The Asher Update

Andy, Gloria, Asher,
You are in my thoughts and prayers today. I pray that God will hold you all up and strengthen you. There are no words to comfort you, only God can do that. This year has been difficult for you, so say the least, but God is going to do MIGHTY things through your family!

"The eternal GOD is your refuge, and HIS everlasting arms are under you." Deut. 33:27

Brother Dale in Nebraska sent the link of the fitting Spurgeon's evening devotional for November 19:
http://www.heartlight.org/spurgeon/1119-pm.html

Though now heartache sickens and tears blind,
we have Asher's October picture of Hadrienne
on the computer and are looking forward longingly
to the forever family reunion. It can't be far.

Praise GOD!

we are all so saddened by what has come to pass. I do not understand why things like this happen. we are all lifting you up in our prayers and pray for peace to be with you.

Through all of your trials our family has silently been here to this site to keep updated about Asher and your house. Last night my wife and I were up praying for Hadrienne and your family. Please know our love goes out to you, and our hearts are broken for you. We love you all and will continue to pray for your family.

Here are a few...

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I have no words of eloquence or encouragement to offer to you, in this time of unimaginable pain. But I did receive a phone call from Hadrienne exactly one week ago, and I had never heard her so upbeat. She was resilient in times of trial, and that faith made her beautiful. I have no doubt that she is celebrating the marriage feast with the Lamb in heaven this day.

Dear Andy and famiy, we are very sorry to hear this heart breaking news. we are sure we cannot comfort any of you. but we just laid the burden on the lord to comfort you, and he alone can do that. we love you and and praying for you. with and tears
N.usha kumari
India.

Andy, Gloria and Asher,

My heart aches for your family....you have always been in prayers daily, and continue to be.....the beautiful older women in my sunday school class, lifted up your family in prayer this morning, as we don't know why this has happened, we can be sure the Lord will not leave you. God bless all of you.

Andy, Gloria and Asher,

My heart aches for your family....you have always been in prayers daily, and continue to be.....the beautiful older women in my sunday school class, lifted up your family in prayer this morning, as we don't know why this has happened, we can be sure the Lord will not leave you. God bless all of you.

There are no words. Just praying. Lord, have mercy.

May God continue to bless you and give you the strength you need to face each moment of the day. We have never met, but my heart aches for all of your family and friends. Our prayers are with you. God Bless you all. In Christian love, Beverly and Zeb

Tony and I are in shock and disbelief. We are crying and praying with you all.
Rhonda

i barely know youre family, but i went to school with asher and hadrienne..i am heartbroken by your tragedies and you are fully in my prayers. a wise word i heard recently...satan only goes after those CLOSEST to God...
i am in CONSTANT prayer for you all, and hope that you will be able to rise over this...
may God be with you
sarah neiles

Andy, Gloria, and Asher - His Word never rattles when ours fail. We are simply praying and claiming Isaiah 35 as a rock and hope for your family.

Jesus have mercy.

East Ridge PC is praying. Ruth Skates sends her love.

Revelation 21:5 "I am making everything new!"

JR

Words always fail us; Our minds cannot even wrap around our sorrows.
But sitting here in silence, I send you my love and prayers for comfort.

We have never met, but our Ladies Sunday School class in Augusta, Georgia have been praying for your family ever since Asher's accident. There are no words that can be said to comfort you, and there's no way to say that we know what you are going through. Just know that God is your strength. He is your Comforter. Continue to turn to Him for all your needs. We're continuing to pray for your family. God have mercy.

You and yours have always held a very special place in my heart. You have been extraordinary in your example to us as you have been a witness to the extraordinary love of God in Jesus. May you be wrapped in his love in this time, with Christ before you, Christ behind you, Christ above you, Christ beneath you, Christ within you. May the same
Father, who did not spare his own son, draw you close. We hurt for you and with you.

Andy,Gloria and Asher Sorry for your loss.We are thinking of you,our thoughts and prays are with you.

We hurt for you and with.
We cry and pray with you.
God bless us all.

Heidi & Craig

You don't know me but a friend told me about Asher and your site... my prayers are with you. May God graciously give you His presence and every other perfect gift in Him that will get you through this terrible time.

In Christ,
Tracy

Philippians 1:21
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Mercy Me \ Homesick

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand times
And at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for you
But the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cry
Is how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your ways
The reason why I wonder if I'll ever know
But, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the same
Cause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
I've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbye
And in Christ, there is no end
So I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I have
To see you again
To see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your face
If home's where my heart is then I'm out of place
Lord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow
Won't you give me strength to make it through somehow

I've never been more homesick than now

Amen

our hearts are heavy for you as you are asked to carry such a load of unimaginable grief. We are crying with you, praying for you, and believing that God's strength will be perfected in this time of weakness and that death has been conquered with life everlasing for Haydrien.

I cannot begin to understand what you all are going through. I can't fathom any idea as to why tragedy like this has struck such a good and loving family. I can only say that even though I haven't been there for you all during these hard times that I am still praying for all of you everyday.

If there is anything that I can do to help your family out please email me. bakersfieldchimp999@gmail.com

-Robert Amini

Dear Mendonsa Family,

i have kept you all close to my heart and i pray for you all. It is so amazing to see how strong you all have stayed through these hardships. We will all miss Hadrienne and her energetic and kind personality. I will continue to pray for your family and for Asher. I hope and pray your family is comforted in this time of need and persevere through what has been happening as Job did. May God bless your family in a time like this.

May God bless

Dear Mendonsa Family,

You don't know me, but I used to work with Mark, and had the pleasure of meeting Hadrienne. She was a delight and brightened me up. I am so saddened to hear of your loss and am praying for you. My Sunday School Class lifted you up this morning. My prayers and many others are with you. God Bless.

JP

weeping with you...

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26)

Andy, Gloria, and Asher,
We do look in faith to God, Who hears our groanings of unutterable grief, and Who bears you up in His loving arms.
Longing to bear your burdens with you,
Selah

Dear Mendonsa Family,

Our family is so saddened by your loss. When I think about Hadrienne what I remember most was her quick, radiant smile and her can do attitude. We met Hadrienne through rowing and it was a pleasure knowing her.

Our prayers are with you.

Andy and Gloria,
Heath and I are praying for you, and our hearts are with you. We are so very sorry for your loss.

Dear Mendonsa family,
Our prayers are with you, that the Lord will give your souls peace and rest. The hymnwriter says is better than we can.

Be Still My Soul

Be still, my soul, the Lord is on thy side
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain
leave to your God to order and provide;
in every change, He faithful wil remain
Be still, my soul, your best, your heav'nly Friend
through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul, your God will undertake
to guide the future as He has the past
your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake
all now mysterious, shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul, the waves and wind still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul, when dearest friends depart
and all is darkened in the vale of tears
then shall you better know His love, His heart
who comes to soothe your sorrow and your fears.
Be still, my soul, your Jesus can repay
from His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul, the hour is hast'ning on
when we shall be forever with the Lord
when disappointment, grief, and fear are gone
sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul, when change and tears are past
all safe and blessed we shall be at last.

Dear Gloria, Andy and Asher,

First thing this morning as I entered the art studio classroom at Chattanooga Christian School I stopped at the wall of photos of former art students I have had the honor to know and teach. I just now covered that wall with white paper. I cut little windows in the paper to allow my photos of Hadrienne to be all that anyone sees. That is how my heart feels now. All those other kids are near, under that paper and in my heart. But all I can think of is how wonderful Hadrienne was. She was my most "haptic" art student ever. She produced her art not necessarily from observation but from inside of her. I don't mean "making up" images. When she mixed paint she would end up dropping the brush and getting her fingers into the palette. I love the photo she gave to me of herself holding her big tiger cat. She was standing outside the back of your house and her hands are painted totally red!!! If I could scan it and add it to this message I would. You are wonderful parents, and a wonderful family. My heart is hurting along with all who love you. Peace of God, Lauren

You don't me, and I don't know you other than through your posts here on this website. I have been following your family's story since you began posting here.

My heart really goes out to you during this difficult time. I know that no words will be able to ease your pain, but I do want you to know that your faith in God during Asher's accident, and during your daughter's accident, has really been an inspiration. Sometimes, it is hard to see God's love even during some trivial problem we have in our lives, much less something as huge as losing a daughter. Nonetheless, you and your family continue to cling to God! Through these unfortunate circumstances, your faith is teaching all of us a lesson not only in thanksgiving, but in faith, as well. I know that this will not offer you any comfort, but for touching my life, I thank you.

Please accept my sincere sympathies for your loss.

Dear Ones:
You know our prayers are with you.

Last time I saw Hadrienne was at the Hooch regatta the other week. She looked happy...yes, good to see her happy. We chatted about each other's family as well as her "rower family". That girl left her imprint on so many of those kids at the rowing club - kids who notice "one's walk more than their talk." Her sweet spirit, her gentleness, her witness in the face of such drama continues on in those friends who were lucky to be her friend.

To all who knew and loved Hadrienne,
No one thought can capture what she has meant to everyone. Each one of us will cherish and hold close to our hearts those time we spent with her. May we all remember her smiling and happy as she came to practice and at other times beyond the erg room door. Always a person who could be strong in the presence of remorse and sadness. I have been praying and will continue to pray for all of you. May the Lord be with you through this troubling time and may his campasion and mercy give you the strength you need to get past your grief and make it through.

Sincerely and Deeply,
Adam

Dear Mendonsa Family,
You don't know me and I don't know you. I do know the boy who was driving and hit your car. I know that he feels nothing but deep regret and sorrow for the loss of your daughter. He is a good guy with a huge heart. As for your daughter, I'm sure that she had a good heart too from what I have read here today. I am so sory for the loss that your family has suffered. I hope that God brings you peace and hope, happiness and relief in these times. I will keep your family and daughter in my prayers. God Bless You.

Hadrienne left an impression on my life. She touched my life in a way that helped make me who I am.

Everything about her inspired me. Her passion, attitude, chacter, strength, thoughtfulness and love - absolutly everything about her - made me so happy, to be so lucky, as to have her as a friend.

Hadrienne made me want to be a better person and a better coach. The things she cared about made me care about them too.
She made me laugh and made me think hard about what was important and what I wanted and needed to do.

She impacted our team and teammates' lives in ways that only memories can hint at, and words don't even come close to describing...

Hadrienne cared so much, for so much
and she has all my respect, admiration, and love.

And this giant impression left on my soul is something that I, and our rowing family, will hold close to us, forever.

We love you all and praying.

Love,
Justin

Dear Friends,
There are no words kind enough or hugs tight enough to bring you complete comfort. Our family as well as the families and staff of Camp Hidden Hollow are so saddened by the loss (on this earth) of our dear sweet "Razberrie." While I should have been her teacher she taught me much more through her maturity, kindness, genuine love for others, but most importantly her walk with our God. Please know we lie awake at night and picture Hadrienne at camp leading a horse and smiling her sweet smile at a camper who loved her so much. There is a hole for each of us.
I only wish I could be of more comfort to each of you. My prayers were with you as you shared the news with dear Asher.
With much love, Sally Worland

Andy, Gloria and Asher,

R.J. and I are so saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you daily.

-Barbara and R.J. Hess

Dear Mendonsa family,

I've been so blessed over the past several years to have the chance to work on Widow's Harvest projects. I wish I had words to help or to heal, but I don't even know you well enough to know what would be stabbing knives.

When we heard, ten of us from Covenant College got together and we prayed and we cried. We begged for God to give you peace and freedom from fear, for comfort and healing and help, and especially for Asher. I praise God, Andy, to see your compassion for the boy who was driving the other car, and to know that He must be working in your hearts.

My prayers continue and I grieve with you.

God comfort you in grief

---Tabitha Higgins

Dear Mendonsas

You probably dont remember me, but i was at ccs with asher for many years. News of his accident only reached me in october, and i couldnt find this blog until now, which excited me until i read the latest posts on hadrienne. I cannot imagine the pain that you are going through and although words of comfort may seem empty, always know that God is with you and will never leave you. Your family displays the greatest christian witness that i have ever seen. God Bless,
Daniel

please let me know if there is anything i can for you guys, zerosk8er0619@yahoo.com. please email me or calll the skatepark and let me know. im so sorry for your loss and i hope to help you anytime you need it. thankyou and godbless.
-cody

I am so very very sorry about your incredible loss. I live in Australia and came accross this after searching for something. I am in tears. I have a 20 yr daughter and I dont think I can ever live without her. I think I had to read this because I am extremely depressed and think about suicide more and more. I am truely sorry about all of this.

I don't know how to format this so that it will read as an acrostic poem, but this Remembrance is based on the letters of Hadrienne's name.

In Loving Memory, Cherishing the gift of:

Hadrienne Kathleen Mendonsa

H eavenly treasure. set our hearts on things
A bove. Given and taken...blessed be the
Name of the Lord.
D aughter, granddaugher, sister, niece, cousin,
friend, so
R adiant with beauty. Shine like a star forever,
sweet
I rreplaceable, precious girl; lead us to
righteousness. This
E arth is not our Hom and there is much we pilgrims
do
N ot understand. Here and now we speak of things
we do
N ot know and live by faith until we see Him face to
face.
E ternity is set in our hearts as we wait for our
joyful reunions. God Himself will wipe every tear
from our eyes.
-Elsa Stewart

Given December 30, 1985-Taken November 19, 2005