Summer sadness

I visited a lovely young couple yesterday. They have a ten-month old son, and want a baptism and wedding all in the same service. Great - I love those services; they're such happy occasions.

But on this one there's a a deep underlying sadness, for last week, the young mother was told she had between three and six months to live. Hence a need for speed in organising the service.

I hope it can be a really happy occasion for them. They are so much in love and it's almost impossible to imagine how devastated they, and the extended family of grandparents and siblings, must feel. The young mum has already asked me to conduct her funeral service, and will be planning it just as soon as the wedding is over.

Could you hold Steve and Rachel in your prayers? They need all the help, strength and endurance they can get.