Let me begin by apologizing for not being exactly faithful and timely in posting a blog entry each day. We are overwhelmed in so many ways – some not so good and others amazingly good.
I was up early this morning and Deidra was right behind me. Daughter and dad just sat and cried, talked and cried some more. It is very tough as a dad watching this unfold and seeing your daughter suffering. Deidra can be honest with me and she knows that. She does not need me, or anyone else, preaching to her or telling her to just “trust God, lean on Him, keep your eyes on Jesus, He will not put more on you than you can bear, et cetera” as we tend to do basically because we do not know what to say so we say the Sunday School answers. Deidra knows all of these things but right now she just needs a listening ear, an encouraging word, many prayers and to be held. I am grateful to those who are doing this for our daughter and our granddaughters. I am not preaching to you but I am simply being honest. By the way, Deidra did not share these things I have written but this is not my first rodeo so I speak from many years of experience.
Overwhelmed by the grief we are experiencing right now. I have cried a river in private but the toughest part by far has been watching Deidra, Lizzi and Audrey grieve. Sydney seemingly not completely processed it yet. Her time will come and we will be here for her when it does. Losing Lisa’s brother to death was tough, real tough, but this is much tougher on me. I was Michael’s brother-in-law. I am Deidra’s dad and the girls poppy. Major difference.
Overwhelmed by seeing our friend Mike Parker go out of his way to get Lisa and me from the airport to the hospital this past Sunday and then staying with us for hours. For being the one who gave excellent advice on what to do in order to get Soy’s body back to the States. For being a friend! Thank you, Mike!
Overwhelmed by my brother, Eddie, leaving home without advance notice on Monday night and driving through the night to be with Daphne, Dana, Gina and Henni. He took my place in their lives during a most difficult time. He then gave me excellent advice on what to do regarding dealing with the US Embassy when it came to which funeral home to use in Guatemala. I would have messed up had it not been for him. He then spearheaded the Zeffy account as he worked with CPA TJ Vice to make it all above board legally, et cetera. Thank you Eddie for being an awesome brother to me and uncle to our girls.
Overwhelmed by the Friendship family especially our deacons. I stand amazed! I am a flawed pastor and yet the Friendship family is supporting me unconditionally. I am so undeserving. Wow! Thank you church family.
Overwhelmed by the whole Zeffy.com thing. Over two hundred folks have donated in less than twenty-four hours. I probably underestimated the amount needed but over thirty thousand dollars has already been given. I believe more will give. If so, great. If not, we are blessed beyond measure already. God is good! It blesses me to know that Deidra, Lizzi, Sydney and Audrey will possibly have a clean slate financially plus funds to help with living expenses going forward. Lisa and I are not giving through Zeffy as we simply just hand it to them in person. Plus, Deidra has my credit card – need I say more? I also want you to know that Deidra is tighter than our Dutch friends in Michigan and that is tight! Saying that she will guard every cent given! Thank you to each person who has given through Zeffy or other avenues. Amazing!
Overwhelmed by Father, Son & Holy Spirit. He is an amazing God!
Overwhelmed by the length of this entry. Sorry! Please keep praying!