Day 1 of a new chapter in my life

[vim]

I'm struggling for words and can't find them.

May God bless you. Your family is in my prayers.

[Jeffrey Lebowski]

Your strength is unbelievable and admirable.
I am so, so sorry for your loss and recent circumstances.
Thoughts and prayers from me.

[3beansalad]

Sir, I am deeply saddened by your loss and uplifted by your strength. As I age and see how fragile life is, I prepare for the loss of those I love. I also find that my faith is growing in these times as well. I read your story and think of how I would handle a similar situation when my bride passes, (be it in the near future or many years from now) and I thank you for the example you set for me. I pray I can show the courage and grace you have displayed for those of us on this forum. Many of us you may never meet, and yet you feel free to express yourself to so openly. I know the interwebs give us all a freedom to express ourselves in a way we may not be comfortable doing in person, and I am thankful we have this opportunity to learn from your experiences.

In times like these many question how God could allow this type of tragedy into someone's life, I learned this weekend with the instruction of a very wise man, that God is always there for us and He has a plan. He is watching our lives and loving us beyond our comprehension, and yet He allows things to touch our lives in ways that we cannot understand. God allows evil, violence and disease for reasons we cannot understand. The point of the lesson was that while we do not understand God, we must have the faith that He allows these things to mold us and teach us. These things hurt, deeply, but He is using them for our good and His glory. And through your story I see a little piece of that glory in my life. And vow to you, and Him, that I will not let today pass without making sure those I love know it. We all have our own worst day, but know He has a plan for what happens on that worst day.

God bless, and know like so many others, I am available to you if you need me.

Today, I am more proud to have found this forum than I ever thought possible.

Dave

[Singlestack]

So tough to read, but thanks for having the strength to post. No dry eyes here.

Many of us are local to you, and are ready to help with whatever is needed. Please do ask. Your wonderful wife and family are in our thoughts and prayers.

[mbl]

Again, thank you for all the kind words and encouragement. Because I believe that some have asked, the memorial service has been scheduled and a trust set up for our boys (I have been busy this morning). If anyone is interested in details on either, they can be found at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ca...ofurno/journal The entry titled "Memorial Service Plans" has details.

Thank you. As someone said it an earlier post, I am proud to be a member of this site.

[whiskey]

Sir, you and your family are in my prayers.

[hatidua]

I can't fathom how hard going through this must be. Sincerest condolences.

[sako55]

I shared your post with my wife and both her and I did not have words to describe our thoughts but a hug with each other. Thank you for sharing a very hard chapter in your life with us all. As the cliché goes, it puts things into perspective. I lost my father when I was young but I was quite a bit older than your children (12). Don't be afraid to talk with your kids about her an the memories you all share as it will help them to remember her. Do what you can to honor her and remind your children of the person she was and the type of person she would expect them to be. It will help them through some very hard times later in life. I hope only the best for you and the kids in the future.

[palepainter]

I do not know what to say, other than you and your wife's strength are an inspiration. God bless you and your family during these utmost trying times. So sad to hear of your loss, your perspective made it hit home. I am just outside of Erie. If you need assistance with anything, PM me.

[Cman]

We are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.