In Their Deepest Grief, a Family Looks to God for Hope After Losing Their Son

In their deepest grief, a family looks to God for hope after losing their six-year-old son, Abel Torres-Aquino. His mom, Karina, said, “He was a firm believer in Christ, a little boy with the purest heart, and someone who made friends effortlessly. His smile, kindness, and loving spirit touched everyone who knew him.”

There are stories that stop you where you stand — stories that pull you right into the ache of another family’s world. And this week, it was the Torres-Aquino family in Lawrenceville, Georgia, whose world was shattered in an instant with the loss of their 6-year-old son, Abel.

They Had Just Come Home From a Birthday Party

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On Saturday night, the family had just come home from a birthday party. Abel asked if he could take his bike for a quick ride. His father, Juan, said he hesitated at first; it was late, and the street was dark, but he eventually agreed to let Abel take a short lap around the neighborhood.

Moments later, everything changed.

Before Abel could cross the street, a fast-moving car struck him. Karina said, “The car was going very fast, and it was dark.” Abel died shortly after the accident.

He Was the Youngest Child

He was the youngest of five children, deeply loved by his sisters Ariana, Briana, Gracie, and Sarahi. He was Juan’s only son.

“My world stopped,” his dad, Juan, admitted through heartache. “I feel the emptiness because my child is no more here.” He described Abel as “my partner,” and “my mini me.”

And yet, in a grief no parent should ever have to carry, the Torres family is choosing faith over bitterness, hope over despair, and forgiveness over anger.

God Gives and Takes Away

Karina said, “God gives, and he takes. There is a purpose for everything he does, and we don’t question.”

She added, “The spiritual side of us is at peace because we know he’s in a good place, we know he’s in the presence of our creator. But the human, the flesh in us, misses him deeply.”

Despite their unimaginable loss, the family has chosen to forgive the driver. “We believe in forgiveness and in mercy, which is what Jesus would have done,” Karina said.

There is Hope After Losing Their Son

They also expressed deep gratitude for their community’s love: “We are very, very grateful.”

For now, the Torres-Aquino family clings to the only hope strong enough to hold them: The promise that Abel is safe in the arms of Jesus and that someday, they will hold him again.

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May we all pause to pray for Juan, Karina, and their daughters…For comfort. For mercy. For God’s nearness in the empty spaces where Abel’s laughter once filled their home.

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

WATCH: In Their Deepest Grief, a Family Looks to God for Hope After Losing Their Son

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h/t: People

Featured Image Credit: YouTube/WSB-TV

Heather Riggleman is a believer, wife, mom, author, social media consultant, and full-time writer. She lives in Minden, Nebraska with her kids, high school sweetheart, and three cats who are her entourage around the homestead. She is a former award-winning journalist with over 2,000 articles published. She is full of grace and grit, raw honesty, and truly believes tacos can solve just about any situation. You can find her on GodUpdates, iBelieve, Crosswalk, Hello Darling, Focus On The Family, and in Brio Magazine. Connect with her at www.HeatherRiggleman.com or on Facebook.