Though my Father served in the United States Air Force, I do not come from a particularly military family. Our son, Hans, did not serve in the military. But, as a volunteer firefighter/medic, he was given firefighter's honors at his memorial service. To be honest, I was floored. I did not expect such an honor. … Continue reading Memorial Day
Remembering Hans
Forgetting
Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; Isaiah 49:15-16 There are things about Hans I will never forget for as long as … Continue reading Forgetting
Two Years
January 11, 2016 was the best day of Hans' life. That's the day he entered the Presence of Almighty God. And we are two years closer to seeing him again. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:21 †
Re-post: Things Are Not What They Seem
One of the things many bereaved parents would like you to know is this: Even though they may seem pretty together and functional; even though they smile, though perhaps not very brightly and not for very long; and even though it seems like they are moving on with life, there are many, many things going … Continue reading Re-post: Things Are Not What They Seem
Revised Post: Better Than A High Five
"Hans always made a point of thanking me whenever I helped him out. I believe he thanked me after almost every meal I cooked for him. Every pizza was 'the best pizza ever.' " Originally published 11/5/16 Read the entire post here.
Revised Post: Precious
"As death overcomes the body and the believer passes into life eternal, in the last moments of grace, is the still small voice of the Lord the last and clearest thing a child of God hears on earth?" Click here to read the entire post. Save
Revised Post: Home
Hans didn't “leave home” until the evening he went to his Heavenly home... Click here to read the entire post. Save
Revised Post: Racket
Originally published September 28, 2016 This summer, our first without Hans, has been like no other. In addition to Hans being gone, the rest of the family have been away from home for much of the summer work season. And it is very quiet. One of the first things that struck me after Hans went … Continue reading Revised Post: Racket
Re-Post: Well Said
EXCERPT: Back when I wasn’t doing too good and I couldn’t talk and I wasn’t very much fun, you never gave up on me. You liked to teach me things and you would show me one step at a time that I could do it. I never got a chance to say thank you. I … Continue reading Re-Post: Well Said
Just a Brief Interlude
Light Show
Hans was a flashlight fanatic. This, of course, led to a rechargeable battery habit. He did not want to get caught on a highway emergency call without a good light. Car repairs and other work at home often had to be done in the dark as well. So, not unexpectedly, this past Christmas Hans gave … Continue reading Light Show
Revised Post: Tenacious
Originally published September 30, 2016 "The grass seed sprouted into a neat and tidy patch of lawn; the rose bush limped along through the rest of summer, fall, and then winter. Then January. And a car crash. And our Hans was gone." Read the entire post here.
Revised Post: Old Yeller Truck
Wildfire season is upon us here in Alaska bringing with it many smoky memories. Read the entire post here.
Things Are Not What They Seem
One of the things bereaved parents would like you to know is this: Even though they may seem pretty together and functional; even though they smile, though perhaps not very brightly and not for very long; and even though it seems like they are moving on with life, there are many, many things going on … Continue reading Things Are Not What They Seem
One Year
Can it be a whole year since we saw our boy's face? If you have a special memory of Hans (no matter how long ago), a funny story, or a photo you would like to share, please leave it in the comments section below, or visit Hans' memorial website here. Every memory posted is a … Continue reading One Year
