A somber church service

Yesterday we learned the horrifying news about the death of a community member.  While Andrew and I had only met the gentleman a couple of times, we know the boys well.  One just graduated and one sone is Thomas's age.  That one had just played baseball for Andrew this spring.  Additionally, we go to church with this man's mother, in-laws, and sister and her family.  Andrew had just had the nephew in class this past year.  He was a highly respected professor at the local university, and even more highly respected as a person.  He had taken the graduated son and several of the son's friends on a backpacking trip to Alaska.  There was a tragic accident, and he fell to his death.  Our hearts are broken not only for all of his family, but for those boys as well.  This man grew up in the church we attend, so not only do we know the family, but many long-timers knew him as well.  His father-in-law was in attendance this morning.  I am grateful we are able to gather in person at a time like this, but it was so very somber.