it is well with my soul.

This hymn was a favourite of mine and a great comforter when I was waiting for Andrew to die and when I was grieving for him.

http://youtu.be/VmvnE6erj6I

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, 
 when sorrows like sea billows roll; 
 whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, 
 It is well, it is well with my soul. 
Refrain:
 It is well with my soul, 
 it is well, it is well with my soul. 

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, 
 let this blest assurance control, 
 that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, 
 and hath shed his own blood for my soul. 
 (Refrain) 

3. My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! 
 My sin, not in part but the whole, 
 is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, 
 praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! 
 (Refrain) 

4. And, Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, 
 the clouds be rolled back as a scroll; 
 the trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, 
 even so, it is well with my soul. 
 (Refrain) 

---

S.S. Ville du Harve was struck by the English vessel Loch Earn and eventually foundered. Spafford's four daughters—Anna, eleven; Maggie, nine; Bessie, seven; and Tanetta, two—were among the 226 who perished in the aftermath
Spafford immediately sailed for England to join his grief-stricken wife. As his ship passed the approximate location where his daughters had drowned, his deep sorrow mingled with his unwavering faith in God's goodness caused him to compose this hymn. 

Today is my oldest daughter's 29th birthday. I started a tradition, copying from the Taiwanese. Mum's SHOU NAN RI,  Day of mum's greatest
suffering. Having Deborah was painful, but it was nothing compared to the
SHOU NAN RI when Andrew was born.

I am reminded again and again when people asked me how I coped. I told them it was because I was surrounded by Christians. Today, my Pastor Jonathan Dove spoke on Focusing on who is with you rather than what is happening to you. 

This is precisely what was happening to me. I focused on the Godly people who encouraged me and gave me practical help. I did not feel bitter towards God for giving me a dying son. I still do not, after 24 years, ask Why Me, because God has a greater plan for me.