It has been a hard start for 2012. I mean, I guess it's all perspective and God is teaching us every step of the way but there have been challenges to many of us Shelton family members and also my friends around in the past month or so. The most ground shaking event was as of this past week.. on January 18th, my cousin's 4 year old baby boy Shelton passed away. My heart breaks even typing such a tragedy and yet, God is here.. Shelton was 4 years old and three months. He had a horrible trouble with seizures and saw multiple doctors, had multiple tests done, and was in and out of the hospital. I can't say I understand God on this one... Then again, it reminds me of when Sarah Elizabeth passed away over 10 years ago now... and I can't say I understand God on that one either.. but I trust. I wanted to mention Shelton because I think it is so important to remember loved ones and to not be afraid to talk about them. I didn't get to be around Shelton as much as I wish to be. I do know he was an adorable little boy who loved Thomas the Tank Engine, the farm, and his family. I also know that this little boy knew love. To see the amount of love and passion his family had for him is touching. Here is a photo I swiped off of facebook. We love you, Shelton, and will miss you. As the pastor said at your service, heaven is even nearer and dearer to our hearts. One thing that kept coming to mind was to say this:
Instead of saying rest in peace, Shelton, I say may you talk, laugh, sing, play, run, and dance without reserve in the light of the Lord. No more seizures. No more medications.
Andrew Shelton Burton
October 23, 2007 - January 18, 2012
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Psalm 23
