The above painting is one that Grace, Evie and Jim did a few years ago. They each put their thumbprint on the bottom corner. Below is a poem that Grace wrote. It was among the writings of hers that we found after the accident.

Love

By: Grace Achatz 

What is love?

Is it a racing pulse?

Or complete stillness?

Is it being held by the one you care about most?

Or watching from a distance?

Is it wanting to be with the one you love?

Or simply smiling?

Is it writing love notes to your closest friend?

Or being afraid to tell them how you feel?

Is it like watching a newborn pup and its mother?

Or watching an older married couple?

Love is all of those

It’s keeping by the one you love

A racing heartbeat

It’s sharing hopes and dreams for the future

Watching from a distance, or up close

It’s not being afraid to come to them with anything you need

Complete trust and faith in one another

It’s smiling just for the sake of smiling

A high-pitched voice

It’s simply saying

I love you

I just wanted to add a few more thoughts on love…

Love is…a husband who wakes up at night when I am crying and can’t sleep

Love is…having family who randomly send funny pins and pictures to me, just to make me smile

Love is…getting texts from friends with songs that they know I will love

Love is…having best friends who will hold my hand when I’m fighting a battle or will hug me until I’m ready to let go

Love is…a school family who supports and grieves along with us

Love is…having joy mixed with sorrow upon the daily reminders that my baby is with Jesus

Love is…while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us

Once when Grace was around 10, she came downstairs from her room and told us that God had just spoken to her. What He told her was that love was the key that unlocked heaven’s door.

She lived that word from the Lord. She loved, and she loved fiercely and without shame. I wonder how many unlocked doors stand wide open around heaven because of the love that Gracie freely extended.

Show someone love today, hug a little tighter, look in your friends faces, see what they are hiding. Be Jesus to those around you. Seriously, it is the greatest commandment.