Remembrances and Condolences Page 2

Becky,
My heart is with you and I will pray for Josh. I don't know how to describe it in words...but I share your feelings.
Kate Thailand (GSDnet)

Becky,
I am so sorry. There are just no words to express it. I cannot imagine your pain and the feeling of loss you have right now. Of course, I will keep you in my prayers.
Suzanne (writer)

Becky,
I also want to offer my condolences during your time of sorrow. The passing of a child has to be the worst thing possible for a parent. We pray that you find peace and comfort in the days to come.
Tim & Vicki (GSDnet)

NOTE: This is from a family that means the world to us. We are related but it’s even more than that. Josh was always invited to every special birthday, cookout and holiday dinners they had. They always made sure there was a pecan pie for him. The monarch of this family, Jerry Bragg died just a month after Josh. He was like a second grandpa to Josh. I feel better knowing that they are together and healthy.


Like a leaf dropped upon water, the ripples of your loved one’s life spread on and on to touch the lives of others.
Pat Bragg and Family

Life has its seasons, each with its own lessons to impart With the loss of your loved one, it may seem like winter has come to stay, but take comfort in your memories and hold tight to the knowledge that spring will come again.
Vonecia

Shadows fall, and life become so difficult to bear yet sunshine comes through memories and love of those who care. We may not always understand when trouble come our way, and just why sad things happen, we cannot always say . . . But may it be a comfort to know that friends are there and may it somehow help to know how very much we care.
“Joshua’s best friends” India, Bryan & Lance Christopher Rollyson Ethan Hoover

Sorry to be so late but do want you to know how sorry we are for your loss. You have been very much in our prayers and thoughts. I know how you loved Josh. I will always remember the “little boy” who came to the Center to see his grandmas.
“Grandma’s Kay’s friends” James Lee and Helen

I was shocked to hear about Josh. Of course, you have my sympathies. I know that Josh was a major help and support to you. I also know the sacrifices you made to support Josh during his health problems. You were a good mother, and that made him a good son. My condolences to both you and Bobby.
Bill nelson (Becky’s retired rehab counselor)

Becky,
I have wanted to write to you since I heard the news about Joshua. Despite having lost a child myself, I just haven't known what to say. I still do not know. But I want you to know that you both have been very much in my thoughts. Although we have never met I do feel like I know you and I wish I was nearer to you.
With all my heart, as one parent to another,
Kevin

From Writing Friends


He is just away. He’s not really lost to you for he has only gone away. He’ ll be there at the dawning of a brighter, future day. May you find peace and comfort in your precious memories. With sympathy,
Fay and Glen Thompson


No one can experience this sadness as you do, for your feelings are unique and very personal to you. No one can begin to know exactly how you feel. Except to know that sorrow such as yours is deep and real—But if you need some comfort and some help to see you through. Just know how much you’re cared for by all those who think of you. My heart aches for both of you. I know first hand of the emptiness and loss you feel. Please accept my condolences and my sympathy. Much love to both of you.
Dianna Petry and family


I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I only had the privilege of meeting Josh once, but his love for you made a lasting impression. I’m keeping you in my prayers for peace and emotional healing.
Rhonda White


You are in our hearts and prayers as you grieve such an imaginable loss. Please hold tight to your faith and allow God to comfort your heart through all the treasured memories of your son.
Your friends at West Virginia Writers, Inc.


I'm so very sorry to hear about Joshua. You've had one tough year. But, please, stay strong. Two years ago I lost my mom and brother 6 months apart. I swore I wouldn't be able to get through it, but my faith made that possible. I was angry, no doubt about it. But no one ever said things like that wouldn't happen in life. However, they did say to pray for strength to get through them. I'll say a ton of them for you.
Anne Johnson


Oh Becky, I am so sorry for your loss. I cannot possibly know what you are going through, but know many prayers are being sent your way. I pray God will send his strength for you to help you and your family in this terrible time. God bless and please keep letting us know how you are. Scream, curse, and rail against the fates, but remember your writing community are there for support. I lost a grandson, Lee, 16 years old, 7 years ago on March 5. It never goes away, but it does become more bearable.
Twyla


Becky, I sent you positive energy. I recognize that you lost someone very dear to you. Perhaps no one will be as special to you as your son. We'll get through this thing called life easier by sticking together. Sometimes when I'm down, I tell myself that the best part of my life is still yet to come. I hope you see a rainbow after the storm.
Christine


My heart goes out to you in this terrible time. Some things are just not to be understood. My husband lost his beautiful young daughter just one year ago. He can only draw some slight consolation from the fact that she was here to brighten his life for 29 years, as your dear son brightened yours. Sometimes, that's just all there is. Maybe some day the mystery will be revealed.
My deepest condolences and prayers are with you.
Claire


My heart and my love goes out to you. Please know that I'm here if you need me or I can be of any help. I wish I could reach out and hug you right now. I know the pain you're feeling and I just don't have words to make it any easier.

I am so sorry, my friend. I can barely type through the tears here. My sympathy and my condolences are yours and if you need me, I'm come there to stand with you and your family.
Dianna


Oh Becky. Sweet, sweet Becky. How can any words even help at a horrible time like this. I'm in shock and crying too. God, I'm so so sorry. All my love goes out to you at this time. It's just something that no one can help, I know. Please let us know here if we can do anything.
Love to you, Cari.


I am so sorry to hear this. I prayed for you when you had cancer and rejoiced when you recovered. More prayers are coming your way. There is nothing anyone can say, no words that can help. Just know you are surrounded by love and people who care.
SusannaGranny Sue


When a loss is as enormous and devastating as yours, words fail, even for writers. I will keep you in my prayers.
Mary Kay Miller


This news was devastating and I am sure the entire community as well as your writing family will be praying and there for you should you need anyone of us for any reason. There are no words I can say to change anything or make anything better just know my heart and thoughts are with you. Prayers and love
Renita Sue Loyd


I am praying that God will comfort you and your family now and in the coming days. My heart aches for you.

You know, there's a lady upstairs helping care for my mom and she lost her only son in a car accident, then the next year fell off her roof and broke her neck--doctors said she'd be paralyzed for good. But she can walk and now blesses others through her caregiving. She said there were days she didn't think she had a reason to live, but God gave her strength for each day at a time. She wakes up and is able to give thanks to God through Christ each day now, and is a great testimony and a blessing to many people. I know God has a plan for you and thoughts of peace (Jeremiah 29:11).

Looking unto Jesus for you,
Kathee


I don't know where to begin expressing my heartache for you. Only a week or so ago you were sharing how worried you were--yet how proud you were, of your growing son Josh. I know he was the light in your eyes. I could see it in your eyes, every time you talked about him. Your face would glow. It was easy for anyone to see how he was your pride and joy. As it should be. You've been a wonderful mother to your child. Anyone who'd call all around the country seeking medical advice for her baby is nothing short of a mothering saint, in my opinion. So many mothers don't have half the love in their hearts for their children as you've provided for Josh.

Despite all he's been through, he saw it through to the end. As you've said, he's overcome childhood teasing (which can emotionally and mentally cripple weaker children), he graduated high school, and he had a plan for his future--one he was carrying out. Going to technical school is no easy task, and yet, Josh knew he could do it. That's courage, sister. It also took amazing courage for a young man to come clean about his fears. So many hide it deep inside, yet he loved you enough to share with you his fear of losing you. It must have been a huge concern of his, and one that weighed heavy on his mind and heart. It could be that's why God saw fit to bring him home to heaven.

None of us know what may have lay in store for Joshua, if he'd lived another year, or even another day. God may have rescued Josh from worse days ahead of him. You'd mentioned that his liver disease was really kicking up, when we last talked. Since I worked in hepatology for three years, I watched many people suffer from end-stage liver disease. It's an ugly, painful progression, and I worried for the day Josh might have to deal with some of those terrible symptoms. Well, Josh is healed, today. He's not going to have to go through that. No more blood sugar testing, no more cornstarch Kool-Aid, no more hormonal swings that make him feel bad. And no liver failure. He's finally free of his disease, after 19 years. He's now in the arms of our Lord, and he feels better than he's felt in ages!

I've only had the privilege of meeting your son once, but even then, he hovered nearby, not ready to trust the strangers who'd come to visit his mother. I think you were his world, too, Becky. I know he's never going to be far from your mind--not even for a day. His presence will still hover nearby, keeping an eye out for the momma he so loved and wanted to protect. You've suffered so much, Becky, but you've also been very blessed to have this sweet boy in your life for 19 years. I know you can't imagine having lived those years, without him. And it's going to be hard to imagine the future without him, too. But he'll be there in your heart. You have his spirit with you, always. Just like you have God's spirit with you.

I know you're angry. I might feel the same way. I've experienced anger with God before, and I can firmly say it only led me down a darker path than I ever thought I'd ever follow. One I never want to go down, again. I'd never felt so hopeless. And, when you run from God, He will let you. It's our free will to do that. We can turn our backs on him and run far, far away. But, you know what? When you turn around, He's right there, holding his arms open wide, saying, "Welcome home, my child. Welcome home."

Right now, Josh is in His welcoming arms. God really does know everything, and He knew this was the very best time to bring Josh back Home to Heaven. Not best for you and Bobby, of course. That day would never, ever come. But best for Josh. And that's what's important, right? Every mother wants what's best for her child, and I know for a fact you've always wanted the very best for your grown up baby boy. As hard as it is to accept, this is best. Josh is whole and healed, right now. This very minute. He's incredibly beautiful, and he's reflecting the light from God's face. Let it shine down on you, Becky. You know Josh would want, more than anything, for you to feel some ray of peace in your heart, some ray of hope for better days to come.

In the Bible, in John 14:16-18 Jesus speaks and tells us, "And I will pray [to] the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it sees Him not, neither knoweth Him; but you know Him, for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.”

That's powerful stuff, Becky. The world can't see the source of your comfort, but when you rely on God, you can feel him. Feel him! That's amazing. You can feel Him, because He'll be inside of you, healing your heart from the inside, out. That's where comfort comes from, it's a feeling we have on the inside of us. He doesn't comfort the world, but only His children. As a Christian, you have hope within you that the rest of the world doesn't have. They can't even understand it, but you can. If only you rely on God. As much as you want to be angry with Him, don't be. Again, He can see things in your future, in Bobby's future, and in Joshua's future, that we can't see here on earth. He's just done a wonderful thing for your son, though I know it doesn't feel that way, to you. Josh is whole again. His liver is as shiny and healthy as a new penny.

It's the rest of us who are saddened to lose him. Especially his mother and father. Now, there's nothing left to do but turn to God, and let him comfort you. You need serious comfort, and it's the kind that no one here on planet Earth can bring to you. We wish we could, but we don't have the right words to say, and our hugs can never replace those of Josh. Your comfort must come from above; from within. "He dwelleth in you," the scripture said. You have to feel that comfort of God from within your own heart.

Becky, when I heard about this yesterday, early in the afternoon, I immediately started praying for you and Bobby. I know there are many of your friends who knelt down and said prayers for you--I know it for a fact. Let the love of those who care about you surround you right now. Let God's love for you fill your heart and offer you some small measure of peace, to get you through these next trying days. One step at a time.

I'm here for you, sister. Any time you need me, day or night, just call. In the meantime, you can rest assured that you are in my prayers for healing and comfort. You and Bobby, both.
Much love,
Rhonda


Thank you for sharing these glimpses of Josh with us. Though I'd only had the pleasure of meeting him once, his devotion to you was clear. He had a ready smile, and immediately took to Jacob, letting him pet the dogs and showing him some of your flowers.

Dr. Weinstien's letter sheds light on what GSD children--and their families, have to deal with every day, their struggles with the things we take for granted.

Wilma's letter is such a precious tribute to Joshua. It's evident that she loved your son very much.
You're still in my prayers each day, Becky. I know you've got rough days ahead, but I think you now know how many friends you have to love you, support you, and hold your hand through this dark valley. I'm praying God will wrap His arms around you and you'll feel the comfort He sends, often through friends.
Love,
Rhonda


I am so sorry for your loss. I understand some of your pain as we lost our first grandchild several years ago and know how deeply the loss of a child is felt. I hope you can take some comfort from many happy memories and small joys that you and Joshua shared. Remember the good times and keep your faith. We will keep you in our thoughts.
Robin Abbott


It is so difficult to tell someone who has experienced the profound loss you have experienced that she should not abandon her faith in God. The initial reaction of anger with God is part of our human nature. When my young brother Frank died, I shook many a fist at God because I felt at his young age it was so unfair. He could have lived a good many more years in our presence.


Becky, I am 67 and only in the past perhaps five years have I come to finally heed my 95 year old mother's lessons about God. From the time of my childhood I have heard her tell me that we humans must never try to think with God's mind, that He is our Creator and His ways are His ways, not ours. She said all we can do is pray what we want of Him and then leave it to His Will. We don't know why he allowed my brother Frank or your son Joshua todie. He could have stepped in and prevented it, but He did not and we don't have the divine minds to understand why. Our task as Christians is to continue to love and praise God, despite the sorrows and heartaches of this life. We stand much to gain if we stay in His good graces.

From my father I learned lessons too. Dying is inevitable, a necessary part of life, but it is not the worst thing that could happen to us. When he said that, I gave him that funny look children give parents when they say something that on the surface is insane but deep down is so wise. "How can dying not be the worst thing?" I asked Papa, and he answered, "If you live your life loving Jesus and doing His Will, when you die you go to an eternal Heaven. Isn't that what we are striving for all our lives?" I pray your Joshua rests in God's Heaven because that is the best thing that could happen to him. My parents taught good lessons.

I pray, too, that you will be strong enough to accept your deep loss. Despite what the skeptics, the agnostics, the atheists delight in saying about an unfair, uncaring, unloving God, keep the faith, Becky! Praise God and love Him with all your heart.
Sal Buttaci


I am sorry for losing contact with you, I have been going through a difficult time for the past 6 months. I have kept my eyes and ears open on the roundtable though.

I am so so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this time of need. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one...my father just passed away last fall. You have been through more than your fair share of trials. And, I also know that condolences just don't fill the void you are feeling. I'm not going to try to convince you that by having faith in God will help you through this difficult time. I know it's not what I wanted to hear during the loss of my mother or father. Just know that if you need anything, I am always here.
Sheri Summers


The article about Josh was touching. I cannot help but feel that Josh is in heaven, free of his illness, and ecstatic to walk among angels and saints like him. And as for Becky for whom life has been a constant medical struggle, never lose heart. Your reward in the City of Light will be a great one! I believe this with all my heart and with all the faith I have in God.
Sal Buttaci


Becky, you will be in my thoughts and my prayers. Erica


WE all grieve as you are grieving. ONly a mother or a father can know what pain you bear in the loss of your baby. As someone else said, words cannot convey the depth of our feelings for you and your family at this time.

Joshua came into this life with a purpose and please don't think it wasn't fulfilled. He was a blessing and will continue to be in your life.

While we all cannot be there, we are holding your hand and holding you up to God in prayer.

Love and blessings to you and your family.
Barb


Becky, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dwight