Words are inadequate to express our appreciation for the love and
comfort which has surrounded us these past two weeks. So many of you came
by that first day with hugs and food and offers of help -- and just your
presence was a comfort! We realized anew what the "body of Christ" really
is! We are all His sons and daughters and whatever happens to one of us
happens to all of us. You were here for us and we love each of you for your
gestures of compassion and look forward to a time when we can talk to you
personally. We especially thank our Sunday School Class for their faithful
prayers and love extended to Eric since he first visited -- and many
faithfully sent cards and care packages which he appreciated so much.
Since we can't talk to each of you, we have been encouraged by Paul
to send an e-mail to tell you that we appreciate your prayers and
expressions of love.
This is the most difficult thing we have ever experienced. I know
some of you have gone through this travail and you have shared your stories
with us. This has been a great help because at this point we feel we are in
a deep abyss and there is no way out. We KNOW that God has a purpose and
that He has chosen Eric to carry out that purpose -- but it is very
difficult to accept at this point. I think our son, David, who presented a
eulogy at Eric's funeral, said it well when he spoke of God's faithfulness
to Joseph and to Job and then he reminded us of the fact that God
transformed the agony of Gethsemane and Calvary, -- and He used that horror
to bring us the glory of Easter and the empty tomb. Dave then went on to
compare Eric's situation to King David when he prayed over a sick child and
the child died (2 Sam. 12). It seems that David's staff was concerned that
he would harm himself in his grief, but David accepted the reality of his
loss. This is what we are trying to do and will strive to follow David's
example which was to wash himself, change his clothing, and go to worship.
We attempted to do that last Sunday and the service was a real blessing to
us -- and we will continue to strive to accept our loss.
Our David concluded his remarks with this paragraph: "So we are
thankful . . . for a God who has given us life, and Who gave Eric life, and
Who gives both our life and our death significance. We are thankful that
life is not a circle, but has a trajectory that will lead those who call
upon His name to eternal life with Him. We are thankful that Eric was our
gift for 34 years, and that he died for a noble cause in which he believed,
and most of all, that he died confessing that Jesus is Lord of all."
Please continue to pray for us and to love us as you have
demonstrated so beautifully. In one sense tragedy is a beautiful
confirmation of God's love for His Church. When one of us hurts, we all
hurt, and we comfort one another. Thank you for all the comfort you have
given to us and special thanks to our wonderful pastor who helped to plan
and carry out the funeral. We are amazed at God's goodness in every phase
of our lives and KNOW that He is with us and someday our "why Lord?" will
be answered face to face.
In our Savior's love,
Dan and Joy
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Dear Nana Joy and Papa Dan,
Your ministry to many of us has sustained us through the deepest trials of our lives. It was surely our honor to come along side you both and love on you.
It is times like these when our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ bids us to come touch the hem of His garment, and press into His Wing of Compassion for healing. There are no words except, "Come unto Me" which can give comfort to the hurt.
Only the Lord loved Eric more than you! What a wonderful hero you had the privilege to raise! Your influence and love prepared him for his glorious life. Now he soars with the angels and sings praise to God.
You are so loved.
Sherri
I will never forget Eric. When I was a young Marine in 1995, fresh into his platoon, 2nd platoon Bravo Company 1st Battalion 6th Marines I met Eric. I remember he was always welcoming to us younger guys and always willing to work with us to make us stronger and better in every sense. I remember well, the time he was training to INDOC with STA platoon. He trained almost obsesivly but that's how he was. 120% driven! Eric was one of the best role models I could have ever asked for. I and one other Marine from our old platoon was there for Eric'sfuneral service. We recalled memories of Eric after the service on the drive to the cemetery that . When we stood there listening and seeing all in attendance, reality set in that our brother was gone but would never be forgotten. To this day I keep Eric's obit in my desk at work as a reminder to myself that he would want all of his brothers to live up to the standard and push through the hard times to reach your goals.
Its so nice to see how far he went in the Corps but for those of us that knew him during his enlisted days it is no surprise that he accomplished what he did and was love by as many as he was and will always be.
Semper Fidelis,
SC Hall
Kentucky
Post a Comment