To Sharlene (Mrs. Tim Bosma)

Dear Sharlene Bosma;

Last night I sat on my sofa with tears streaming down my face as I watched your husband's memorial. I'd first read his story on Facebook, and then began checking each day for new details in the search, praying that Tim would be brought home safe. I, like many others was heartbroken when the news not only was not good...it was horrifically tragic...

I want to tell you and your family thank you for your marvelous strength, grace and hope.

The first thing that struck me about Tim's service, was when the pastor invited all to offer their grief to the Lord. I want you to know now that many in the world are grieving right along with you. Though we never knew your husband Mr. Bosma, we have come to feel that we know him, and have struggled to understand why he was taken so early. I think that, united in our grief, we were given the opportunity to give over to God (if only for a moment). In that moment, I felt somehow closer to man I'd wanted to help save, and closer to a family in pain.

But there was something else that happened. As I listened to the loving stories of those who knew him best, the joy that radiated from them began to fill me as well. I heard the stories of the trees planted, the Crab Apple Tree in full bloom, the bonfire, the fireworks that parted and revealed the moon. The teasing and screaming at family barbecues, and Tim saying: "Your kids are too loud.". I wished I knew Tim, and suddenly, somehow...I did! And he is very much... still around. I could feel it all over that banquet hall. It filtered through You Tube and to my little screen. My dear Sharlene, I know you will miss your husband always. For this reason, my heart aches. But please know there was certainly a strength beyond belief in that room that day! If filled me up, and flowed all through.

Suddenly, my eyes were on the prize to come...and I know I'm not the only one who was suddenly overflowing with love and peace! For Tim. For where he is now, and the fact that one day, we will be there too, with our own loved one's and friends. And you will too. I think your husband has given me a glimpse of that...and many others too. Suddenly, I all seemed connected... this life that makes weary, and the next one that wipes all our tears away...we are going there!! Suddenly, my daily groaning seemed very unimportant, as I was filled with hope unspeakable!

Sharlene, I wish I could give you a hug. I'm so sorry Tim is gone. Never will I understand the void that is left. But I wanted to tell you that Tim is with us still. I pray somehow you'll know, Tim's still here...changing more lives than we'll ever know. Your daughter will know that her daddy is a hero because his heart lives on. Someday, she will see her sweet daddy, whose smile lights up his whole face. I cannot explain to you the joy and reassurance I had listening to all of you give sweet testimonies of what an amazing man Tim was. I feel as though I got to know him (just a little)) and miss him along with you.

I have no doubt that Tim will go on, showing many others how awesome the love of Christ really is. I don't know what sort of Crab Apple Tree was planted in his honor...but I think there should be a special tree named after Tim (his favorite) so we all remember him. The Lord is, of course, close to the broken hearted, and He is with you, Sharlene and family. Last night, getting to know Tim just a little, gave me a lot of joy. My deepest condolences to you, your little girl and your family. From now on, when I see apple blossoms (no matter what kind) they will be "Tim Blossoms". His smile is infectious...and so is his love! Thank you for the wonderful courage in sharing your stories. Your grace is such an inspiration to me! I'm sure Tim is very proud!

Love to you. ((((HUGS))))