We had visitors again.
This time they received an open invitation.
They didn’t have to come.
It was just an offering.
But come they did.
Young, old, students. friends, teachers,
some whom we had never met, relatives.
They came.
Broken, shattered with grief.
When a community mourns.
You don’t feel alone.
For moments you’re so supported.
We did not see this . We had no idea how long people were waiting. .
Waiting to hold us and whisper love into our hearts.
I didn’t want the day to end.
I knew what it meant.
I know what comes next.
The sum of a young man’s life presented in the parlor of his home.
Laid to rest where other relatives have predeceased him.
None so young.
Treasures and stores of memories
Crazy Children
Lots of Love
Blessings
And now Grace
We will miss hearing you play today;
I bet the heavenly choir will be rockin’
But we know without a shadow of a doubt we will see him again.
I love this song by JJ Heller
May you find peace an comfort today.
May you rest in the everlasting arms of the LORD.
If you don’t have a relationship with Christ
I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn’t there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That you would take my pain away
You would take my pain away
I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crooked lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave your hands
When you walked upon the earth
You healed the broken, lost and hurt
I know you hate to see me cry
One day you will set all things right
Yeah, one day you will set all things right
When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave your hands
Your hands that shaped the world
Are holding me
They hold me still
I have trouble I wish wasn’t there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That you would take my pain away
You would take my pain away
I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crooked lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave your hands
When you walked upon the earth
You healed the broken, lost and hurt
I know you hate to see me cry
One day you will set all things right
Yeah, one day you will set all things right
When my world is shaking, heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave your hands
Your hands that shaped the world
Are holding me
They hold me still
Jenny Clark Money says
Oh Tammy – there are so many that love you and your family. Prayers for you today and in the coming weeks and months.
Anonymous says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all today and in the weeks/months ahead.
Davida Marrapese says
Prayers and thoughts with you and your family at this time.
Amber van Zuilen says
My prayers are with you and your family. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the calling hours or the service but know that you and your family are in my heart.
Anonymous says
My heart cries for your loss!! May God give you comfort in such a hard Deanna St.Cyr
mbadji says
Tammy, your incredible faith has touched me deeply. Few of us could respond with such grace during a personal tragedy. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with the community as we try to accept what has happened. You and your beautiful family are and will continue to be in my prayers.
Lisa B says
We do not know each other but our hearts grieve for your loss as we are parents and members of the community who can only imagine…my faith tells me he must have been so special that God needed him more than you but I am a mother and it is my greatest fear. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Anonymous says
I don't know you, nor did I know your son, but I do know Jesus & Jericho (part of my family lived on Old Pump Road). I have been reading your posts through a mutual friend, Michele Martin. I don't believe I have ever witnessed someone with such strong faith in times of excruciating sorrow. You & your family are in my prayers for peace & comfort in the days and weeks ahead. With God's blessing & strength ~ Caryl (Bowler) Munsell, Ipswich, MA.
Anonymous says
I live in Jericho and went to school with your son, and I am very sorry for your loss. I was blown away by the traffic in Jericho yesterday and today. I didn't realize that so many people lived in Jericho, and I was humbled by the love that our community is capable of showing. There are no words that can sum up the grief that accompanies the death of someone so young. There are no words which can fix the pain of this shocking loss, or ease the struggle that will continue for many years. All I can say, all anyone can say, is that we are truly sorry for this tragedy, and we are praying for your family to stick together and support each other through these tough times. Find strength in each other, and find strength in your faith. May you find comfort in your family and within your community.
Much love and prayers,
–A
Anonymous says
Like another person above, I don't know you, but I also know Jesus. A mutual friend has been sharing your blog. May the Lord grant you a peace that passes all understanding as you grieve the loss of your son. So thankful that he knew the Lord and that some day you will be reunited. Until then, may God hold you in the palm of His hand and lead you each day with blessings. Praying for your family. Kim
Stacy says
Thank you Tammy for sharing your heart through this. Prayers for you and your family will continue.
Anonymous says
I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up in Jericho on Old Pump Road. I have to say your strength through this is amazing. Nice to see that even though we are all to busy to keep in touch, the community pulls together at a time like this.
Lil' Martha says
Tammy and Gary, thank you for opening up your hearts and sharing your wonderful son with us all! The packed funeral, at your church, was so beautiful, and full of memories, hope and peace, beautiful songs, and the community that loves you all. You gave of yourselves,sharing your grief, love of God, and Elijah.
Anonymous says
Tammy and Gary, I have been praying for you and with you, since Renie told me about your loss. She also sent me the link to your blog. I haven't seen Elijah since he was quite young, so I appreciate seeing pictures of him as a young man. More than that, I am touched by your words, Tammy, and that you are able to share your faith at this difficult time. You are beautiful! God Bless you and your family!
Evie Seils
(Renie's Mom; Nate's Gramma)
Norma Atherton says
Gary and Tammy we are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Your faith in the Lord is very strong and that will help you get through this terrible time. You don't know us but we knew Gary's mother and father and Gary might of had my mother Ruth Tillotson Labrie for a teacher in Jericho. Our grandson was in Elijah graduating class. Norma and Ken Atherton Jericho
Anonymous says
So sorry for your loss. I do not know you or your family but I am grieving for you all. I gave my 18 yr old an extra hug when I heard the news. May you continue to find strength in the days & months to follow.
Anonymous says
Tammy and family
We hold your in our hearts and prayers.
You show such strength as you fulfill the obligation of caring for Elijah one last time. In our hearts we know that he will be well cared for and taken care of when he is received at his final home. God had a much larger plan for him, we are just not previledged enough to know it yet.
God bless all of you through this trying time.
Ed and Ginny Perry- Rehoboth, Ma
(friends of Mom and Dad and your brothers)
Lorraine says
Gary & Tammy,
Words cannot begin to express the heart wrenching pain I felt for you, when I realized the loss you have just endured! I cannot begin to imagine the heartache you must feel. You faith is so evident, in how you are dealing with this tragedy. The memorial service was the nicest I have ever attended! Elijah was definitely a son you can be proud of! Our prayers are with you and your family as you walk down the difficult days, weeks & months ahead. Matt & Lorraine Hofmann
Genevieve Potter says
We don't know one another, but we wanted to add ours to the many prayers of love and support you have received. Thank you for your witness. May Christ continue to love and hold you through this journey.
Chris and Genevieve Potter
North Ferrisburgh