Freed by Hope by Jenna Brandt

Author:Jenna Brandt [Brandt, Jenna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jenna Brandt Books
Published: 2019-11-24T06:00:00+00:00

As Hope walked into church by her mother’s and cousin’s sides, memories flashed through her mind of her brother’s funeral the year prior. Everyone’s heads turned to them and the townspeople’s sorrow-filled eyes rested upon the trio. Hope felt herself draw inward from the scrutiny.

The majority of the town was present, evidenced by the rows of pews completely full as they made their way to the front. Not surprising, since the entire town loved Gregory, a by-product of being born and raised in Myrtle Grove.

Virginia Howell was sitting in the front row and motioned for the three of them to sit next to her. A few moments later, Pastor Howell took his position behind the pulpit.

“Dear friends and family of the Hammond family. We are gathered here together to commemorate the life of Gregory Allen Hammond,” he glanced down with a sympathetic smile at where Hope, her mother, and Wyatt sat, “and support the Hammond family during this difficult time.”

“Usually, anniversaries are happy occasions, bringing joy to those that gather together on the day of remembrance; but there are also anniversaries for tragedies where tremendous loss is the focus. The death of a loved one has a ripple effect that spreads out and touches every aspect of a person’s life. Grief isn’t temporary and doesn’t disappear simply through the passing of time. It can and will change, but the loss and the hole left behind by the person we love never goes away.”

“However, we can choose to remember our loved ones and share the fond memories we have of our time with them. This leads me to what I feel we should do today to honor Gregory’s memory. I want to allow anyone who wants to come up and share a special memory they have of Gregory.”

A few moments passed, and Bonnie Baker stood up. She made her way to the front of the church. She smiled first at Pastor Howell and then turned to face the rest of the assembled townspeople.

“Good morning, everyone. I just wanted to say that Gregory was such a kind, young man. I remember a couple of years ago, I was coming out of the mercantile and slipped in the rain dropping my packages. Gregory bent down, and not only helped me pick all of them up, he carried the packages home for me. He even offered me his umbrella.” Bonnie looked at the Hammond family and her brows came together in a furrow as her eyes teared-up. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Joanna, you raised a wonderful man. He is and will be sorely missed always.”

Bonnie left the front of the church and took her seat again, allowing Mrs. Little—the Myrtle Grove school teacher—to come forward.

“I had the pleasure of teaching Gregory ever since I moved here to accept the position as the local school teacher six years ago. He was the most dedicated student, and so helpful. He helped take care of the younger children, and stayed after school often to help me clean up.

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