Yesterday morning we received a call from our friend Tressa informing us that her oldest son Timothy (17) had drowned on Sunday.  They don't know what happened, really.  He was swimming with friends in a pond and everyone got out of the water.  They noticed Timothy missing and eventually found him on the bottom of the pond.  The water wasn't deep.  He was a fine swimmer.

      My heart is broken for his family and friends.  The promise of life and vitality gone in an instant.  No goodbyes.  Though it is not for us to question our loving Father, I find myself asking, "why?".  I know that he is with the Lord--so there is peace.  And yet my heart aches for the void he leaves.

     I will remember the shy, quiet boy who loved cayenne with his food, who's face lit up with a smile so brilliant it almost took your breath away, who was brave enough to chase turkey robbers off in the middle of the night, and was a blessing to his parents who loved him dearly.

     Lord, please grant those who loved dear Timothy the peace and grace to carry on in spite of emptiness left.  Let us feel your presence in this time of sorrow.