Loss
It is often that I wonder how I’d respond if one of my sons or my husband was taken from me in death. Call me morbid but it’s true. Would I be strong enough to still find hope and enjoy life? Would I curse God? Would I be thankful for the time shared and love experienced? Or, would I wish I’d never known it so that I wouldn’t now be experiencing such pain?
The Geesaman family are family friends that I’ve known for a long time. I can’t remember how long it is that I’ve known them. Although they’ve moved far from us some years ago, we still get the annual Christmas letters, and since they still have family in the area, we often see them once a year. Their daughter, Ellen, was the flower girl at my wedding and I remember how she practiced throwing the rose petals. They actually came to visit just a few weeks ago and met with my mom and siblings, although I was unable to see them.
So, it was with unbelievable sadness, shock, and tears I found out yesterday that their only son, 15-year-old Curtis, died Tuesday evening from an injury he received while at a summer youth camp. He suffered a brain hemorrhage and swelling that caused him to pass out and not regain consciousness before dying. They letter they sent out states:
We are in shock and disbelief and overwhelmed with grief. Our sorrow is equal to the joy he brought to our lives. We covet your prayers for comfort, peace and mercy. We’re comforted to know that he’s in God’s arms now, but our arms and hearts feel so empty without him with us.
Curtis, Natalie, Troy, Ellen, Kim
Although I know most of my readers will have no personal connection to them, please take a moment and pray for this dear, sweet family.
Danielle
I have the CD. I would be honored to send it to your friends. Just e-mail me their address. Or I can give you the CD and you can send it. Just let me know OK?
Danielle, I am so sorry. Steph Smith told us about this tragedy last night. We were stunned. The Smiths are actually going out to Ohio for the funeral. Our care group prayed for them and I’m sure we’ll continue thru STeph’s updates how they’re doing.
I will pray. I, like you, often wonder how it would be without my children or husband. Although the thought frightens me and I wonder why I’ve let myself get so close to people, I know that He alone is sovereign.
There is nothing that I can say but How shockingly sad I am for the Geesmans. While I do not know them personally, my heart is filled with prayers for them.
Oh, heartbreaking! Definitely praying for this family and for you.
I’m praying for them. I’m so sorry.
Very very sad! I’m praying for his family.
Thank you all for your prayers!
This is terribly sad. I will be praying as well.
Danielle,
We have been PRAYING for this family. Seriously. Last night at our small group a couple whose daughter is a leader at that camp asked her Mom to have our church pray for this family. Small world.
It is SUCH a trying time, but through all things we can bring glory to God. We’ve been there, in this same kinda thing, dealing with the head injury etc. Definately will keep on praying for the Geesaman familly.
Anne
Wow, lots of people were playing last night. Our small group, Zoanna’s, Anne’s . . . and I’m sure more. How weird, Anne, that your small group was praying too! It sure is a small world. Thank you all.
That would be “praying last night . . .”
Oh how sad. I cannot imagine. I am totally praying for the family and for you too Danielle.
I’m sorry, friend. WIll be praying for you and this family.
Praying as well.
I just noticed that I missed reading this post. How tragically timely in that I just posted today about the sudden death of a teen. He was the son of one of Pete’s former co-workers, and a close friend, (Ed). Andrew was 16 and appears to have just died in his sleep.
Am now praying for this family you mentioned and coveting your prayers for Ed and his family as well.