Sweet Jared...

Our dear friends, who we speak with way to infrequently, and see even less have suffered the loss of their oldest son. An eleven year old boy, who from nearly day one had a battle to fight. Jared was only a month and a few days older than our Wesley. Mechele and I were excited to have babies so close in age. Even though we lived nearly 2000 miles apart we wondered,would they be friends? Would they go to college together? Soon after Jared's birth they realized there were some physical struggles. He had low muscle tone and a few other things that I can't recall now. He was a beautiful boy, he looked just like his mom. I remember that Jared and his parents had a special way of communicating. Both Chester and Mechele were so gentle, and loving with him. It was a blessing to spend time with them and witness their care. Jared never jumped, skipped or spoke. He never fed himself or learned how to use a toilet. So for eleven years, they cared for his EVERY need, unselfishly.

Jared came down with pneumonia about three weeks ago and just couldn't recover. They have two vivacious girls (Olivia 5, I named her, and Brooke 3) who will keep them going. My concern is, that often when couples lose a child, satan attacks their marriage. Please pray for God to comfort them, for God to protect their marriage, and for them to focus on the fact they will be reunited with him one day.

Rest well now sweet Jared...