The Last 100 Comments on The Asher Update
Andy,
Thanks for the pictures. Hadrienne was and is so beautiful.
Your description of the draw of annual remembrances is powerful. This weekend the church celebrates the Feast of Theophany, where John the Forerunner baptized Christ in the Jordan. It is accompanied by the service of "The Blessing of the Waters."
I don't feel like I've even begun to understand it, but these annual remembrances of Christ are integral to our being. The big one, of course, is Pascha (Easter), and in that story of resurrection lays all our hope. I am so sad for you that you are placed in a position to understand this so very clearly. But I want to thank you and Gloria for communicating love and truth to us by your simple, deliberate, even reluctant, yet faithful actions.
Please bear with me on one more comment, as I know so little of the reality of your experience.
During the Pascha feast we sing again and again: "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death--and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!" The church has been proclaiming this every Easter for nearly two thousand years.
Christ is indeed risen, and your beautiful girl will also be with us again in the flesh, one day.
Jan 4 - Dean Arnold
I would like to reach out to you.
I have been reading your posts the last two years and have felt for you and thought a lot about you all.
My husband was injured at age 15
C5 quad complete.
Growing up we didn't have many people using chairs that seemed to be living very fulfilled lives as an example of what life still could be.
Since my husband's injury he graduated high school on time, completed college, lived independently managing his own care, and we became married nearing on 9 years. He works a full time job, in the last five years has also been driving with adaptive controls. We have remodeled a house and are very happy. He doesn't like to be called an inspiration but his very existance has inspired many to think of people with disabilities in a new way, not only that we have know 2 more individuals that have had nearly identical injuries that have looked to him for what life can be and are now settled in the idea that their lives may not be on the same path they once thought it would, and there are some very hard road blocks that come along but it is possible to have a good quality life and happiness.
For my husband I think all the difference has been going off to college just a couple of years after his injury, this is the same for our other friend with a similar injury. managing your own care and finding ways to do things on your own again, is a big relief on caregivers and the individual. This life is still so new for you all. At first people treated him with kid gloves... in a since taking away the way a young man should be treated or would be treated. The first three years were very difficult. but it does get easier. You have had such a depth of pain so quickly and close together I can't imagine your shell shock. Gratitude for your son at least being with you but a mourning for a life that isn't going to be the same as well as your beautiful daughter being taken by a selfish driver.
On a human to human level, I ache a deep ache for what you have been through. I can't imagine it. I know you can't either. You get up everyday and put one foot in front of the other. Even if a zombie like state...I'm grateful that you are here and writing about your experiences as you may possibly be helping others, even if it isn't something you signed up to do.
Your son will find a way. He still can do a lot in life.
I wish you the best and hope that you have moments of reprieve.
peace
Dec 26 - lisa thompson
Dear Andy, Gloria and Asher,
It is always a privilege to come to this site and hear the expressions of your heart. I often weep as I read about the loss of Hadrienne and how your lives have gone on but always bearing the pain of loss. I will always remember meeting her in the Pre-K class at LMPC with our daughter, Leah. Someday we will embrace her in heaven and see the tapestry that God has woven.
Happy anniversary! Mark and I celebrate our 30th
this month.
Love and prayers, Rose Davis Arlington, MA
Dec 11 - Rose Davis
Glo, Andy, and Asher, I think about you a lot, but you have been brought to mind the past couple of weeks several times a day. Thank you Andy for sharing your heart and some of the realities of your lives now. When you share, I know even better how to pray. Love you guys so much! Rhonda
Nov 29 - Rhonda Finley
You don't know me, but I have been reading this blog and gleaning encouragement from your family's story for almost a year. May God bless you and give you the courage needed to make the holiday season a time of joy and thanksgiving.
Nov 24 - Sarah
It was so good to see you yesterday. I love you all and am praying for you.
Nov 20 - Lauren Bosworth
Hey,
This is Melissa, Larry McAlpine's daughter, i just wanted to say that we are thinking of you and praying for you. I have to confess that i havent read all of your blog and im not sure if i have it in my heart to, but today is july 4th so happy FOURTH OF JULY!!!!! =) God Bless and plz come visit us in Savannah!!!
Love, Melissa and the McAlpine Family
P.S. I LOVE YOUR DOG!!!
Jul 4 - Melissa McAlpine
Cool bird!
Just wanted to say we're thinking of you.
- Heath and Libby Clark
Jun 8 - Libby & Heath Clark
What a fun bird! Good to hear from you and good to see that Asher seems to be doing well. I wanted to let you know that your family is still in my prayers.
Erin Wert
May 10 - Erin
To the Mendosa Family,
As a parent of a spinal cord injury child I had the privledge of coming to the hospital and praying for Asher in the early days of his accident. Since then I have watched your site and read your updates. As a Christian my heart grieves for what your family has walked through. Facing a divorce in the coming weeks I grieve for what the Lord has asked of me too. I have read the Bible through, twice, but just the other day I found this verse. It has been a balm to my soul. I Corinthians 7:17: Let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God has called you. I pray that others see a light in your life even in the midst of your own personal darkness. In the midst of tragedy you have held firm to your faith, even as your tears must fall in the quiet of the night. As I look at your web-sit today I see that not many are posting. I wanted you to know that though life does go on, your impact in Chattanooga will have eternal impact on many lives. The day to day is hard, but the rewards will be great when you stand one day before Jesus. May God continue to bless you with insight, wisdom, love and understanding as you minister to others. May His compassion be new to you each morning. J.
Mar 10 - Janis
Hey Andy. Merry Christmas.
Thanks for the update.
I have one at deanarnoldsblog.com
Jan 8 - dean Arnold
Your family is in my heart. Ever since I read your story about your family, I have been gripped by your faith and your heartbreak and your realness if I can call it that. Thank you for sharing your pain and grief and also your joy and your life. You write with such beauty and clarity.
All of my prayers go out to you and your family.
Jan 6 - Amy
I thought of Hadrienne last month around the anniversary of her passing. I read your story last year on a blog and have been checking in here ever since. I want to thank you for keeping this blog up. Your story has touched me very deeply and I will never forget it. I'm a 45 year old mother to five children who lives out here in Ca.
I would love to hear someday that you have written a book about your experiences. I believe it would bless many, many people.
Merry Christmas, dear Mendonsa family, from a sister in Christ. May the New Year find you basking in the glow of God's blessings.
:)
Dec 21 - Joanna
Lots of love to you, Andy and family.
I find myself crying at the simplest and silliest things these days. Though I have only experienced a grain of your suffering, I have known pain in my later life that I didn't have early on. And it is this that has made me more sensitive and more in touch, I suppose, with the sufferings of others. I used to think there was always a silver lining and so the tears could be held back. Not any more. But there is still hope.
Among the many ironies in this saga: Every time I've checked your blog the past several months, I've gotten to observe, once again, the bassett with bunny ears.
Dec 19 - Dean Arnold
Lots of love to you all from the Lillards, who think of you and say a prayer often.
Dec 7 - Laura Lillard
Just wanted to let you know that I continue to pray for your family. You continue to motivate and encourage me. It was so nice to see a new update! I went to a women's conference back in September, and got to hear Joni Earackson Tada speak, and I couldn't help but think of Asher, and how good God has been. She is such an inspiring and motivating person, but your family is just as inspiring and encouraging as she is. You will continue to be in my prayers. I hope you have blessed Christmas. God be with you!
Dec 6 - Erin Wert
I'm not sure anything has ever touched me the way what I have read on this website has touched me.
There are not words to express my amazement of a family such as yours - my thoughts are with you all from this day forward....
Blessings to you.
Dec 1 - ali
I have been thinking and praying for you so much over the last week especially over this past weekend. We truly love you all and know that things are still difficult. I will continue to lift you up. We miss Hadrienne and like you are settling in to the longing for Heaven.
Nov 21 - Leda
I am so encouraged to read about the widows houses just outside Kisumu. We were in Kisumu just last week, wish we had known about the dedication. God bless you and your family.
Nov 18 - grace
Andy,
You, Gloria & Asher are in our thoughts & prayers as you rapidly approach the annivesary of Asher's accident.
Grace & peace to you,
Christie
May 22 - Christie Rodgers
I just wanted to say that I love you all very much and am praying for you!
May 18 - Lauren Bosworth
Henry the Easter Bassett, Hadrienne would have approved! :)
May 10 - Marylu
Shayna and I were just talking about you guys and I thought I'd check the website--glad to hear that you are home and the house looks great!
Apr 28 - Cendy Heeter
Dear Friends,
My prayers for your family are placed at the foot of the cross everyday....and will continue.
In His love, Rose Davis
Apr 26 - Rose Davis
Nothing like the loving, goofy look of a dog. I have always loved ya'lls dogs!!! I miss you guys and I hope to get to see you over summer. God bless!!
Apr 23 - Jordan Jackson
That picture of Henry is the cutest. I'm so glad you're back in your home. You are all in my prayers.
Apr 22 - Tracy
Henry and home too. smile........still praying
Apr 22 - jackie
Andy,Gloria & Asher,
I'm so glad that you are back in your house! Henry is adorable :) Thank you so much for the updates, you are in our prayers daily.
Christie
Apr 20 - Christie
Dear Andy, Gloria and Asher,
As I think about tomorrow, I think about last Easter - the first Easter since I lost my son, Dante. As I'm sure Penny has told you, the sancutary at Grace UMC on Easter Sunday is too beautiful to describe. When I walked into that magnificent room last year the thought went through my mind that if Grace is this beautiful, imagine what Heaven looks like today. And my son is there! He's there in the very sanctuary that Jesus enters into on this Resurrection morning.
That was the morning that I truly saw the reality of heaven and when my grief over losing Dante began to move from grief over his not being here to grief that I wasn't THERE. It was the beginning of true peace over the sadness of my son's life and death.
My prayer for all of you is that when you see the beauty of Resurrection morning tomorrow, you will receive the same peace that I did.
Also, thank you for your words to Penny about my situation with the mother of the girl killed with Dante. They truly helped.
Cynthia Bartlett
Apr 15 - Cynthia Bartlett
P.S. Blessed Easter. I think of Jesus tenderly giving John and Mary to care for each other as family because of the sadness of His leaving them. May we care for each other more and more.
Apr 13 - Elsa
Andy, Gloria and Asher,
How good good it was to read the most recent posting. Thank you, Andy, for sharing your heart with us and also for giving us updated news. Words have always been precious to me, but in many ways words fail me as I continually remember you and as I try to reply to your posting. At night, when I walk my dogs, I think of you and pray, sometimes conversationally asking the Lord to be with you and to help and comfort you. Sometimes my prayers are just groans, more often than not, they take the form of a simple crying out of your dear names, knowing God knows you and all of your needs so intimately and trusting that He cares for you. When I cry out your names I am always overwhelmed with love for you. I know that I love you as friends and "brothers" but I also believe some of the overwhelming love which flows out of me for you must be God's love for you, shared with me, and poured out in my heart. When I cry Gloria's name I always, without exception, long to wrap my arms around her which I haven't been able to do for some time. When I have not been able to hug Gloria I've asked the Lord to cover her with His wings. I know He does. Driving past our old duplex, down Alabama Ave, past CCS and especially past Forest Hills is so bittersweet. I drive by the cemetary so often, stabbed with pain and loss, but also stabbed with heavenly joy. I am reminded that our earthly life is so brief and temporary, and I am filled with wonder that Hadrienne's unimaginable heavenly life has already begun and that though her loss among us is so wrenching, Hadrienne herself is as the Lord showed her to Andy--joyful, contented and in perfect peace int he presence of our Lord. I think of her and thank God for her indescribably precious life and wonder to Him, "How long?". Mr. Schmidt once said (I'm paraphrasing) that we hurt so much at good-byes because we love the ones we bid farewell to so dearly their presence makes a hole among us. I think all of us who love you will always grieve for Hadrienne, we'll always miss her and feel her absence, until we see her and Jesus face to face. I ask the Lord to help you remember her precious time here as Andy wrote about so beautifully. May He help you to live by His grace in the mean time in the here and now, and to jjoyfully anticipate the hope of our future, heavenly reunions. Much love and many prayers. Elsa
Apr 13 - Elsa
Dear Andy, Gloria, and Asher, I am thinking of you so much as Easter approaches. Jack and I still pray for you every night before his bedtime.
Love, Susan Bosworth
Apr 7 - Susan Bosworth
It's great to see your recent message.
GOD is working, and prayer is answered
if HIS perfect time. Love from Florida.
Mar 31 - grace
Andy and Gloria -
Peggy Thompson's comment really says what I think of when I think about the faith that you guys have exhibited...you've expressed your faith by how you have reacted to the circumstances of your lives over the past several months. Yes, absolutely, sometimes all we can do is stand. And when we feel that we can't stand anymore, thankfully the Lord puts us on the hearts of an intercessor and at some point we realize that we are still standing...
I check the blog daily and pray for you guys all of the time.
Laura Lillard
Mar 30 - Laura Lillard
i can't imagine.............i fear to imagine.............still lifting you up.
Mar 30 - jackie
Andy, Gloria, & Asher,
I'm one of your neighbors (4812 Ala)
I just wanted to say it's nice to see your home finally coming together. I know your lives will never be as they were, but at least you have will have your home, each other and a multitude of people who care for and about you, and most importantly a God who will see you through each day. I continue to hold you in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you in every way possible.
Peace, Lynn
Mar 30 - Lynn Newell
It is good to read more from you. I'm glad that you are making such good progress on the house. I am praying for you.
Mar 29 - Tracy
Dear Andy and Gloria,
I am so happy to see you are still on the website. I have been checking every day hoping to hear how all is going with you. Jeff gives me whatever he learns but I've known in my heart that you were in heavy times. Buck and I pray each night during our prayer time for you and Asher.
I know that being back in your own home with things easier for Asher's care will decrease your burden somewhat and I am so glad that is within weeks of happening.
You are so right about faith in circumstances we have no control over, Andy. But, I believe that we express our faith in how we react to those circumstances. Sometimes, all we can do is just stand.
As to the future, do not be anxious, God will provide.
We continue to pray for God's mercy and His loving presence to surround you with that love.
Peggy Thompson
Mar 29 - Peggy Thompson
Andy,
We have been keeping you, Gloria & Asher in our prayers daily. Thanks so much for the update.
Mar 29 - Christie Rodgers
Andy, Gloria and Asher,
Ironically, some would say, providentially I think, your most recent posting comes on the 20th anniversary of the death of our beloved young son Rob. Your words were wonderful; we share your loss in so many ways and continue to pray for you regularly. I will never fully understand why our families were brought together, or why our precious Hadrienne and Rob share the same resting place. But I do know we have a powerful and loving God who does understand. We love you.
Mar 29 - Bob Bosworth
I just wanted to say hello again, let you know i've been thinking about you and praying for all of you a lot this weekend. i feel god's been nudging me to pray for you more recently. i still have hadrienne's number in my phone, and i decided instead of deleting it i was going to stop and pray for your family every time i passed it. well, this weekend i had two friends visiting from out of town, heike and ileana, i was calling both frequently, and they both required pressing that number 4(GHI) on my phone, and seeing hadrienne's name at the top of the screen (i apparently have no friends whose name start with the letter G). i hope you're all well, and i pray god continues to give you strength and hope for every new day.
Feb 20 - Erin Wert
Woke up burdened to pray for your family this morning........the third morning in a row! May the Joy of the Lord be your strength today! Hope all is well and you are back in your home!
Feb 15 - Laura Lee
Dear Andy and Gloria and Asher,
Each day I check your web site hoping to hear an update, but I know you must be very busy with so many things...your ministry, your house and most of all Asher and the trauma all of you have experienced. Please know that we are lifting you up in prayer and know that God is with you. His "Right" hand will uphold you. His love is all around you and in you. Remember that.
We love you,
Peggy Thompson and all the Thompson's
Feb 14 - Peggy Thompson
a song came on the other day and i cried. i mean sure i cry a lot, but this time it was something about this song that brought it on. the song was "hide and seek" by imogen heap. i had no idea who this was and no clue why the song made me ache. it racked my mind for a day or 2 and it finally came to me... this was the 1st song that my brother dan played in our car ride home late on November 19, 2005. it was the 1st song that i heard after last seeing my closest friend. we were on the way home from the hospital the night that hadrienne, my other half, died.
i could barely walk, much less drive, so dan drive me home. i'm surprised he could drive either though. he adored hadrienne and has been effected emensly by her death. when we pulled out of the parking deck, my dad was walking down the sidewalk to check on how hadrienne was. i jumped out and ran to him. i fell apart as i hugged him. "she's gone" was all i could get out.
when we got back in the car, dan said we had to call cameron ryan who was close to hadrienne. i heard her burst into tears while talking to dan and i grabbed the phone. as i talked to her, 'hide and seek' played
about a week ago, i was talking to cameron at a party about music and imogen heap came up. she said she loved them but one song always made her cry for some reason. i looked at her and said "it's hide and seek". i told her i may be crazy but explained why i thought it made her cry. it was in the backgroud when she found out about hadrienne. maybe i am crazy.
this was a really bad day for some reason. i had to go to the bathroom at work twice because all i could think about was hadrienne. everyone says it'll get better. i don't see how i could ever stop...i don't know if i want to.
Feb 5 - skye-webb
Dear Andy, Gloria, and Asher, Thank you for sharing your pictures. I have been out of town for a while, and just wanted to let you know that Jack and I pray for you every night. We love you and glad you are back home. Susan Bosworth
Feb 2 - Susan Bosworth
I hope you are having some quiet time to readjust. I am continuing to pray for you, as are all my prayer-warrior friends and family (we've surpassed MCI!).
Feb 1 - Virginia
I love you all and continue to pray for you and think of you all the time!
Feb 1 - Lauren Bosworth
Welcome home Mendonsas!!!! We're so glad to have you back.
Jan 27 - Chattanooga Loves You
hope asher feels as good as he looks in the photos...thank you for keeping up the postings and pictures...i was blown away by asher's ability to elicit real laughter through the tears at the funeral - what a spirit! and i cherish the photos and incredible self-portrait of hadrienne ...hatch and i pray for you and hope your house becomes your haven soon....much love, elizabeth
Jan 27 - elizabeth miller
So good to see Asher smiling and to know you are one step closer to being home! Thank you for the update.
Jan 24 - Abby
i'm missing hadrienne more today. school usually can distract me but it's efforts are futile today. i'm in the student development office and i haven't been able to focus all day. my mind keeps drifting back to the fact that i can't hug hadrienne. i'm about to go to my intro to music class. this was one of the several classes that hadrienne and i were scheduled to take together this semester. i helped her register for classes the night before the accident in my dorm. every time i go to music, i miss here more and more. i love you. i'll be over tonight.
Jan 24 - skye
Andy, Gloria & Asher -
I would also like to thank you for updating us despite your everchanging schedules. I have been asking Mark about you guys and your house, and I am very happy you are back in Chattanooga and almost home! Every morning I find myself thinking about your family and wondering how you are. In the pictures you included, Asher looks really good. I hope to see you all again soon. You are always in my prayers!
Lindsey
Jan 23 - Lindsey Morris
Praise God! I am so thankful you are back in Chattanooga. Of course, I am continuing to pray for all of you but will be praising God for this big step. Thank you so much for taking the time to share these updates with us.
Jan 23 - Virginia
AMEN to Virginia's comment on continuing prayer!
checking this blog every day, i've seen no news
for several weeks. probably getting resettled
in chattanooga is the on-going project at hand.
Jan 22 - grace
Dear Andy, Gloria, and Asher,
I just wanted to let you know that I am still praying for you, as are all my fellow prayers. We have no intention of stopping any time soon! May the God of all grace and comfort continue to sustain and uphold you in His Love.
Virginia
Jan 22 - Virginia
Dear Andy, Gloria, and Asher, You are always in my prayers. Love, Susan
Jan 16 - Susan Bosworth
Dear Andy,
Its convenient to just wish that nothing bad ever happens to us- but it seems a mere wish as we continue to wake up to the harsh reality of it all. However,we know that in all these things we are overcommers throughChrist Jesus.
May the Lord continue to grant you daily strenght and ability to cope in Jesus Name. The prayers of the widows fro Nigeria are with u
Bless yo real good.
Dan
Jan 12 - Dan Owie
Mendonsas,
I just want you to know that you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I look forward to hopefully getting to see you soon. I love you all.
Jan 10 - Lauren Bosworth
from the week of her accident on, i've had dreams about hadrienne. they've all been weird, somewhat unclear, and kinda disturbing. until this past week that is...
last tuesday night i was sleeping in her bed with my build-a-bear like i always do. i cried myself to sleep after a long day at shepard and found myself walking into hadrienne's room at the apt. i asked her what she was doing and she said "not much". we layed on her bed and talked so closely that our shoulders touched. she asked me how everything was...how asher was doing, what i got for christmas, how her parents were, how mark was taking it all, she wanted to hear it all. after i updated her, i started to cry. she cried with me. i told her that i didn't want her to leave me again and that i missed her so very much. she hugged me so hard. i SWEAR that i could physically feel her embrace. she told me that it would be okay and to do my best for her while we were apart....with that i woke up to my cell phone vibrating and another day without her.
that day, i told gloria about my dream while we sat in the garden at shepard. we both cried once again as we both often do.
the next night. hadrienne visited me again in my dreams. we were on the bed again and she asked me if i remembered her visiting me last night. i said of course i did. it was then that i knew that she was truly coming to check on things, and not just a figure of my imagination. gloria joined us on the bed and we just talked and talked about the house all the things going on. when it was time for her to go again, hadrienne gave me the biggest hug ever. i woke up still feeling her squeeze.
a few days past since her last visit. the next time we met, we went shopping. she told me that she couldn't wait till i was there with her. hadrienne was so excited to tell me that all of the clothes were FREE in where she was. she always loved those clothes. as we parted, she was the first to cry but i soon joined her. i rambled on about how much i missed her and how she was always on my mind. she pulled me from her and looked at me. she told me that she wants me there and that she loves me.
this has been a great past week. my best friend has come to visit me 3 times
Jan 10 - skye
AS YOU GIVE SO MUCH COMFORT AND SUPPORT TO THE WIDOWS MINISTRY, MAY YOU, GLORIA, AND ASHER FEEL THE LOVE AND PRAYERS FROM SO MANY IN CHATTANOOGA...THE TIME WILL PASS QUICKLY AND YOU WILL BE BACK HOME IN CHATTANOOGA SOON....MEMORIES OF EXCITMENT AS WELL AS FEAR OF THE RESPONSIBILITY COME FLOODING BACK TO ME...WE PRAY THAT YOU WILL HAVE A SMOOTH TRANSITION AS YOU ALL START TO REBUILD THE BEST LIFE POSSIBLE...IF Y0U ALL WOULD LIKE FOR KIRK, BILL, AND I TO COME BY SOMETIME FOR PRAYER WITH Y0UR FAMILY AND A MEAL OUT, (WINE INCLUDED SORRY ASHER) PLEASE CALL 432-8570 ...I UNDERSTAND IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE STRANGERS, IT TOOK ME WELL OVER A YEAR AFTER KIRK'S INJURY BEFORE I COULD DEAL WITH TO MANY PEOPLE AROUND ME THAT WERE'T CLOSE FAMILY OR BEST FRIENDS. BLESSINGS FOR A BETTER 2006...KATHY WILDER
Jan 10 - kathy wilder
Andy, Gloria and family,
I continue to hold you up in prayer each day and especially Beverly right now... I'm so sorry you have had to face and walk through another sorrowful time. May God flood you with His grace so that you will be able to see and feel His loving arms wrapped around you as you face another time of grief.
Shirley Madewell
Jan 10 - Shirley Madewell
It's Sunday afternoon and I was reflecting on our minister's message in Romans 12 and thought of Hadrienne and her life. Our minister spoke of being able to see Jesus in our life at all times. Not a fresh coat of paint, but from every area of our life to show Christ. This afternoon, I thought of Hadrienne as she faced so many challenges in life with a consistant love and value of others. No matter who she was with or what she was doing she would stop for a moment when I would come to visit and greet me with a smile, hug and a "Hi Uncle Heldur." I look forward to that someday when I just might receive this warm and loving greeting again, but I miss her now. Hadrienne memory today, reminds me of how I should share the same grace and value of others as she did. We are praying for you Mendonsa's
Jan 8 - Heldur
"Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst...and
God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."
--Revelation 7:16-17
Thoughts of pain and suffering in my own life and in the lives of others
continue to make me realize that GOD's plan is best.
HE knows the end from the beginning.
Forgive any lack of accurate detail in the following third hand information
that I heard about 48 hours ago.
I've have relayed this info 5-6 times since then and teared up each time:
"The End of the Spear" will be in theaters 1/20/06--
Steve Saint, Nate's son, was at a pre-screening with the Auca Indian
who killed Nate and has since become like a grandfather to Steve.
The story is that when several of the Indians heard the music recently composed for the movie,
they insisted that they had heard it before. That would have been impossible, they were informed,
because it hadn't been written yet.
But no, the Indians were sure that as they were spearing the missionaries,
lights flashed in the sky and that very music was being played 50 years before it was composed!
Maybe it was part of the martyrs' royal welcome to HEAVEN.
Praise GOD--the ALPHA and OMEGA!!!
Jan 6 - grace
Oh, Andy and Gloria and Asher, oh, what sorrow! I have been praying for you especially over Christmas and Hadrienne's birthday, that God would keep you faithful, and that His mighty arms would uphold you. I pray even more for you, and cry out to our loving Heavenly Father for your comfort and peace.
In Christ is our only hope,
Selah
Jan 5 - Selah
Andy,
Here it is Wednesday and I am sure you have already had Dick's funeral but I thought I would write a note to let you know we are holding you and your Mom and Dick's children up to the Father for comfort. Love you all,
Becky
Jan 4 - Becky N and family
Dear Family,
All I can say is that I am so sorry and I am continuing to hold you up before our dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. He knows.
Jan 3 - Virginia
Andy,
I am so sorry for Hadrienne's and now your step-father's loss. You, Gloria and Asher are in my thoughts and prayers always, as is Hadrienne in heaven. I pray that you feel better very quickly.
God Bless. Love,
terry
Jan 3 - terry danzig
I read the following recently and thought of you and your family:
If the trials of many years were gathered into one, they would overwhelm us; therefore, in pity to our little strength, He sends first one, and then another, then removes both, and lays on a third, heavier, perhaps, than either; but all is so wisely measured to our strength that the bruised reed is never broken. We do not enough look at our trials in this continuous and successive view. Each one is sent to teach us something, and altogether they have a lesson which is behond the power of any to teach alone.
H.E.Manning
Jan 3 - cynthia bartlett
Man knows not his time. You guys continue in our prayers. May your health get well immediately and your plans go smoothly to attend the funeral.
The Lord is my shepherd,
don mcgonagil
nashville, tn
615.582.2296
donmcgonagil@comcast.net
Jan 3 - don mcgonagil
I know your mom is heartbroken. I am so very sorry for your loss. I continue to pray for you guys as the Lord has continued to burden me for you.
Much love,
Laura
Jan 3 - Laura Lillard
I am very sorry for your loss. I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers. I also pray that your illness will be gone shortly.
Jan 2 - Tracy
Andy,
I'm so sorry for your families loss. I know your step-father will be greatly missed. Our family is keeping you & your family in our prayers daily.
Christie
Jan 2 - Christie Rodgers
Dear Mendonsa Family,
I have been reading your entry's on Asher ever since late June-early July, when my cousin, Melissa McAlpine showed me this, and I was deeply sadened to hear of Hadrienne's passing away. From what you wrote about her, I could tell that she was a sweet, Godly young woman, and would have one day made a wonderful wife and mother, had God not had other plans for her life. And even though it is saddening, we rejoice with the knowledge that she has gone to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ. I have been praying for your family as they go through this time of hardship, first with Asher, and then with Hadrienne's loss.
Praying for your family in Christ,
Abby Davis
Jan 1 - Abby Davis
Mendonsas,
You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you all. Love, Lauren B.
Dec 30 - Lauren Bosworth
I am thinking of you so much today. You are always in my prayers. Love, Susan
Dec 30 - Susan Bosworth
Dear Andy,Gloria and Asher,
Remembering you in a very special way today,December 30th,Hadrienne's and my shared birthday! I remember many fun times at the Christmas Corner with you all as you (we all)picked out just the right thing for both Asher's and Hadrienne's Christmasses and birthdays.....You are a very special family to me.
Love,
"Miss Lee"
Dec 30 - Lee Parham
Dear Andy, Gloria & Asher,
You have been in my thoughts and prayers since the day I met you at the Sheppard Center...more so since that terrible day that you lost Hadrienne. I have tried many times over the past month to find words to express my thoughts of anguish and love and to find words that would provide encouragement to your family and the words simply do not come. I can never find the words to thank you for all you did for Shayna at Sheppard, for how your kindness has touched my soul forever, or how deeply sorry I am for your loss.
I know that Hadrienne has taken her rightful place in Heaven with our Lord and that she is smiling down at you always. Our wonderous God warned and promised that our days on earth are numbered. For those that remain, He blesses us with memories to hold our loved ones close until we see them again. As these continual testimonies show, Hadrienne provided precious memories, for those who knew her well, and for those who met her for just an instant. Her infectious smile and her obvious love for her family touched everyone who came in contact with her.
While I can not find words to convey my sympathy, my prayers rise to Heaven every day that you will find peace and that you will know that just as Hadrienne was a gift from God to fill your lives with joy, you were also hand picked just for her. She was so precious because she had your example. God knew what our lives would hold long before our creation. He never leaves our side and always provides for our needs. God sent Hadrienne to give you joy and to comfort you during those difficult times through Asher's recovery. By the same token, He gave Hadrienne each of you to love and nurture her so that she would be ready when the time came to take her place in Heaven.
Each of you is a precious gift and I am blessed that you came into my life, if even for just a brief moment. May God Bless you and give you peace in the coming year.
Yours in Christ,
Lisa Gorge
Dec 30 - Lisa Gorge
Dear Andy Gloria and Asher,
We feel so fortunate to have known Hadrienne during our stay at the Shepherd Center. Her smile, her sense of humor, her love for all of you. She is so beautiful and so sweet and kind. We saw all of that in the few moments we were lucky enough to have spent with her. We saw the love between her and Asher.
The strength and inspiration that Hadreinne gave to Asher is immeasurable. She provided priceless love and support to him day in and day out. The love between them is unquestionable and unending and infinite. She put her life on hold without question and without regret, never looking back. There are not words to convey the depth of a love that deep and a dedication that strong.
We also know that you both were concentrating on Asher all these months, and that Hadrienne happily supported you and would not have wanted it any other way.
We can only imagine the horrors of these past weeks since Hadrienne is gone. Having to spend the holidays without her. But we believe in your vision--the one where you saw Hadrienne wearing a crown--we believe that with all of our hearts. We are thinking of you and praying for continued strength and courage for you all.
Asher, we miss you and will never forget the kindness that you showed to Shayna at Shepherd Center.
Love,
The Heeter Family
Ray, Cendy, Travis, Shayna and Corie.
Dec 28 - Heeter Family
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
Dec 28 - Elsa Stewart
APPROPRIATE WORDS FORSAKE ME, BUT KNOW THAT DURING THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON YOU ARE BEING LIFTED UP TO GOD IN PRAYER...OUR JOURNEYS HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT BUT BOTH OF US HAVE SUFFERED EXTREME HEARTBREAK...AS TIME, WHICH IT DOES TAKE A LONG TIME, GOES BY YOU WILL SMILE, LAUGH, AND GIVE TO OTHERS AGAIN...MAY YOU BE BLESSED WITH PEACE IN 2006...KATHY WILDER
Dec 26 - kathy wilder
Dear Mendonsas,
I am praying for you each and every day. It was so good to see you a few days ago, it meant so much to me! Your family has truly blessed me. I think of you all the time and love you very much.
Lauren Bosworth
Dec 26 - Lauren Bosworth
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.
Dec 26 - Melaney
a blessed Christmas for you. . .
. . . "The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.
We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son"
(John 1:14, The Message).
Jesus really did get his hair messy, go to the market with his mother,
and live out a lot of ordinary childhood days.
He even got left behind at the temple!
. . . He's taken up residence in every corner of our life. His "once living" form
has given way to an "always living" risen self,
who indeed is able and willing to hold us close in a personal relationship.
. . . In The Glory of the Manger, Samuel Zwemer states:
"It is this very paradox of One who is most divine when he is most human
that has been the comfort of the sorrowing, the hope of the hopeless,
the haven of the tempest-tossed."
. . . "Righteous Father, though the world does not know you,
I know you, and they know that you have sent me.
I have made you known
to them, and will continue to make you known
in order that the love you
have for me may be in them
and that I myself may be in them"
(John 17:25-26).
. . . What an amazing Christmas gift—friendship with God, his love made real in us!
. . . The Incarnation and the Atonement are gifts wrapped in the same package,
received together or else incomplete.
The apostle Paul tells us, "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son,
born of a woman, born under law,
to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons" (Galatians 4:4-5).
The Christmas Baby came to our rescue as no one else could, as God the One and Only:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). . .
As poet Ann Weems writes in Kneeling in Bethlehem,
"O Lord, you were born!
And that breaks in upon my
ordered life like bugles blaring,
And I sing 'Hark the Herald Angels'
In the most unlikely places.
You were born
And I will celebrate!"
excerpts from Jennie A. McLaurin
Copyright © 2005
Christianity Today International/Today's Christian Woman magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Today's Christian Woman.
November/December 2005, Vol. 27, No. 6, Page 50
Dec 25 - grace
More light than we can learn,
more wealth than we can treasure,
more love than we can earn,
more peace than we can measure,
because one Child is born.
-- Author Unknown
Dec 25 - grace
Thinking of you and faithfully praying for you. You are a blessing to our family. Love, Susan
Dec 22 - Susan Bosworth
Thank you, Andy. Thank you, Lord God.
Dec 22 - Debby
Dear Mendonsa Family,
I have followed your story on the news, and since this terrible tragedy I have checked this sight often. Although I do not know you personally, you can not imagine how much this has affected me. My heart breaks for your many losses, however, I am truly inspired by your unwaivering faith in the Lord and his path for your family. You have been a testament to me and all of those around you. I pray for your family often and wish for peace to you all. Thank you for allowing me a glimpse of your precious family and your glorious faith.
God Bless you,
Nicole
Dec 22 - Nicole
Mr. Mendonsa,
Your faith is truly an inspiration to me. I can only begin to imagine the depth of your pain and grief. I had come across your blog page from another site and have been praying for you and your family since that time. I hope that the LORD continues to keep you and yours close and I will continue to lift your name up in prayer.
Cheryl
Dec 21 - Cheryl
My thoughts and prayers are with your family everyday. I do not know any of you personally, although I feel I have a great sense of who you are from this blog. Your faith is an inspiration to all of us.
Dec 21 - Paige
To the Mendonsa family,
I was directed here by a friend and have been checking your site regularly, but I've never posted anything until now. My heart aches to provide words of comfort, but there are of course no words to accurately express what I would like to say to you. I know that the power of prayer can do more than any of my meager words. I know that I am just one of countless people praying for your family, but I also know that God hears every single prayer. I have been DEEPLY touched by both Hadrienne's and Asher's stories even though I have never met them, and I believe that is a testament to how truly INCREDIBLE they are. And you, Andy, thank you for sharing your amazing words. I find encouragement in YOUR words because they convey a complete and total reliance on our perfect Lord. God is always working, and your words are glorifying Him and His unexplainable purpose. Thank you for sharing your vision of Hadrienne with us.. What a beautiful and glorious sight!! A precious glimpse of the indescribable joy she is experiencing in magnificent Heaven.. Oh how I pray that will be a never-ending source of comfort to you.
GOD BLESS YOU, Mendonsa Family..
Praying for you, Gloria, and Asher..
Katie
Dec 21 - Katie
I've been praying for your family and reading your update for some time now, but this last post has me heart-broken. But I am so glad that we have a Father in heaven who knows what he's doing and never does something without a reason. I'm so glad that you keep trusting in him, throughout trials that I would find it impossible to bear. Your courage and your faith are a tribute to the Lord you serve and his work in you. It's also a great challenge and testimony to me.
I pray that you would really know God's love more strongly than ever in this time, and that you would know Christ's heart and the Father's plan for you. I pray, too, that God would continue to strengthen Asher and comfort him in this crushing loss. Know that my prayers won't be stopping anytime soon.
The richest blessings heaven affords,
Kilby
Dec 20 - Kilby
Andy, Gloria and Asher,
Your faith is encouraging others in unseen ways. I cry with you and grieve your loss, and celebrate God's gain, too.
Our prayers continue for you.
Grace and peace and comfort this Christmas season to you all.
Jesus, LORD at Thy birth,
don mcgonagil
Dec 20 - don mcgonagil
this morning i was thinking of y'all, as is often the case,
and i read something that seemed to describe the situation, probably,
of many of us around the world:
"walk in GOD's presence on behalf of someone who is traveling the dark road of pain.
picture GOD walking in silence and love alongside you and that person,
present though unseen. walk with GOD in the silence."
--from "meeting GOD in community"
Dec 19 - grace
Rock Creek Fellowship minister, Eric Youngblood prayed for your family this morning. Our family continues to pray for you. Lauren, Anna, and I have spoken so many times of Hadrienne's infectious smile, and our own memories of her. All of the memories make us smile, some make us laugh out loud. Love, Susan
Dec 18 - Susan Bosworth
Having moved to St. Elmo (and New City and CCS) just over a year ago, It seems I know everyone around the Mendonsas, but not the actual Mendonsas--clearly my loss. Thank you, Andy, for taking the time to tell us more about our God and His works among us. You give us rich, rich gifts by spending your strength to speak out of your brokenness.
Dec 18 - Sara Drexler
Thankyou, Andy, thankyou, thankyou for your good words! I knew they were coming in due time & i have tried to wait patiently. (I also imagined how hard it would be to post anything in place of Hadrienne's picture.) You've no idea how much these updates have come to mean to me; & how they have also touched other hearts on this little northwestern island. God's goodness does shine through & speads far & wide. Continuing to love & pray for you, Gloria & Asher...louise
Dec 17 - louise tucker
Andy, we continue to pray for continued strength for you and your family. Surely, Hadrienne has received her reward in heaven and is walking with Jesus. Your glimpse of Hadrienne in heaven was God's tender gift to you and your family. He is so merciful! Praise His holy name for ever and evermore. Peace and joy in Jesus. Amen
Dec 17 - Dinah Negron
What a beautiful person from what I have read and seen from this site alone. Selfishly I was on Google bored and wanted to see if i was on the net, when i happened on your site. please forgive me as I am your cousin and i knew nothing of your family. My deepest condolences can i only offer. "Father I ask in your holy name that you would be the Mendonsa's shield and their Great Reward. Father settle their hearts during this time of great hurt and sorrow. Allow them to grieve and to find joy in the memories of their beloved. Show them your healing attributes your redeeming power and the restoration power, Lord, that only you possess. Father I praise you for what you will do nad for what you have done for all. AMEN"
Dec 17 - David Mendonsa
God is good; you are a blessing to us.
Love, Susan
Dec 17 - Susan Bosworth
I'm not sure if you even remember me, but I'm Erin Wert, the girl who came to Shepard's one day late this summer to teach Hadrienne to knit. I just learned about her death a little more than a week ago, and I don't think a day has gone by that I haven't thought about her and your family.
I just wanted to let you know that you are and will remain in my prayers for many months to come. I don't quite understand why God wanted me to meet Hadrienne for that one afternoon, but I am so grateful that I did get to meet her. I haven't been able to delete her cell number from my phone yet, but have instead been using it as a reminder to stop and pray for you every time I pass her name.
I am so grateful to have stumbled upon this site. It makes it much harder for me to just pretend my brief afternoon with Hadrienne was just a dream, but makes it a reality. A few days after I heard, I felt like the entire thing was just some story I had read, but I didn't want to think that, and I don't want to forget Hadrienne or your family. Your words on Hadrienne and on life echo many of my feelings, and though often sad, are an encouragment to me.
I am pleased to hear that Asher is doing well, and I pray that he will continue on a road of improvement. I can't put into words the feelings of sympathy and love I have for your family, even though I know I don't know you well. I wish there was more I could do for your family. This comment doesn't seem nearly enough to express my deepest sympathy for your family. If there is anything I can do to help you while you are still in Atlanta, please don't hesistate to contact me. It was a pleasure to meet all of you, and just as I had hoped to spend more time with Hadrienne one day, I hope that I may one day see you, asher, and gloria again. Where are you staying in Atlanta? I would love to bring you some of my mom's famous christmas cookies. They are delicious.
All my love and prayers,
Erin Wert
404-451-0734
bluedancer414@hotmail.com
Dec 17 - Erin Wert
