I am so sorry to those of you learning this for the first time. I write with a very heavy heart today.
This morning at 10:20am, Josh became the angel that we all knew him to be.
I'm sure this comes as a great shock to many of you, as, in a way, it did to us. We saw Josh this last week and we knew things weren't right. He just didn't feel good. It became apparent that the cancer quickly and viscously attacked Josh's lungs. The doctors told us yesterday that Josh probably wouldn't make it much longer, despite his valiant efforts.
So, in those final hours, we encouraged Josh to go with God, to go home. Josh was surrounded by family and friends, and may now rest peacefully as he flys above us, cancer free. We know his work isn't done yet. He'll be watching over us always, making sure Gretchen and the kids are taken care of.
We thank you all so much for the prayers. We saw a few miracles these past 10 months, but now we can focus on the real miracle that we had with us: Josh.
We are planning for a viewing/rosary on Thursday night and a memorial service on Friday morning. I will update when I have the details.
Pray for our strength to get through this day, and all the days to come.
12 comments:
Deat Marissa and family
I just read about Josh's passing and can not express how deeply sorry I am. Having PMP myself, I can relate to the effects of this disease. My heart goes out to Gretchen and the kids as well as family members grieving. The bracelets I've purchased have just taken on a new meaning. You are all in my prayers!!
Kim Sprague
Marissa and family,
Our whole church here in NC have you all in our prayers. Roni is my daughter and through her and Kevin and your blog we've been following your journey for months. W've come to love you and pray for you and have elicited prayers from family and friends during this time of trial. We have been heartened by each miracle and triumph of faith and love in the midst of your adversities.
May you now find that special support that comes through resting on the Everlasting Arms of God's comfort and grace. Though we have not had the privilege of meeting you we feel we know you a little bit and more than that we keenly feel your loss as our loss.
Love, Vern and Ruth
Marissa,
I cannot tell you how very sorry I am to learn of your loss. I pray for you and your family and especially for Gretchen and their children. What a wonderful sister you have been. Vickie Schubert- The Fountains
Our Prayers & hearts go out to Josh's family & with the Good Lord's arms to carry all of you, it will help lighten your load.
Please know that our thoughts,prayers & love shall be with all of you through your times ahead.Earl & Frankie Chaney, Arkansas
My condolences to the entire Allen family. Josh was the kindest guy, with the most ferocious athletic abilities who always wore a smile as his armor. I will miss you Josh.
alan lakomskis
Connie & Family, you are all in our thoughts and prayers, we accompany you during this extremely difficult time. I just lost my brother to leukemia on September 4th, he too, fought valiently and we are finding comfort in knowing that like Josh, he is no longer suffering. I rejoice for him but feel your deep sense of loss and sorrow. May God's love sustain you. Terri Ramirez and family
We are all so deeply saddened by the passing of Josh. You are in our thoughts and prayers in these difficult times.
I wanted to share this special poem that I found in my mother's paper when she passed away. I hope it will bring some comfort to you as it did to me.
"SAFELY HOME"
I am in Heaven, dear ones, oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light.
All the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed, I am now at peace forever, Safely home in Heaven at last.
Did you wonder I so calmly trod the valley of the shade? Oh! But Jesus' love illumined every dark and fearful glade.
And He came Himself to meet me in that way so hard to tread; and with Jesus' arm to lean on, could I have one doubt or dread?
Then you must not grieve so sorely, for I love you dearly still: try to look beyond earth's shadows, pray to trust our Father's Will.
There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand, do it now, while life remaineth - you shall rest in Jesus' land.
When that work is all completed, he will gently call you Home; Oh, the rapture of that meeting, Oh, the joy to see you come!
Love, The Lisaldas
Dear Allen family,
I'm so very sorry to hear about Josh. You are all in my thoughts.
Susan Bieger
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Josh was a giant in more ways than just his size. I feel blessed to know him and will always remember himrunning over the opposition with a smile on his face.
I feel that this is selfish but I am glad I was with my rugby brothers when I heard of his passing. I love you all.
God bless you Gretchen, you and your family are in my prayers.
RUFUS
I never knew Josh, but I'm best friends with Roni and Kevin Kersey, who kept me posted on Josh's progress. All my friends who prayed for Kevin have also been praying for Josh, including my whole congregation. I am so sorry for your loss, but I know that death is the greatest healing. He is with his heavenly Father now, and there is no better place to be.
Keri Rosen
It was an honor to know Josh. He always had a smile, off and even on the field. My deepest condolences to those he left behind. He will be sorely missed and truly was a "giant among men".
- Tim -trim- Hughes
It is the will of God and Nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life; 'tis rather an embryo state, a preparation for living; a man is not completely born until he be dead: Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals? ~Benjamin Franklin, 22 February 1756
We know that Josh was a star - is a star, walking among the great immortals. He lives in our hearts and I feel his gentle spirit even now as I think of him and you all. With Great Affection. We love you Josh!
Aunt Sharon
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