2016 Softball Champions honor E

The girls immediately after winning their game.

It has been awhile since I've watched a softball game. Actually, to be honest, probably not since high school.

There are few reasons why, I suppose. I’ve never been a real sports fan, in school I lacked that coordination to participate. But mostly, it was that I just never took the time.

So it drew my attention when I was told the senior girls requested Ethan's initials be put on the sleeve of their uniform. I felt that with such a kind gesture, I really should take the time to attend one of their games.

The first one I watched was their last played on home field. I have to admit I was quite surprised.
It certainly wasn't the same game I remember watching in high school.

This...was so much more.

I watched a dynamically orchestrated symphony of team members working in sync to create a fast paced, intense competition. These girls played together as smoothly as a well oiled machine.
I was in awe of the impressive talent and determination displayed on that field by these young ladies.
So it came as no surprise to me when they made it to the state championship.

I thought of how proud Ethan would have been to see them make it there. He cared so much about his schoolmates succeeding at whatever their hand found to do.
And I know he would have been right there for their championship game, cheering his friends on in their success, their sportsmanship.

So on Saturday, Jim, the boys and I traveled to Akron to watch these girls play in the state championship game.
The momentum going into that game was SOMETHING.

And in the end, The Wheelersburg Lady Pirate Softball Team won the state championship for the first time since 1983.

Afterwards, we watched as this team ran onto the field shouting “EP7” with such emotion while they huddled together. It was truly humbling to see the same passion and love of the game that our E had when he played soccer.

Their winning season was not only because of their talent, hard work and determination, but because of their heart and soul.

And that not only makes them winners on the field...
It will carry them through life’s ups and downs to be... winners in life.

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might”. Ecclesiastes 9:10

Plans For E's Graduation

 

 

As the days lead up to graduation, my thoughts wander to what E would be doing, should he still be here with us.

I imagine things such as getting ready for graduation ceremony, sleeping in, going to graduation parties with his friends, and leaving soon on his senior trip. There were many plans.

Plans made for a day we shall never see.

Taking for granted he would always be here....

And though I try not to focus on how this was taken from him, at times it is almost impossible.

I cannot do it on my own, so I must rely on the scriptures and promises thereof from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

That is where my hope and strength comes from.

As heart wrenching as it will be not to see him walk with his Wheelersburg High School Class of 2016, I am attending the graduation later this evening. We will present the scholarship established in E’s name.

Though I’m not sure I will have the strength, I won’t be doing it alone. The support of family, friends, community, and my faith in Christ will guide me through.

“And now, brothers and sisters, I want you to know what will happen to the Christians who have died so you will not be full of sorrow like people who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus comes, God will bring back with Jesus all the Christians who have died. “ I Thessalonians 4:13-14 NLT

 

Posted on Facebook 5/27/16

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E and the Cheer Block

The 2016 Wheelersburg seniors recently voted for their class Superlatives.  
Ethan was elected the class ‪#‎Social‬ Butterfly.

I wasn’t certain what this meant, so I asked his fellow classmates. They explained this meant he was one who spoke first to everyone, was friendly towards all, and was active on social media platforms.

Quite fitting, really.

During his junior year, E became aware of the need to revamp the high school cheer block. Participation had dwindled down in the previous years, and almost ceased to exist.

It was a task he set out to address.

Enlisting the assistance of his fellow classmates, he began messaging them to remind them to attend that week’s game, the theme of the block, and to wear the relevant attire.

He went as far as including the younger students as well in an effort to make the cheer block bigger and better than ever before. He came up with many of the ideas for the weekly cheer block theme through the networking of many students.

At first, it took a while to get a crowd of students there. There were a few that would show up. Then if the scoreboard wasn’t in their favor, they would leave. To keep the team from giving up hope, E would stay until the very end.

Even when he was the only one left, he was there cheering them on.

He so loved to see others succeed and had a knack for using that to uplift others to strive for their best. Time and time again, I hear this so often.

One weekend, he worked on a “hype” video for the football team. It took him the entire day. While he was working on it, I thought how dedicated it was to see a teenage boy, work so hard to motivate and inspire others. He posted it on his You Tube page for all to see. I recall how proud he was of them, even though he wasn’t even the one playing. He had no vested interest other than to encourage his friends.

The Burg cheer block he worked hard to help build quickly grew to have a large body of students. There were high schoolers of all ages participating to cheer on whatever team played that week. At some point, E learned of a statewide cheer block competition, called the Golden Megaphone Award. It was a dream of his for them to win it.

Although he was not able to fulfill that dream, they decided to honor his memory, and continue the Block with full intentions on doing just that.

The first basketball game after E's death. The Pirates with their missing "E".

Together, they decided on a theme, and numerous students showed up in full support (and costume) to shoot a video to submit for the award.

On March 18th, a few of his closest senior friends who were instrumental in helping organize the Block, represented the school at Ohio State. Although they didn’t win, they earned the award of one of the top four high school cheer blocks in the state of Ohio by the OHSAA. E would have been so proud.

 

While I only know of these details through the stories of others, it serves as yet another reminder that I should have taken the time to get to know these little things about my son. How I wish I would have attended one of those games, to experience this cheer block, he worked so hard to make a success.

It is now only through the pictures of him and his beloved friends in “The Block” that I can only imagine how good it must have felt to be on the receiving end of those cheers.

Memories of yet another time that seems so long ago.

There is always a lesson we can learn from something or someone. For me as an adult, I know sometimes we feel we can only do this from our peer group.

I have found that not to be true.

In fact, there are the times, that if we pay close enough attention, we just may learn that lesson… from our very own children.

“And let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

Just a few pics of our beloved E and the cheer block he so loved, courtesy of Ruth Boll.
‪#‎ep7‬
Link to E's Burg State Semis Hype video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmeO6wrRFtM
Link to the Wheelersburg Schools website about the Golden Megaphone Award: http://www.burg.k12.oh.us/wheelersburghighschool_home.aspx

Posted on Facebook 5/23/16
https://www.facebook.com/steph.swish.pauley/posts/10206107905645657

The EP7 Soccer Shootout

The first EP7 Soccer Shootout was a huge success, thanks to the support of our community and the surrounding areas. Twenty two teams comprised of both kids and adults from four different states played in games yesterday.

 

These were not only soccer players. There were kids that play football, softball and other sports that haven’t played soccer in years if ever, alumni soccer players, college level players joined as well. There were parents, teens from local schools, and members of the community who attended just to show their support.

 

As I walked around and watched them all on the field, on the sidelines laughing and hanging out, and having a great time, a sense of gratitude came over me. You can say many things about our area. Believe me, I’ve heard them all. But to see the love and support from such a tight-knit group of folks is not something you find many places. For me personally, experiencing this support has touched my heart, and provided me comfort in the darkest of times.

So I want you to know how much it meant to me for you all to show up to support our beloved E in the game he loved, our family, and the students that will benefit from the scholarship.
This event could not have happened without the help of a large amount of people.

My list of thanks spreads wide and far. I have included everyone I can think of, and truly hope I did not forget anyone. I realize there are those I may not have even known, that worked behind the scenes.

Many thanks to: Mr. Pastor, Mrs. Thomas, and the hardworking students of the National Honor Society at Wheelersburg High School for organizing, and running this event. Thanks to the Shellie Miller, the admins and the staff at Wheelersburg High School. Thanks to Jessica Waller for creating and maintaining the shootout page, and answering a million and one of my questions.

Thanks to those who prepped the fields: Todd Jarvis, Kevin Powell, and the volunteers both kids and adults.

Thanks to Mike Hagans, and the students and volunteers who officiated the games.

Thanks to the T-shirt sponsors: Deemers Grocery, Hall’s Auto Parts, Misty’s Cone Shop, Kona Ice, Imageworks, Headlines, and Shirt Stop.

Thanks to the concession donors: The Vastine Family (Misty’s Cone Shop, and Valley Foods), Little Caesar’s of Wheelersburg, Bud Sharp, Kona Ice, Deemer’s Grocery, Melanie Mahlmeister, and Giovanni’s of Wheelersburg.

We are thrilled to hear the EP7 Soccer Shootout will be an annual event! Be sure to follow the EP7 Soccer Shootout page and The Ethan Pauley Scholarship Fund page on Facebook for future updates on the tournament and the scholarship fund.

My sincere thanks again for all your support! It is such a blessing to a part of this community. God Bless!

Me and the Huntington XFC travel team E used to play in since sixth grade.

Jim, the three youngest boys and I with our niece and nephews that came in Michigan to play.

Posted on Facebook 5/15/16
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The Love of a Little Brother

These past few months have been full of more than a lifetime of sadness, but I want to appreciate the precious moments we have, as difficult as that may be at times.

One of these moments, surrounds our youngest son and his faith and perseverance.

Eli is eight years old and in the second grade. While struggling with the loss of the bond he shared with E, he has worked hard to maintain his schoolwork.

This is the latest test score progress in his Accelerated Math class. He's achieved a fifth grade level!

Yet more important than any scores, is the decision Eli recently made to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

We couldn't be more proud. Nor could our love for him be any stronger.
We let him know every single day...

"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future." - Jeremiah 29:11

 

Posted on Facebook 4/18/16

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Ethan's Headstone

The stark reality of E's absence in our home is something we will always have to endure. Last night that reality stood out.

As any mom who has been a stay at home parent to six boys, I was always in search of ways to better budget our family finances. Giving the boy’s haircuts at home was one of those ways. Surely, I thought I could master this task…..the boys begged to differ.

Every time I brought out the clippers, they ran in the other direction. The process became quite a struggle, and the times between seemed to grow much too short since I would put it off. Ethan always seemed a willing participant, I must say. He never complained and was quite content to look dapper.

He was always willing to ask my thoughts on his clothing and shoe choices. It made me feel appreciated that he respected my opinion at a time when many boys would be sure a mom couldn’t have valuable input. Those small but significant moments stand out to me now as most treasured.

Through the years, I grew to feel giving haircuts was more than a hassle than much else. I would relent and take them to a professional from time to time, or let it grow until they begged me to cut it out of humorous desperation.

This past year E began cutting his own hair, probably out of the necessity of getting it done. He was one of those who if no one else would do the necessary work, to find a way to accomplish it.

Once he became adept at giving himself a haircut, I asked him to cut his younger brothers’ hair. He accommodated me, and the boys seemed quite content with him doing it as well. I was so relieved to relinquish this task, that I bought him his own pair of clippers to use.

While it may seem small, this task took a burden off our shoulders in both time and money. In fact, he took many small burdens off us, helping with his little brothers, and around the house to make our lives easier.

So last night as I took out his clippers to give the boys’ haircuts, my thoughts were bittersweet. Little things such as this remind me how I hope he knew how much we loved and appreciated the many ways he helped us and what it meant to us.

But more than that, how much we loved him and were so proud of the young man he had become.

For in an instant, he was gone from this life.

A word not spoken, a love not expressed. It’s the small things we take for granted. Cherish those.

For this world and all that it is, shall pass too…in an instant.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90:12

E's headstone was set today. It was wet from rain when I took this picture. It is beautiful. We simply can't express in words our gratitude to the anonymous donor who helped make this happen.

 

Posted on Facebook 4/12/16

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205860031368955&set=a.1400614824401.2057436.1503211485&type=3&theater

A Special Condolence Letter

A few weeks ago we received this beautifully written letter of condolence from our House Representative, Terry Johnson.

Reading through it brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.

Thank you Dr. Johnson, for your valuable time and thoughtfulness to offer our family your support. The kindness you have expressed will not be forgotten.

Posted on Facebook 4/4/16
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Easter-Our First Holiday Without Ethan

I have told you stories of our son E. Yet, there is another thing I wish to be known.

It is the single most important thing about him. And that was his decision to accept Jesus Christ as his savior.

I can say with certainty, that my son is now with his Lord....

This my friends, is what sustains us. Each and every day.

Christ took our place in death for our sins, so that we may be reconciled to God through our faith in Him.

Death was defeated through his resurrection. Our Christ LIVES, and so shall we who believe.

"Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, for he has risen." Luke 24:5-6

Posted on Facebook 3/27/16
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The Ethan Pauley Memorial Scholarship

Immediately after Ethan's death, we wanted to do something to honor his memory. A dear friend suggested setting up a scholarship in his name that people could donate to in lieu of sending flowers to the funeral home.

An account at Wheelersburg High School was set up to facilitate these donations. A Facebook page was created as well.

The response was overwhelming.

Donations poured in. EP7 wristbands, and decals were created and sold to assist in collecting funds for the scholarship.

Over the years, I’ve spent time working in professions promoting both human and animal welfare. I often thought how I had seen the worst people have to offer, time and time again. These experiences left me, at various times pondering how little goodness seemed left in the world.

Then came the inconceivable loss of our son just two months ago today. This loss has taken our view of reality and scattered it all over. We will be picking those pieces up for the rest of our lives.

Yet, throughout this horrific ordeal, we have experienced how family, friends, and communities can come together, putting their differences aside, while working for the good of others. Often times, it is a tragedy that reveals the true love and kindness the human spirit can offer.

As of yesterday, I learned the Ethan Pauley Memorial Scholarship Fund has received a total of $9,619.40.

To say we are amazed...would be an understatement.

These donations arrived from Wheelersburg, and the surrounding communities, but they also came from West Virginia, and Kentucky to Michigan, Indiana, and possibly even farther.
I cannot express how much the growth of this fund means to us, to honor the memory of our son with something so worthwhile is priceless.

Ethan was at the age he was seeking to find his own path, and he was making plans for his future. He had his whole life ahead of him. Though he was an ordinary teenager in many ways, he set himself apart, too. He had a sincere desire to make the world a better place by putting others ahead of his own needs or wants. He so wished to see his friends happy, to see them succeed. He never wished to be acknowledged for these efforts. He brought dedication and enthusiasm, we hear it often now, in such a strong way to whatever he pursued!

A moment that stands out to me from mid-January of this year.

We were running an errand, and E noticed a homeless man with his dog outside of this office. He immediately went digging into his wallet. Parents of teens are quite aware of how stingy they can be with their money. Knowing full well he had very little himself, I watched as he pulled out every cent he had, walk over and give it to the man. After giving him the money, he shook the stranger's hand and gave his dog a pat.

I remember how touched I was to see my teenage son treat strangers so kindly time and time again. It was one of those glimpses, as I've mentioned before, you see the type of person your child is growing up to be. . .

Since our E cannot fulfill his hopes and dreams, it is our desire to be able to help others, in the spirit of our son, as that is who he was.

You are helping us do this. And for that, we are truly grateful.

"Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."- Psalm 106:1-2

Posted on Facebook 3/22/16

Walmart Tees & The National Indoor Soccer Championship

I arrived in Cleveland on Saturday afternoon, not knowing much of what to expect. It was a hectic morning, therefore I hadn't much time to process the reality of attending my first soccer tournament without Ethan.

We settled into our hotel, then immediately had to drive over to the soccer complex in where Nationals was being held. As I walked through the door, that reality came full circle.

Looking around, I observed a large amount of people. There were players on various teams from all over Ohio, Illinois, Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Canada. Teams with sponsors such as Puma, and Lexus. At that moment, it hit me how proud E would have been to have the opportunity to play in such a soccer tournament of this magnitude. I could imagine the smirky little smile he would have had walking into that tournament.

To think of him missing this opportunity, and the bonding experience we could have shared as mother and son, was too much for me to bear.

The Walmart Tees went into the tournament without five of their original players. They were able to recruit three new ones. The team played two games that night, and one the next afternoon. The games were organized in a 6 v 6 with forty minute games. They had a total of seven players, leaving them with only one sub to give breaks. It was apparent by the middle of the game, our players were becoming tired. But they pressed on. At this time, the opposing teams began subbing their players. I watched as they replaced their players with what seemed another whole team.

What struck me though, was how well our team played under these difficult circumstances without a single complaint. They pushed on till the very end, not giving up, scoring a few goals in each game.

As I watched them play, I went through every emotion one could imagine. For the first two games, I wanted to cheer them on, but every time I tried, flashbacks to the many years of cheering my E out there on the soccer field, consumed me. His absence, hurt my soul. Deeply.

But as they continued on with sheer determination, I observed that same passion I did when E played. Those thoughts began to pass, and by the last game, I was able to cheer for them.

They gave it their all. In every way. Those boys ran, passed, dribbled and kicked the ball till they were physically and mentally beyond exhaustion. Their tennis player goalie blocked shot after shot.

At the conclusion of the final game, the scores were against them. But that didn't matter to them...or me. No, because this tournament wasn't about the scoreboard. It was about much more.

Perseverance, courage, a love of the game, playing with all odds stacked against them, and coping with the loss of their friend and teammate. They played hard, and well to honor our beloved E. And for that…..they are true winners.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

Posted on Facebook 3/2/16 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205512894370747&set=a.1400614824401.2057436.1503211485&type=3&theater

The Walmart Tees

Ethan loved playing for the Pirates, and when the season had ended, it was almost as if, he didn't know what to do with himself. After losing districts, in which he played the best game of his entire high school career, he came to me very emotional, almost crumbling in my arms, and told me it was over. Expressing emotions was not an easy thing for him, much less any teenage boy to do, especially to me his mother, no doubt. But at that moment, I realized how vital my response was. I knew it had to be brief yet encouraging, so I simply told him, “It wasn't over. He was just entering a different phase of his life, and whatever he set his mind to, he could do.”

And that is what he did.

Almost immediately, E turned his attention, to the indoor season. The Burg team he had always played with didn't have enough spots for the seniors. Since he wanted to play in some of the tournaments at Quantum, he decided to create his own team. Little to my knowledge at the time, he contacted players he knew around the tri-state of Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. These were teenagers around the same age group, that he felt were competitive on the field. The fact that he was able to make friends and recruit those he played with and against from such a widespread area, is a testament to the importance he put into developing and maintaining relationships throughout the years.

The first indoor tournament would be the Gobbler Classic. I recall the day he showed me the schedule was when I first learned of their team name. The Walmart Tees. Both perplexed and amused, I asked him how they came about choosing it. He replied, “Because that is where we are buying our team shirts.” Then I asked him who the coach was. “As of now, we don't really have one,” he said. I asked him if he thought he should. He replied, “No. We don't want a real coach.”
So on Saturday, December 5th, the Walmart Tees entered their first official tournament. The competition were long-time, established teams that had experienced coaches, team moms, and some even had secretaries. Teams with uniforms, and printed rosters.

And here was Ethan and the Walmart Tees. Submitting a hand written roster merely scratched on paper, shirts from Walmart with their team name stenciled in black sharpie and members that never once practiced together prior to the tournament. Since they had to list a coach, and the one friend they had in mind could not attend that weekend, they asked one of the player's older cousins to fill that role. Who, as only as they would have it, had no previous soccer coaching experience.
And guess what? They played against those teams. In all their sweaty, stinky glory with sharpie ink running down their shirts, they won the Gobbler Classic.

As I mentioned before, most of this was unknown to me while it was all transpiring. I found out when one of the mothers of E's teammates approached me. She told me how glad she was that Ethan contacted her son with this opportunity and how fond they were of him. She said they didn't hesitate in agreeing to play. I think back at that moment, and how proud I was of him.
It was one of those little things I learned about my own son that day.

Because as a parent, you are always worrying about your children. That doesn't stop when they become young adults. It deepens. They become their own person with their own relationships, activities, and dreams. They grow to be..independent. They aren't always open with you while establishing this independence. And sometimes it is hard to connect with them. So you try and guide them the best you possibly can. It seemed I did more guiding though, when I really should have taken some of that time to get to know him better. It is through those little things, you get a glimpse into the person they're becoming.

A month later, the Walmart Tees played another tournament at Quantum that was to determine their ability to qualify to enter the National Indoor Championship hosted in Cleveland. This tournament had even more teams competing, but they pulled it off, winning that one as well.
I wasn't able to attend because family had arrived in from Michigan and we just couldn't get there on time. Missing that tournament is something I will always regret.

Now that E is gone, the Walmart Tees have decided to go on to play this tournament in his memory as they know it is what he would have wanted. They will be playing the National Indoor Soccer Championship in Cleveland this Saturday and Sunday. These boys will need extra support. Playing without E on this particular team will be one of the hardest things for them to do. The bonds that develop on the field grow deep throughout the years of playing with someone. The loss of their friend, teammate and player will truly be felt by this team.

I have made the choice to go. Though hard as it will be not watching as my beloved E is cherishing the fruits of his labor while playing on that field, I know with certainty, that his spirit will.

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar like wings on eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk, and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Posted on Facebook 2/23/16
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The Impact Of Our Small Community-Gratitude And Thanks.

 

Our last family pictures together with E-November 2016.

When we purchased our small farm, and moved from Huntington, WV to Wheelersburg in May 2011, we arrived as strangers to a little community.

With all the work to do settling in our new home, I found we kept mostly to the projects at hand instead of getting to know people right off. Ethan began playing soccer late that summer, and while I still had met only a few people, Ethan quickly seemed to know everyone. 

 



Our community gathered together to pray around the school after Ethan's death-https://rivervet.smugmug.com/Community/Community-Mournes-Ethan-Pauley/

 As someone recently told me, it was like “Where's Waldo”, and Ethan became “Waldo” within months, because he immediately found a warm welcome by this community. Soon, Ethan could be seen here and there in so many photos people would post: at a game, in the cheer block, playing soccer, or just hanging with friends. I never paid much attention to that being “special,” though I was glad he transitioned so easily with the move. Looking back, I wish I had realized how really amazing it was, how he made a place for himself in Wheelersburg from the moment he arrived. He truly embraced and loved this town very much, and he did so from the start. 

 



The Wheelersburg High School announcement of Ethan's wake and funeral arrangements

 

 And they loved him in return.

I didn't realize the magnitude of the ties he had built so many places here until the end of his senior year began to approach. As any mother, I wanted him to leave the area to attend a good college, play soccer, and do something big. Create a life. Ethan did not see the same vision I had for him. He was making his own plan. What he talked of was staying here in Burg, going to college in the local area, and opening up a business, because everything he wanted was here; he so loved this community.

 

Article by Portsmouth Daily Times-http://portsmouth-dailytimes.com/sports/5389/titans-honor-pauley-with-orange-out

 At the time, I couldn't understand the deep connection. My own childhood was spent moving around from state to state. I was a bit of a Gypsy, and I did not know the significance of growing up in a small town and developing strong bonds to the place and the people. I could not fathom what would lead me to fully experience the impact of love in a tight knit community, either.

As soon as we received the news, from that moment, I saw and felt, our whole family saw and felt, an outpouring of support and giving from not only Wheelersburg, but from many surrounding towns in such a way, words cannot really explain. They certainly cannot be enough to thank you all, either. The sports related rivalries melted away from that moment, and the reason my son loved this place was so clear to me.

 

 

 

Show of support by the area schools

Many people from all over this area and beyond have worked very hard to be here for all of us. You made sure that we did not have to stop and worry over a cost no parent ever dares to consider: the cost to bury their child. Beyond that, you have all made sure we lacked for nothing, no service, no item, no need was overlooked. Prepared Food, snacks, beverages, paper products, offers of so many kind services, laundry items, firewood, monetary donations, gift cards, the use of the school for the wake, jewelry tokens, the #7 wristbands and headbands, suit rentals for the service, clothing and shoes for the boys to attend both the wake and funeral, cards, blankets, homemade cards and banners from the schools, messages, memorial dvds, and shirts, the kindness of area soccer and sports teams to dedicate their season or games to Ethan’s memory, changing websites, team colors, cheers and ribbons to orange in order to support him and us, the lovely newspaper articles, picture collages, pictures, activity books, flowers, plants, wind chimes, plaques, the hug around the school, handmade signs, and both of Ethan's retired number 7 jerseys. 

 



Area athletes lined up to pay their respects as we drive by to lay Ethan to rest-https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153925376966591&set=a.47241406590.55618.644841590&type=3&theater

Please know that not one message of kind thoughts and prayers have gone unnoticed. The lining of the street by area schools as we passed with Ethan to lay him to rest. . . these things mean so much and will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

There were those who worked behind the scenes, an effort that took a multitude of hands. Many I did not even know, may never know, or be able to thank in person. We are truly grateful. I have no doubt the Lord's presence was at hand. 

 

 

Friends of Ethan at work showing their support.

The tragedy of the loss of our son is more than I can yet comprehend, but you all made sure the details I could not stop to consider did not go without being addressed and handled with love and care.
This community and those beyond have thought of it all.
Every. Single. Thing.
And thank you just doesn't seem enough.

Your generosity and kindness has shown me what I never understood or experienced before. . the deep value of community. God Bless you all. Thank you for honoring our beloved E. 

 

Another area school showing their support.

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15.

Another area school showing support.

Posted on Facebook 2/4/16
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205344137951942&set=a.1400614824401.2057436.1503211485&type=3&theater