March 12 Asher

Thursday:  I left late this morning for my scheduled trip to Florida to spend Spring break with my brother and Carol. I am pretty sure that we planned this trip and I booked my flights at the end of December. David and I planned to spend the first weekend down at Fort DeSoto camping, kayaking, and alligator hunting (!!). 

BUT ... our plans did not matter whatsoever to us when we received word on Tuesday that Ruthanne and Terry's grandson, Asher, had died in the wee hours of that morning. I'm not sure I have ever received a sadder phone call than that one. Terry had no information yet regarding funeral arrangements, but David and I discussed that we would cancel our camping trip if we needed to drive up to Georgia instead (which is what ended up happening). 

Out of respect for my extended family, I'm not going to give details about Asher's death. It's too tragic and horrifying to put into words. My niece, Shari, and husband (Mark) have lived out of state almost all of the years they have been married. I had only met Asher once, perhaps twice, when he was a little boy. I didn't know him at all but I remember how happy Shari was when he was born, a first son to them.

As David and I attended the visitation and funeral service, I learned a lot about this beautiful boy. He loved hunting "game" on their 50-acre property. He enjoyed the boxing at the "Armor of God" boxing club--a once-pastor dude runs the place, and he and Asher had a good connection. He was also interested in pottery and had made some beautiful bowls and plates with his own hands. He had taken a Fall missions trip to Thailand with his youth group where his faith was challenged and grew. He was looking forward to getting his driver's license in the upcoming weeks. 

Many young friends of Asher's came to pay their respects. There were many tears. A lot of deep grief. It was heart breaking, especially for Shari and Mark. Ruthanne and Terry, too, were devastated by the loss of their grandson. I was so thankful David and I could just be present for our family, to love on them, and support them in their grief.

This is Asher's sister, Esme', and his mom, Shari. Esme' will be 18 in August. She sang at the funeral. She and Asher were close friends. Audric (10) is the younger brother (I did not get any photos of him) I can't say enough good things about Shari. She's a terrific person and I am so sad for her. 

I am thankful that Asher's life was honored at the funeral and that Christ was lifted high. Asher trusted in Jesus for his salvation and is now with Him. Asher's family will have very difficult months ahead. I am praying that the Lord will walk closely with them, give them His peace, direct their decisions, and protect their family--keep them loving each other and following Christ. I love you guys.