11-12-2024
Good evening everyone. It has been a very busy time! Within ten minutes of getting home on Sunday, the phone calls were coming in. With the funeral being held tomorrow, to honor the life of Hannah, there was not much time to rest. Sleep was interrupted with tears at times, but seeing some good already coming from this, has been a help as we begin to heal. Writing a eulogy and a speech to be read at the funeral, each took some time. Looking back, so that I could start these was difficult. The events of these past few days create almost a mountain in my mind. They were so emotional, so surreal, and so physically draining, that it seemed like I was unable to look past them to see even the things that happened the week before. Between meetings, phone calls, and texts, it has been nonstop. Calls from the coroner’s office and calls from the hospital also came in too, as the legalities of her passing begin to be processed. Maranatha has taken on the primary burden of the funeral. Their kindness and support has been incredible!
We also took a few moments to read some responses to posts and messenger messages, We are so humbled to read of the encouragement that Hannah’s story has been. We seem to have struck a nerve with several groups of people. We have a general audience, those who read, care, and empathize with this battle. We have some who have lost children, and they feel the extreme sorrow of our loss. We have those who have donated organs, who understand the depth of the decision we had to make. We also have those that have received the “gift of life” encouraging us as they feel so grateful to those who made a sacrifice for them, We have those who are on the waiting list for a transplant. They struggle with maintaining their health, and see the cost that fixing their condition demands. And worse yet, they wonder if their lives may be cut short before they receive the lifesaving help they need. Finally, we have a large group that have children with allergies or have allergies themselves. They try to be careful, but with so many ingredients in the foods we eat, or are served, the likelihood of eating something problematic is fairly high. Eventually, it’s probably going to happen to some extent. Most reactions are not as severe as Hannah’s, and her passing was likely largely due to her lung collapsing during the ordeal, but the wise learn from the misfortunes of others. The overwhelming support that so many of you have given is extremely humbling. We are just pawns in a larger plan.
Tomorrow is the funeral. The visitation will begin at 10 am with the funeral service starting at 11. We will work with the church on linking the live stream of the service.
Thank you to all for your love and support. You have greatly encouraged us, and hearing from so many definitely helps us to see some purpose in this tragedy.
We are still blessed
How quickly life goes! Hug those you love while you still can.
Hannah Helps 