Hi Everyone,

I was stunned today by word that a young man I had known several years

ago had died from cancer. Greg had been part of a church youth group in

one of the churches I have pastored over the years.

Greg’s death reminded me that we never really know how many years we

might have here on earth. This morning I was reading about a 12 year old

boy who died from complications resulting from the H1N1 virus. Here is this

smiling face full of hope and joy looking back at me from his obituary page.

Then there is the 17 year old high school student who was killed in an

automobile accident.

It is stories like these that drive Judy and me to continue reaching out to moms

and dads who have lost children just like these. We know from experience the

incredible depth of despair and hopelessness that follows such a death. It is

simply impossible to tell a parent who has not had a child die just how desperate

and hopeless these moments feel.

When Mickey died it literally felt like someone had reached into my chest and

ripped my heart out. In fact, there was actual pain in my chest. Other moms and

dads have told us the same thing happened to them when their child died.

I guess, I just want to remind everyone that if you have a friend or loved one who

has lost a child this past year, please reach out to them today. Give a call or drop a

note of encouragement in the mail. Your words and tears mean so much at this

time of the year.

God bless as you head through this week. Remember, we love you guys. Pat & Judy