in front of people. He was so nervous! He really loved Jonathan too….always called him “brother” and they were pretty inseparable at family functions. They were supposed to work together today actually. I just can’t wrap my mind around the fact that we are never going to see him again and I feel totally overwhelmed when I start thinking about it.
And of course I can’t help but have regrets. I wish I would have spent more time with him…told him how much I loved him….prayed for him more. Friends, go hug your loved ones and tell them how much they mean to you often. I know we hear that often, but tomorrow is not promised to any of us and you just never know…
Our faith, family, & friends are getting us through day by day. I cannot imagine going through this without faith….the only comfort we have in knowing the promises of God’s Word. Knowing that God will never leave us and never forsake us. That He works together for the good, even we do not understand it. That He will give us peace that surpasses all understanding and comfort us as we mourn. Michael knew the Lord as his personal Savior, and we find comfort and peace in knowing he is in the arms of Jesus.
Still, this is the hardest thing I have every experienced. My heart hurts beyond words. The next few days are going to be unbelievably tough for our family as we lay him to rest on Thursday. I know I have some prayer warriors that read the blog, and I would really, really appreciate prayers for our family during this time. Especially for my parents as they bury their only son. For my sister-in-law as she buries her husband, best friend, provider, and the father of her children. And for the kids as they bury their daddy. Also, for us siblings as we say goodbye to our brother.
RIP Michael Rainey. You are forever in our hearts and will be so missed…