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Blessed Hope
Here is the message written by JR's dad. He read at the Memorial service and some didn't get to hear it:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; reads “Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in ALL circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”
“This day is the most painful and difficult day in our lives because of the death of our son JR, our only son. I cannot understand and cannot comprehend why. I have so many questions that no one knows the answer, only God knows. But who am I to question God and His will. Who am I? He giveth life, and he taketh. I have no control of this tragic and unexpected event.
I felt the pain of our God, the Father when His only Son died on the cross for our sins. Death is the result of sin. When we were born we inherited this sin from our ancestors (Adam and Eve). The Father can send angels to save His dying Son, but because this is His will, His Son died for our sin. Even though it’s hard for Him, He did not intervene to save His son from dying.
In similar passion, we prayed to God, the Father to intervene and asked to save my son JR, my only son from dying. He can send angels and make a miracle to save my son, but instead, he took our son’s last breath and died. I believe that this is God’s will. I cannot do anything; it’s very very hard to accept the fact that JR my son has gone to sleep. The separation is so hard to bear, but I still praise and thank God for loaning and giving JR to us. It’s short 9 ½ years, but those years were the happiest moments of our life. JR is the apple of our eyes, the candle light that shine in our life and now he is gone. But, we have this hope, Our Blessed Hope that when Jesus, our Savior return in second coming, the angels who supposed to save my some JR from dying, now; those angels will return our son to us completely whole, without sickness, pain and suffering, no more tears and will be with us forever and ever.
Let me tell you something about my son JR. He always has a smile on his face. He never says anything bad. He obeys and respects me. He is my best friend and loves to be with me. He wants to be a millionaire so he can help the needy. He wants to be a pastor and preach Jesus around the world. He wants to be an author and write books. He loves to learn and asks so many questions. He always offers to help. He loves reading his Bible.
We always do things together and we have this father and son bond that you cannot believe. We prayed every night together. We prayed to God that his asthma and skin eczema will be healed and be completely gone, to have sweet dream and to protect him with Holy angels and wake up in the morning so that we can praise God. He loves Jesus. I cannot remember any night that he did not kiss me before he goes to bed. Monday night July 14 was the last one; he passed away Tuesday July 15, 2008. Our home will never be the same without him.
My son loves sports like bowling, basketball, putt-putt (mini-golf); swimming. He can do a split (he’s very flexible). He likes movies such Avatar, Spongebob Squarepants; Transformers and Scooby-Doo.
My son JR taught us a lesson, not only us his parents but also everyone that he met. The lesson is: To show Love and Respect to both young and old. He showed love and respect to anybody he encountered. He was so open to them. He touched so many lives and hugs anybody with compassion and authentic love.
Now my advice to you all parents is NEVER stop saying “ I Love You” to your children. I always reminded JR that I love him. I always told him: JR, I love you and you are my best friend. He knows that even until the last moment of his life. He passed out on my arms and keep telling him the word I Love You every second. I missed him so much. JR, my son, my only son. Until we meet again. I am praying that it will be really really soon".
Ruel Lipat
Dear JR,
First of all, I want to THANK God that he gave me you.
You're beautiful in words and deeds - that's why your're
special to me. Though it was just a a short time, I enjoyed
every bit of that precious moment when you we're together.
The way we hold our hands,your kisses and hugs are filled
with love...YOU WILL BE MISSED!
Loving you so much,
Mama
I'm having a such a hard time getting this letter done 'cus I can't think straight now that you're gone, "God,please help me out,show me a way"
That I may find the right words to say!
Dear JR,
I want you to know that I LOVE YOU so
And that I want you back so bad
That I don't know if I can ever let go
You see, you were the only one who could make me smile when I'm sad
The first person who was there when I needed a hug
And the one who checks to see if my curling iron's unplugged
I'm going to miss the fun times we had together
For nothing in this world can ever replace
The nights we stayed up late making jokes and laughing at each other
And the mornings when you wake,you'd give me a kiss on my face
I will never forget how happy I was the day you were born
For you were the miracle that we've been praying for,for so long
But now I just break down & cry when I see your toys & the clothes that you've worn
And I ask God, why did this have to happen? Did I do something wrong?
But inside I hear God whisper, 'Don't lose faith,daughter
I'm here to keep you strong'
But oh how I wish I could still hold your hand & take you to your favorite store,
Go to the beach & watch you play with the sand
I want to hear you call my name again & knock on my door
And play your silly little games on our living room floor
Things will never be the same now that you're gone
But this was God's will,for he could not no longer bare it,seeing you suffer
Although I want to give up, I know you'd want me to hold on
Do good,and have faith & wait just a little while longer
I trust God that one I'll see you again
But until then God, please help my broken heart mend
Love,
Ivy
*************
Dear JR,
You are a:
Jolly
Obedient
Smart
Humble
Unique
Artistic
Respectful 
Understanding
Encouraging
Loving
Loveable
Important
Patient
Awesome and a
Trustworthy brother!!!
I love you so much!! I miss all the great times we had. When we meet again there will no more suffering for you. We will be happy and healthy for eternity!! I will be strong because I know that’s what you would want. I don’t know what my life would have been without you. Now nothing will ever be the same. You mean the world to me! Your the one who always wanted me to become successful on violin. JR you will be missed Again I love you!!
All my love,
Rachel Lipat
