Sonidos Serranos

Sonidos Serranos: Sounds of the Sierras...
Reflecting some of my family's interests: God's wonderful creation (especially mountains and hills!), music, and language...

Psalm 121:1-2 (NASB)

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

Showing posts with label Jonatán. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jonatán. Show all posts

20 April 2021

Preguntas difíciles...

(Publicado originalmente en inglés en abril 2012)

“¿Mamá?”

“¿Mmmm?”

“¿Por qué se está muriendo Jona?”

Ella estaba sentada a la mesa frente a mí, comiendo una merienda. Miré por encima de la pantalla del laptop y me encontré con esos ojazos azules, más grandes que nunca con esa pregunta. De manera franca y muy tranquila, la vocecita de mi niña de cinco años había captado lo que clamaban todos nuestros corazones...

“Bueno, mi amor, a menudo no sabemos por qué Dios está haciendo lo que está haciendo...”

Su pregunta me había sorprendido. Me mordí el labio, pensando...

“En realidad, nos estamos muriendo todos...”

“¡¿Nos estamos muriendo todos?!” Los ojos, siempre grandes, se hicieron aún más grandes y muy serios.

“Es por el pecado, y por eso Jesús tuvo que morir en la cruz...”



Y llegué solo hasta allí con esta publicación ese 10 de abril del 2011... Las demandas del cuidado paliativo, la falta de sueño, el cuidado de mi bebé de cinco meses y muchas otras demandas me impidieron volver a escribir.

Hay muchos ángulos en la historia, pero la respuesta principal es la que hablé con mi hijita de cinco años esa noche y muchas, muchas veces desde entonces; es la respuesta que desearía haber tenido tiempo y energía para articular en este blog esa noche. Pero, casi un año después (en abril 2012), JM resumió la respuesta en www.jonatorres.com.

¡Te invitamos a leerla, creerla y regocijarte en Cristo!

(La historia de Dios y la tuya”)

20 April 2020

Salmo 40:1-4

 Al SEÑOR esperé pacientemente,

  y Él se inclinó a mí

  y oyó mi clamor.

Me sacó del hoyo de la destrucción,

  del lodo cenagoso;

Asentó mis pies sobre una roca

  y afirmó mis pasos.

Puso en mi boca un cántico nuevo,

  un canto de alabanza a nuestro Dios;

Muchos verán esto, y temerán,

  y confiarán en el SEÑOR.

Cuán bienaventurado es el hombre

  que ha puesto en el SEÑOR

  su confianza...

(Salmo 40:1-4)

09 September 2019

#5KPérezScremini

¡Felices de haber podido participar!

O tal vez (en mi caso, por lo menos): “Yo caminé…” 😉

📷: Fundación Pérez Scremini


📷: Fundación Pérez Scremini


Por los #Valientes de la Fundación Pérez Scremini.

Y en memoria de Jona.

#SomosProVida

20 April 2019

Eight years ago...

We continue to be thankful, as Jona’s extended family, for you who take a moment to let us know that you not only pause to remember but also to pray – and to let us know that you’re remembering and praying! We appreciate you!

Today a former classmates of Jona’s posted on the family’s fb page:


8 years. It’s amazing how fast time flies.

I remember waking up 8 years ago around 4 in the morning. I couldn’t sleep and checked my phone to see the title of a blog “Jona is home.” My heart wanted to believe he had just made it home after another trip to the hospital, but that wasn’t the “home” being referenced.

If you didn’t know him, his obituary sums up his life as best I can find words to convey through social media:
“On his fifteenth birthday he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma cancer, which God used to demonstrate to thousands of others around the world how much Jona enjoyed the eternal life that the Lord had given him through the gospel of grace. He was a man of prayer and a warrior of the faith.”

I still remember sitting in chapel listening to his testimony through this video. A high schooler, but a young man that will never be forgotten. The memories come back every year, happy and sad, along with the joy of knowing we will see him again one day.


“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.”
(2 Corinthians 3:2-3)

[Thank you, Joseph, for sharing these thoughts...]

09 August 2018

We cling to Truth!

Tomorrow, August 10, we would be celebrating Jona’s 24th birthday. This picture was taken nineteen years ago on the day of my Mommy’s memorial service. My little buddy, Jona, didn’t understand all the implications of that day, but his tender little-boy heart knew how to comfort all the same...

[I love you, Buddy, more than ever!]

Adjustment to life without him is long and difficult... We appreciate those who pray for us as we miss him – more than ever! But we rejoice that Jona is in the presence of his Savior, whom he loved and served with joy during the sixteen and two-thirds years he was given here with us. And we look forward – more than ever – to the Day when all wrongs will be right and all tears will be forever wiped away.

Today we cling to Truth!

02 September 2017

Fútbol, Photos, and Eternity!

While touring the Museo del Fútbol yesterday, I paused and offered to snap pictures for visitors to the Estadio Centenario. As I handed back one smart phone, another visitor came up, asking E and me to take several pictures for him. I guessed his nationality from his friendly and confident demeanor (and the previous night’s event), but I still asked. Yes, he’s from right across the River!

In the course of our conversation, he asked where I was from and then, as many do, why our family had moved here to Uruguay. Besides telling him that I grew up here, I also mentioned our current involvement in the developing Bible College. A few minutes later, he mentioned (out of the blue) that he had an uncle and aunt in Mallorca (Spain) who “are also involved in church work” and he wondered if we might know them. JM and DJ had joined us by then. We ended up giving him a business card, linking to Jona’s Story and the message of Eternal Rescue; he said he would email us and also tell his relatives that he had met us and offered that, although he’s only a nominally religious person, he’d be interested in attending a church service with us next time he visits Montevideo.



I’m especially thankful when loves such as fútbol and photography give opportunity to share the Eternal Hope offered by the One whom we most love...

26 April 2017

Six years ago...

On April 26, 2011, I wrote:
Weeping for ourselves but rejoicing for Jonatan David Torres who is now singing in his Savior’s presence...
Today we say a brief “Good night!” We will see him and rejoice together forever on That Eternal Morning!

Photo taken on Christmas Eve 2010

The grieving process is difficult. And the ongoing nature of it often takes me by surprise, actually...

We are thankful, as extended family, for you who take a moment to let us know that you not only pause to remember but also to pray – and to let us know that you’re remembering and praying! We appreciate you!

Just this past April 21, one of Jona’s classmates wrote to me:
I wanted to let you know I was praying for your family yesterday. I first heard of Make-A-Wish when Jona was sick, and yesterday I became officially certified to be a Wish Granter. I had a chance to tell a little bit of Jona’s story and what a blessing your family has been, and I wanted to share with you the incredible impact Jona continues to have on my life.

We are thankful beyond words for comforting words like these and, above all, for our Loving Shepherd who faithfully leads us in righteous paths – for his own Name’s sake!

09 August 2016

Looking back...

On August 9, 2009, I posted a series of memories and requests here on this blog. So much has happened in the years since that day. And we miss Jonatán more than ever...

Celebrating Jona’s 15th birthday (in 2009)

Looking back seven years later, however, we can see that God graciously answered specific prayers in infinite ways. And HE continues to answer today...

We would love for everyone to know our Loving Shepherd personally. Will you read HIS story? Will you accept HIS invitation to wholeness?

25 April 2016

Remembering again...

Reposting... Remembering... Grieving... Rejoicing... Rejoicing in certain hope... Longing for Heaven... Thankful for Christ and for how HE shone through Jona’s life...

I you, Jonatán David Torres – more than ever...

Five years ago about 1000 people attended Jona’s memorial service. This picture, however, was taken almost seventeen years ago, the day of my Mommy’s memorial service. My little buddy, Jona, didn’t understand all the implications of that day, but his tender little-boy heart knew how to comfort all the same...

And a friend’s post from five years ago sums up the evening of Jona’s memorial service...

I attended a most beautiful and touching funeral this evening. Sixteen-year-old Jona basically preached his own funeral via pre-recorded testimonies. The principal, Steve Tompkins, did an excellent job, and God was truly honored. I’m praying for grace for Esteban, Esther and Marcos... God was truly honored and Christians were encouraged to Bow the Knee.

20 April 2016

Remembering...

Five years ago, at almost midnight on April 20, we kissed our beloved Jona goodbye for the last time on this broken earth. Esteban’s and Esther’s and Marcos’ lives had been consumed with his care during those last twenty months; our family had the privilege of assisting with hospice care during the last month. Adjustment to life without him is long and difficult...



We appreciate those who pray for us as we miss him – more than ever! But we rejoice that Jona is in the presence of his Savior, whom he loved and served with joy during the sixteen and a half years he was given here with us. And we look forward – more than ever – to the Day when all wrongs will be right and all tears will be forever wiped away.

Today we cling to Truth!

I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying:
“Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Then He who sat on the throne said:
“Behold, I make all things new.”
And He said to me:
“Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
(Revelation 21)

Jesus said:
“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
(John 11)


Please visit the website set up by friends and family and read how God changed Jona’s life and enabled him to face the most difficult of circumstances with contentment, trust, and joy. And today He can do the same for you!

24 December 2015

The Christmas Story!

Merry Christmas Eve!

This morning my brother Daniel shared a video (filmed by our uncle) of our Grandma reading the Christmas Story (from Luke 2). We’re thankful for the Christmases we shared with her at the farmhouse in Tillsonburg, Ontario. And I’m especially thankful for the memories of this Christmas (in 2004) at her little apartment.

Today, she and Jona are both rejoicing in the presence of our Saviour.

[Click on the picture to go to the video.]

As my brother Daniel said:
“What a way to hear the Christmas Story read!” 

10 August 2015

Jona’s Birthday...

It’s indescribably hard to know what to say on milestone days – days like today...


Today would be Jona’s 21st birthday... L

Sometimes the pain is sharp and cutting... Sometimes it’s a dull ache... Often there’s a feeling of incredible emptiness...

We miss him – more than words can possibly begin to express!

We’re thankful for tangible memories... (I’m simply going to compile the previous three birthday posts for today’s post...)

We look back, thankful for our Loving Shepherd who has faithfully carried us...


We look forward, thankful that He will faithfully carry us – forever! And we know that His words are trustworthy and true!


We choose to believe God’s promises! And we trust Him to continue to answer our prayers...


Please continue to pray especially for Jona’s immediate family!

28 April 2015

“These words are trustworthy and true!”

[John] saw…
A new heaven and a new earth.

And then he heard something wonderful.
A loud voice came from the throne saying,
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.
He will dwell with them,
and they will be his people…


He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,
and death shall be no more,
neither shall there be mourning
nor crying nor pain anymore,
for the former things have passed away…

I am making all things new…

Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

...

John awoke from his vision.

John smiled. John knew.

All God’s promises,
all the things Jesus had told him years ago,
were true!

...

He had seen the very good ending
waiting for everyone who follows Jesus as God’s king.

God’s forever people
will one day live
in God’s forever place
under God’s forever rule.

Can you believe it?

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!  


19 April 2015

“¡Confortaos . . . con estas palabras!”

Hace un año, una hermana muy querida de la Iglesia Bíblica Maranatha en Pando partió a la Presencia de nuestro Salvador...

Cuando recibimos la noticia, Juan Marcos escribió:
Esta mañana nuestra querida hermana dejó sus sufrimientos para servir, adorar y gozarse en Jesús para siempre.

El día siguiente, al compartir el dolor y las lágrimas de su familia, escribí:
Esta mañana, en el cementerio, yo no tenía palabras...
Pero Dios sí tiene palabras – palabras verdaderas de esperanza y de consuelo: 
No queremos, hermanos, que ignoréis acerca de los que duermen, para que no os entristezcáis como lo hacen los demás que no tienen esperanza.
Porque si creemos que Jesús murió y resucitó, así también Dios traerá con El a los que durmieron en Jesús.
Por lo cual os decimos esto por la palabra del Señor: que nosotros los que estemos vivos y que permanezcamos hasta la venida del Señor, no precederemos a los que durmieron.
Pues el Señor mismo descenderá del cielo con voz de mando, con voz de arcángel y con la trompeta de Dios, y los muertos en Cristo se levantarán primero.
Entonces nosotros, los que estemos vivos y que permanezcamos, seremos arrebatados juntamente con ellos en las nubes al encuentro del Señor en el aire, y así estaremos con el Señor siempre.
Por tanto, confortaos unos a otros con estas palabras.
~I Tesalonicenses 4
Fue un Viernes Santo que la enterraron a Nelli. Recordábamos que también fue un Viernes Santo, hacía tres años, que nos despedíamos de nuestro querido Jona...


Y el año pasado, el 20 de abril caía justo en el Domingo de Resurrección...

Hoy seguimos meditando en esta gran verdad:
Jesús dijo: “Yo soy la resurrección y la vida; el que cree en mí, aunque muera, vivirá, y todo el que vive y cree en mí, no morirá jamás. ¿Crees esto?
~Juan 11
¡Sí, Señor Jesús! Por tu gracia, creemos...

08 April 2015

Thoughts (from four years ago)

I’m reposting from JM’s fb status four years ago:
“Blood, gasps, DNC’s, sobs, empty chairs... The snake didn’t tell me when he offered the fruit. Remember this the next time idolatry looks so good.”

Today, I’m more thankful than ever for The Rescuer!
He will save His people from their sins...”

27 November 2014

Missing Jona...

Missing you, Buddy – especially today...

In my heart, you will always be my “Little Buddy!”


Remembering so many Thanksgiving Days we spent together as extended family – especially 2009 and 2010...

Thankful that you are now with Jesus, thanking Him face to face today and every day – forever! (Wow! What a thought...)

Love you and your family – lots!

23 October 2014

¡Vida Eterna!


Jesus says:
I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?
(John 11)
 
Thinking about Jona today... It’s been three years, six months, and three days since our Good Shepherd took him to Heaven...


Jesús dice:
Yo soy la resurrección y la vida; el que cree en mí, aunque muera, vivirá, y todo el que vive y cree en mí, no morirá jamás. ¿Crees esto? (Juan 11)

Pensando en Jonatán David Torres hoy... Hace tres años, seis meses y tres días que nuestro Buen Pastor lo llevó al cielo...

10 August 2014

Thank-you, LORD!

Today – August 10, 2014 – Jona would be 20 years old...
 
We miss him more than ever...

I’ve been wanting to write a good blog post... Words fail me...

Our loving Shepherd reminded me of a gem I found in late July of last year, while sorting through papers, preparing for our move to Uruguay:


I remember writing that specific prayer list for Jona when he was just a toddler...

And on this day that would have been Jona’s 20th birthday, I rejoice that our Savior graciously and abundantly answered – and is continuing to answer – those prayers...

22 January 2013

Random Moments Are Often Hardest

Following loss, random moments are often hardest.
 
He would have been graduating from high school this spring, but random moments on random days may be harder than graduation day will be...
  • Going to soccer games and remembering how much Jona loved the sport and how he excelled...
  • Seeing some of Jona’s best friends across the campus or across the room... Watching them become men...
  • Watching my own son grow, remembering some of the same milestones in Jona’s life...
  • Remembering the special bond between Jona and “DJ” (as he called him). I’m so thankful that our Little Man still gets excited about photos and video clips of his oldest cousin; he was only almost six-months-old the night of Jona’s home-going...
 Thanks, Sarah Joy, for capturing this moment on Nov. 30!
  • Waving good-bye to Esther and Esteban and Marcos as they back out of our driveway and start down the street, remembering the many times we waved good-bye when Jona was at the wheel...
  • Using a recipe Jona liked...
The last time Jona ate supper at our house, I served Greens & Rice Casserole. He was so sweet as he expressed his appreciation for the meal; I treasure the memories of the time spent together as extended family that evening. And even though that casserole was a dish we also liked, I hadn’t been able to make it since that evening almost two years ago...
 
At the very last minute before leaving on our latest trip, however, I’d thrown a pound of organic baby spinach into a zipper-bag and into the freezer. Upon returning home, I wondered how I’d cook it so my little people would eat it; I really didn’t want to waste it. Finally, after cooking the greens, I made myself pull out the recipe for that casserole...
 
And then... So many precious memories came flooding back with the memories of that last meal Jona ate with us at our house. And with the memories came the tears – and the renewed realization that it really is the random moments that are often the hardest and that catch us off-guard...
 
As you pray for loved ones now going through hardships, remember that our loving Shepherd sees moments only He can see – and He knows best how to comfort, strengthen, and give desperately-needed grace...

21 December 2012

Weeping... (and Hope!)

Twenty months have passed since the night of April 20, 2011. Together with Esther and Esteban and Marcos, we face our first Christmas in SC without Jona. The rest of our extended family faces the Christmas Season in Uruguay. At this time last year, we were all together in Uruguay.

But we are very aware that even as we sorrow (but not without hope), many families in the northeast of our country are facing grief beyond words this Christmas...

Others echo my thoughts better than I could ever pen them right now...

As we yearn for the Day of the Lord, we grieve with those who grieve. We sit with them and pray for them and acknowledge that their loss is truly unspeakable and that their tears are unspeakably true. We pray and look for openings for grace and the hope of the gospel. We do our best to speak words of truth, love, grace, and comfort.”

The darkness of Christmas, whether the first one or the one this [year], serves as a reminder of why Jesus had to come . . . and why He will come again...”


This life, with all its joys and blessings, is part of a long story that is – in a very real sense – a story of human pain and sorrow. We long for babies that never come. Children come but die in the womb before we get to meet them. Parents bury children they never planned to bury; and children bury parents with words left unsaid . . . and memories of words that should have never been said. We walk through the children’s cancer ward, where bright colors and happy toys fail to hide the stinging knowledge that here are little people who are very sick. Our hearts – and sometimes our voices – scream to the unanswering sky . . . “Why? Is this what it is to be human? Where is God in all of this?” And in our most honest moments, we admit that we’re tempted to question how there could even be a God who allows such suffering. These questions are not new. And though we will never understand all of the answers in this life, God has told us a lot about why we suffer . . . and about how the long story will finally end.” [Read the whole story: God’s Story and Yours!]