re: Prayers needed….any words of encouragement or advice.

As I am laying here in my daughters room on her princess bed. I firmly believe in God. I haven’t shared this I don’t believe but she died the day before we were suppose to go on vacation to Tennessee. After speaking with family and friends, my children and I decided to still go, as a way to honor her. It was the best decision I have ever made. Everyday God reviled himself to us. I will take a moment to discuss a few of them. My wife wanted to hike up Laurel Falls, so our first thing to do that Monday was hike up the trail to the falls. In the rush of things and plus our minds not being 100% focused. We accidentally left the water in the car. Now by the time I noticed we forgot the water, it was too late to turn around. So we continue the hike and it’s hot, like miserable. We are about halfway up and the kids are done, they are ready to turn around. I am at the point of saying screw it, I can’t go anymore. When out of the blue, a man comes up to us and says “Brother y’all look like y’all need some water, I got y’all.” If it wasn’t for that man we would’ve never finished getting to the waterfall and the look on my kids faces, I will never forget. I believe in my heart that was an angel of God helping us.
My oldest wants to be a veterinarian when she graduates high school. So she asked if we could go to Ripleys Aquarium. So we go and it’s packed. I go sit outside of a minute to catch some fresh air and I meet an older gentleman and his wife. He tells me he just got remarried. He than proceeds to tell me that he lost his first wife a few years ago. I tell him my story and he says to me “I know the pain you feel, I know the path that you are just starting. I have walked the path you are on and I am proof that you can make it.” That’s God strengthening me for what lies ahead.
Lastly, I get tear up thinking about this one.The kids wanted to see a bear the whole time. Unfortunately, we didn’t see one. We pack the car up and head out. Start driving down the mountain and we get to the absolutely last place before we hit the main road and guess what comes out of the woods right in front of us…a bear. That was Gods way of saying “ Everything is going to be ok.” If that doesn’t prove that God does exist. I don’t know what will.

Did they ever determine the cause of death?

Kids will cherish that trip! Congrats on having the guts to still take it. Wife would have wanted it that way i'm sure.

Speechless reading all the posts here.

You have given me perspective today that I hadn’t ever expected. Thank you.

You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Will likely stay there for some time:)

Godspeed my brother and I/we all know you guys will persevere.

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Thank you for reminding us all of God's very real presence and His concern and compassion for us all.

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I read needed to read this today. Struggling with some mild depression.

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. I heard you don’t move on, you just move forward

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This is so true. I lost both my parents and fiancé in my early thirties. Thank you for sharing your faith with us. Some of the things you said helped me today. Still praying for you and your family.

I appreciate that and will definitely say a prayer for you as well tonight.

I am so sorry. There is an organization based in churches that can help you man. Please go to griefshare.org and you will be able to put in your zip code for a class/group near you. I have seen it really help people. God bless you and I am so so sorry.

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Staying at our home was just too much.

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Completely see that. The kids may protest but they will want it as well. Being in the home is a daily reminder. You’ve got to grieve but the fine line between grief and wallowing is only something you can know. Moving will be a healing step.

Wish nothing but the best for you and your family. This loss has altered your life but it doesn’t have to define it.