mourning

dear you,


over the holidays, a grown family got together for a time of laughter, games, food, and memories. however, on january 5, tragedy struck. during an afternoon on the lake, the son (mid-30's) was killed in a boating accident. he left behind a wife and three kids. upon returning to their home, the parents, of the recently deceased son, were greeted by a ransacked house, turned upside down by thefts. money, jewels, security, peace-of-mind was stolen away.


on the day of their son's memorial service, becca and myself were asked to housesit their home. i have to admit--i was at a loss of words and emotions. how do i comfort people i hardly know? what do i say to people who have lost so much? however, upon arriving we were greeted with warm smiles, easy conversations, and even a few jokes. no tears, no silence. just friendliness and hospitality.


afterwards, the husband invited us to stay for dinner. dinner...! after a day of saying goodbye to their son, brother, uncle, friend, they invite 2 strangers to stay for a barbecue. we politely declined, but the kind invitation was not to be forgotten. 


i was left dumbstruck, in awe, of the response from this tragedy. the people who lost so much still have so much to give. their faith and love... amazing.


please remember this family in your prayers.


sincerely,
shae