Prayers Needed

Devin came home from school today carrying a paper and wearing a very serious look on his face. At first, we thought he was in some kind of trouble, and then he broke down and said one of his friends died today. The paper was a note to inform families about what happened. He died in his sleep, apparently he had a heart condition. Devin said he never even knew of this because this kid was so full of life, very outgoing. Devin found out in his last class of the day, the Jazz Band class they were in together, and Devin said he happened to be sitting in John's seat at the time they told the class the news. We were deeply saddened and shocked by the news, and if we felt that way, I can't even imagine what his family is going through right now, so please keep them in your prayers. Also, please keep his friends in your prayers. It is tough at any age to lose a friend, but when it is someone so young, it just feels that much harder.

Pam, that is such a sad story. I'll keep John's family in my prayers, as well as Devin and his friends. It makes it even more difficult when it happens so suddenly, without warning.

What a shocker! John's family and friends will be in my prayers, Pam.

Devin and his friend will be also in my prayers. It's so sad when a friend dies...and much more if this friend is a child. One doesn't understand children death. It's very, very hard. I suppose that Devin must be shocked about his friends death...When I was a girl I remember that in my school, a boy being 12 years old, suddenly died when he was fishing along with his father. There were no class for some two days. I was not in his same classroom (I was 11 at the time) and knew him very little, but I remember I was terrified for the fact I could suddenly die, without being Ill or something. I was panicked and didn't want to go to sleep.

So, just think about the possibility of Devin being scared for the death idea. It's very common in children.

Vanesa.

That is Very Sad I will Keep Devin and Johns Family in my prayers Was it Unexpected for the Parents as well or did they know it might happen just didn't tell anyone?

How very sad. I'll definitely be praying.

Vanesa wrote:

Devin and his friend will be also in my prayers. It's so sad when a friend dies...and much more if this friend is a child. One doesn't understand children death. It's very, very hard. I suppose that Devin must be shocked about his friends death...When I was a girl I remember that in my school, a boy being 12 years old, suddenly died when he was fishing along with his father. There were no class for some two days. I was not in his same classroom (I was 11 at the time) and knew him very little, but I remember I was terrified for the fact I could suddenly die, without being Ill or something. I was panicked and didn't want to go to sleep.

So, just think about the possibility of Devin being scared for the death idea. It's very common in children.

Vanesa.

Yes, all of the kids are taking this very hard. I don't think Devin slept much at all. I am keeping a close eye on him.

JW wrote:

That is Very Sad I will Keep Devin and Johns Family in my prayers Was it Unexpected for the Parents as well or did they know it might happen just didn't tell anyone?

I really don't know for sure. Even though he did have a heart condition, he lived a very full and active life, so there were no limitations put on him as far as I know. This makes me think it probably came as a shock to the parents as well. Devin and many of his friends didn't even know he had a heart condition, I guess it was something he didn't really talk about, or maybe it just wasn't something thought to be so serious. I guess we'll learn more as the days go on.

Thanks to all for all of the prayers for John's family and friends, I know they all appreciate it. It's such a heart-breaking situation.

What a tragic thing.......My prayers go out to the family and his friends......

It is such a terrible thing to lose a child and a classmate.....when my oldest was in school, they had a member of the band die in a freak accident on a 4-wheeler....they had a memorial for him at the school, and his chair was left empty with only his tuba mouth piece resting there......the rest of the band sat in silence as the service went on....SO emotional and sad......

I dealt with two deaths of fellow students. One was in my 4th grade class, and like a week or so later someone in the 5th grade died. They were both hit by a car and killed crossing the same street. I really liked the one in 5th grade. He was a funny and good kid. I took it pretty hard. Then a few years later another kid died of cancer. It's thought being a kid and seeing someone your age pass away. I will pray for you son and the child's family.

Rhonda wrote:

What a tragic thing.......My prayers go out to the family and his friends......

It is such a terrible thing to lose a child and a classmate.....when my oldest was in school, they had a member of the band die in a freak accident on a 4-wheeler....they had a memorial for him at the school, and his chair was left empty with only his tuba mouth piece resting there......the rest of the band sat in silence as the service went on....SO emotional and sad......

:blue:John was also a tuba player. There are upcoming concerts coming up. I can only imagine how emotional they will be.

MattLabMyLove wrote:

I dealt with two deaths of fellow students. One was in my 4th grade class, and like a week or so later someone in the 5th grade died. They were both hit by a car and killed crossing the same street. I really liked the one in 5th grade. He was a funny and good kid. I took it pretty hard. Then a few years later another kid died of cancer. It's thought being a kid and seeing someone your age pass away. I will pray for you son and the child's family.

It is tough losing a classmate. When I was in school a classmate committed suicide. I didn't know her well, but I knew who she was and it still hit very hard. At that time they announced it over the P.A. during regular announcements. It would have been a shock anyway, but just to hear it like that, like it was just part of the everyday announcements just seemed wrong. They actually came into Devin's class, which happened to be the class he had John in, and they had the kids sit down and counselors broke the news to them. There's never a good way to break news like that, but coming in and talking with the kids just seemed so much more personal.

This family really needs our prayers. They also have a daughter who has a serious brain disease and isn't expected to live much longer. John was just talking about this in band class recently. I can't even begin to imagine what this family is going through.

Jacob asked if John's death was unexpected to his parents. It was. Although he did have a heart-condition, it wasn't considered something serious or life-threatening. As I said, I just can't imagine what this family is going through.

So sorry to hear this. I will pray for John's family. Thanks Pam for letting us know.

pamh36 wrote:

This family really needs our prayers. They also have a daughter who has a serious brain disease and isn't expected to live much longer. John was just talking about this in band class recently. I can't even begin to imagine what this family is going through.

Jacob asked if John's death was unexpected to his parents. It was. Although he did have a heart-condition, it wasn't considered something serious or life-threatening. As I said, I just can't imagine what this family is going through.

Oh, Pam...what a sad story. The poor family...Their little John has gone and the girl being espected to die in a more or less short time! I'll pray for them all, be sure of it.

Vanesa.

I know the family appreciates the prayers very much, thank you.

We went to a candlelight service at the high school track last night and at the end his father spoke. It was heartbreaking, but he wanted to let everyone know how grateful he is for the support and to let all of John's friends know that he was grateful for their friendship. He was reassuring the kids. What a strong man.

Oh my gosh, that is just awful. I can't imagine losing a child so suddenly like that....well, at all, but still. Last year, a student at Brendan's college died in his sleep, from menengitis, which is very common with especially college freshman in dorms, I hear. I just cannot imagine receiving that phone call, as a parent.

How amazing that John's father spoke at the vigil. I'm sure he had to call on every ounce of strength he had to do that. I will have this family in my prayers, Pam---thanks for letting us know about it. And I'll be praying for Devin too...I hope they have grief counselors on staff at the school right now.

This is a video one of John's friends made that shows how much he truly embraced life. I think many of us can learn a nice lesson from this young man. He made so much of the little time he had here, and so many people let life or opportunities just pass them by. Life is a gift, we should all make the most of it.