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Mr and Mrs Melder and Sheldon, I am very saddened by the loss of Joshua. I do not know your family, but I encountered Joshua (seems like daily) at Wal-mart. Like so many others that will leave you messages, we as customers, were privileged and honored to know you son and brother. He touched many lives, he was so sweet and kind. He would always speak even if I wasn’t paying attention and in my own little world, he would step into my path just to say hi. I always responded with “what’s up Josh-u-wa.” He always had a smile on his face and was always in a good mood. I remember when he told me he was going to study in peru and I asked him 10 million questions and gave him a mother’s version of the riot act…lol. He just kept shaking his head saying “yes ma’am, yes ma’am, yes ma’am.” I asked him if his mother freaked out a bit and he said “a little” and we laughed. I was so happy to see him when he returned. Honestly, I would have never guessed he was 22. He seemed wise beyond his years, it was obvious he was very intelligent and raised well.
Mrs. Melder, your words from the news clip just keep ringing in my ears we are NOT supposed to bury our kids and I also had trouble telling my husband and son of our tragic loss. On the 24th, it will be 2 years since Jacob(my 17yr old) was called home. You did an amazing job in the interview, stronger than me, I couldn’t speak to them, Jacob’s friends had to. I am so heartbroken for you and pray God will help you on this long painful journey. I can tell you, every day will be a challenge, there will be darkness and sorrow for the rest of our lives, but we will also find small moments of joy.
I pray that God will wrap you in his loving, comforting arms and help you on this journey. we never ask for the title of grieving parent, nor do we want to wear these horrible concrete shoes, but someday, I hope we find a way to make them a little more comfortable until we can be with our children again. I will pray for your family daily.
I want to share 2 scriptures that bring it all home for me Wisdom 4:17-14 “the age that is honorable comes not with the passing of time, nor can it be measured in terms of years....they pleased God....Having become perfect in a short while, they reached the fullness of a long career" and Wisdom 3:1-3 "The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them. They seemed, in the view of the foolish, to be dead; and their passing away was thought an affliction and their going forth from us, utter destruction. But they are in peace."
again, I am deeply sorry for your loss, my heart is broken and the Lumberton Wal-mart will never be the same without Joshua. Please get my information from Monica or Ira, I will help you in any way I can.
God Bless you
Tammy Silvestrini
Jacob Langston's mom.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010 |
