One year ago today, we lost the love of our lives, our sweet boy, Weston Luke Guiltner. We believe he is in heaven, and someday we hope to see him again.
You may, or may not believe in God or heaven. In many ways, it is a huge stretch of faith to believe in something so outrageous. I’m not sure what to tell you except that I choose to believe, and I cannot help but look at this past year’s journey and recognize that there was some force, some power that has sustained our lives. That must be God.
We are sad. We are often empty. Yet, somehow we have managed to walk through this inferno of grief and despair. We have managed to work, and accomplish big things. We have managed to communicate, encourage, and love others around us each day. We have managed to smile and laugh often. We have managed to get up in the morning and carry on in this life. It has been a struggle at times. It will continue to be a struggle at times. But my only explanation as to how we have made it through – is our faith in the God that gives and takes life. It is not by our own strength that we have survived this – for our strength is not enough to bear the loss of our Weston. And if you ever had the pleasure of meeting him, you know why.
Weston, who only lived for 21 months, leaves a rich legacy. As long as Erin and I draw breath, we will always keep his legacy alive – for he is a part of us.
Dear Weston:
We miss you so much. You were a burst of energy: a force of love and acceptance to everyone you ever met. Your energy, sense of humor, creativity, and charm were a gift from God. While you were here with us, you knew you were loved – we never let you doubt that, and we will always express our love for you – even in your absence.
Dear God:
Thank you for giving us Weston. Please continue to hide me away in the palm of your hand. . .
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BEAUTIFUL!!
Hi Clayton and Erin! You don’t know me but I am friends with Lanissa Brantley. I have followed your blog during this past year. I have prayed for you SO many times. I am praying today, I know it has got to be a hard emotional day. Clayton, thank you for being so transparent in your writing. It has been such an encouragement to me. Take care!
That was a beautiful video, Mr. G.
Clay ~
Thank you for this wonderful video.
If only I can type the words how you and your family have touched my life, I wished I had the opportunity to had seen Weston and got to know who he was while he was here. I felt a closeness like he was present in your house, the pictures of him on your walls and how you talked about him was wonderfull. I just finished watching your video and it brought many tears into my eyes, happy and sad. Your video captured a wonderfull feeling in my heart, I felt like a part of me knew Weston. My prayes go out to you and Erin, God bless both of you!
Thomas Winkj
Dearest Guiltner family,
My sweet friend Meg introduced me to your website last year. In an email today she reminded me that it has been one year since Weston went home to be with the Lord. Wow!!!! We can only imagine what it will be like to see him again, shining with the Glory of the Lord. God has used you as a testimony to his will and his power that surpasses all. I am saying a prayer for you tonight and my heart shares a little part of your sadness hoping to take some away. God bless you and shine upon you!
Jennifer Allen
Although you don’t know me, Meg Sweeney also introduced me to your family a year ago. I have been praying for you ever since. The Glory of God is seen in your faith and in your beautiful son. May God bless with with a peace that transcends all understanding at this time of rememberence.
Ashley Servine
I also have never had the pleasure to meet your family. Tosha robinson is my sister-n-law. I have been reading your blog this last year, and praying for your family often. Your son is very loved by many, that is always a blessing. I pray your family is being wrapped in Gods love. Thank you for allowing me to share
Thank you for saying it is okay to cry… for I cannot stop crying. I have been thinking about this date for a long time and the significance of it. I have a pain in my heart for you and Erin that I can’t explain.
On one hand, today could be a milestone… to be relieved that you survived the past year and on the other hand I still experience utter anguish when I think about Weston, your loss and the pain that probably one of the sweetest and kindest people, Erin, that I have ever known has been forced to bear.
I pray for the strength that you have to continue to increase— that would most certainly be a direct gift from God. Only He could carry you through this. Please know that so many people feel blessed to know and to have known you both…
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND PROTECT YOU AND GUIDE YOU.
MAY GOD BLESS AND HOLD WESTON CLOSE.
Thank you for sharing your life and your Weston with all of us today, tomorrow and especially this past year.
Love today especially,
Meg
I have followed your blog and feel like I actually know your family. Weston’s pictures and blog are touching in so many ways. It is beautiful to see the ways you celebrate his life!! May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you.
Sincerely,
Kelly Caruso
Dear Erin and Clayton,
Thank you for sharing your unbelievable story of loss, grief, and steadfast faith with all of us this past year.
The both of you are a living testimony of our Lord’s strength and steadfast love. For you’ve experienced the ultimate tragedy- the loss of your beautiful son Weston and continue to not only survive, but to live and to inspire all those who know and love you each and every day.
Especially today, I grieve with you and your loved ones and lift you up in prayer. I pray that our heavenly Father will wrap his loving arms around you and lift you up. May you always know how much you are loved and that we are all thinking of you and sweet Weston who is undoubtedly in Heaven.
Warmest regards,
Katrina Rodriguez and family (Celebration, Florida)