Dear Friends,
Words simply cannot express how full of gratitude our hearts are right now. We have been sustained by our loving Heavenly Father's mighty hand and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers, and acts of kindness directed our way.
Yes, I have lost my dear husband and best friend of over thirty years, but I know where he is, and I thank God for the wonderful life we had together. I miss him terribly, but I know I will see him again.
Yes, my children have lost their father, but he died as he lived....putting the needs of his wife and children ahead of those of his own and interceding for us.
I want you all to know that we feel our loss, and we grieve, but not as those who have no hope. Tom reminded us often that we all eventually meet our Maker and not at the time of our own choosing. We are at peace, and we trust in God's sovereign and merciful plan for our lives. Our lips shall praise HIM!
Our son and daughters are out of the hospital now and are healing nicely. Two daughters require physical therapy and are using a wheelchair and a walker, but full recovery is expected.
If you are one of the many who have helped us, left a kind comment, or prayed for us....we THANK YOU. We've never in our entire lives seen so many expressions of love and concern for those in our community, our state, and other states affected by the storm. Your continued prayers for our family and the many others affected by the storm are deeply appreciated.
Our lives are forever changed , but our Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our trust is in Him. May His name be glorified.
Blessings,
Sherry
for the entire Tom Lee family
We love you all so much and are grateful to the Lord for the privilege of knowing you all and calling you friends. We continue to pray for you and to thank God for each and every one of you.
ReplyDeleteTo God be the Glory -
The Travers
Dear, Dear Lee Family,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts have been so moved by your loss and we have cried often as we've thought of you and as we've prayed for you. We've never met you, but we *know* you, as our dear and beloved brethren in Christ. We continue to pray ....
Love,
Paul & Deborah Yuck and Family
Ontario, Canada
http://buildingafamilythatwillstand.blogspot.com/
May God continue to bless your children with healing. And be with you all in the days ahead. The righteous are not forsaken, or their seed begging for bread. Praying in IN.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry...It is so good to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteI truly believe God imprints on our minds and hearts to stay fast on the course of praying for someone.He has not let my mind or heart drop my concern...my wondering on details of what's going on..or on just plain all out praying and weeping for you.I have only had this happen once before for someone I hardly knew.I just no I am suppose to do it.
I wished we lived closer or had the money to financially help out.All I can do right now is keep you lifted up in prayer. Please let us know along the way...what your needs are..so we can spread the word.You can't get rid of your Sisters in blogland...we love you gal!!!
God had you blogging for a reason..to document..what now is gone..and to connect with other Sisters of Christ.
I found the sweetest White and blue plaque today I thought of you and my sweet husband said
do you want that..it doesn't match your kitchen..I said no but it will go in Sherry's new Kitchen down the road. He bought it so fast!!He said today on our way home from the store...he hoped our children will be as strong as your children seem to be...and that he taught them all he was supposes to.Your family has been a real testimony for Christ!
Keep in touch..love and big Texas hugs from
Cindy at Rick-Rack and Gingham
Dear Lee Family,
ReplyDeleteYour story is one that has touched my house so deeply, impacted my family so greatly that we will never be the same. My husband and I have grown closer after hearing your amazing love story. We cherish each other so much more, relishing the moments we have together.
Thank you for being cornerstones of faith and Godliness, a beautiful example of God's love and strength. Thank you for sharing your story, and altering my family for the better.
You are constantly in our prayers here....and if there is anything my little family can do, consider it done. We owe you so much for sharing your story.
Thank you and blessings,
The Trafton Family
Dear Sherry, I have enjoyed reading your blog for sometime. I am deeply saddened for your loss. There is not a day that goes by without me thinking of you and your family. I pray often for you also. I do hope that with the Lord and your friends and family your heart will heal. I will continue to pray... My church as well as my friends and family here in Wisconsin are keeping you close in prayer.
ReplyDeleteXoxoxo, Dawn
Thank you for the testimony of your husband's life. I pray that God gives you comfort and joy on this Mother's Day through your sweet children. We would love to send you some cards we have made. Could you be so kind as to email me a mailing address when you get a moment.
ReplyDeletekdralle77@hotmail.com
Dear Sherry
ReplyDeleteThankyou for the wonderful witness you & your family have been to people all over the world. We continue to pray for you daily - are there any specific requests you have?
May God continue to hold you close & guide you in the many decisions you have to make
((HUGS))
Renata in Australia
Beautiful testimony of God's Grace!
ReplyDeleteStill praying....
Deanna
My heart aches for your family, as I am just learning of your devastation.....I had no idea until blog reading this morning. My husband and I were just talking about the storm and how many families lives were torn apart, little did I know that a fellow blogger's family was one. You had stopped by my blog a short time ago and I instantly became a follower of your blog, your family is a true inspiration to the Christian Family and how we should live. I thoughts and prayers are with you all, this life here on earth is just a ship in the night passing by....A blip on the radar screen.....we will all be reunited with our passed loved ones again and what a great celebration and wonderful life that will be!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You All, The Truman's
Dearest Sherry,
ReplyDeleteWill continue to lift you and yours to our heavenly Father.
In His grace,
Cindy
Dear Sherry
ReplyDeleteHow precious to read your post! Our family is constantly and earnestly praying for you and your children. Thank you for the update on your two daughters and son, too.
Lots of love and strength!
The Lord has kept your family in my prayers daily. May the Lord continue to sustain you in the days ahead. "Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed; for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is His Faithfulness!"
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Sherry,
ReplyDeleteIt was such a blessing to be able to see your face and hug your neck at the funeral. I praise God that He allowed us to share in that time together. You are daily in our prayers. We love you and are so moved by your testimony to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Much love,
Emily
Thank you so much for taking the time to post on your blog.....I have been so concerned for you and your family. I will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer. Your strength is such a strong witness....may God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWe send our love. We are still praying for you daily. God is good and greatly to be praised. I am so thankful your children are out of the hospital are expected to recover completely!
ReplyDeleteSherry, thanks so much for taking the time to update your blog yesterday. We have been praying for you and your family since the morning after the storm when we heard of your loss. We've been thankful to hear how you're doing through Kelly's blog and other mutual friends, but it's good to hear directly from you!
ReplyDeleteI hope we are able to meet you some day soon. Until then, we will be praying for you and helping you any way we can.
Love from the Smith family in Helena
I am in awe of your faith and your strong witness to your readers. I haven't followed your blog long, but my step mom told me about your loss. We are praying for you in Texas tonight. Praying for peace like a river while you grieve. much love from the lambert family.
ReplyDeleteYour family has so inspired me and I have shared about it on my blog...Blessings and prayers to your family
ReplyDeleteAfter I went searching the internet for news of your family, I came upon the interview that Jordan did. I cried in my husband's arms for a long time and then I wrote on my facebook page:
ReplyDeleteI do not know the words to express my deep anguish and admiration for this family! ~link to Jordan's interview~
I still don't have the words... I am astonished at your strength, humbled by your faith, and uplifted by your goodness.
Continually praying for you and your precious family, Sherry. I hurt with you in your loss while trusting that God is sufficient to meet your every need. Your strong testimony (and that of your children) is touching many people. May God continue to be glorified... even in our grief and struggles.
ReplyDeleteMissing you, Friend,
Sandy
Sherry, thank you for taking the time to touch bases with your blogging friends and sisters.
ReplyDeleteEverything everyone has said here.....dito!
I have cryed and prayed for you and your children. I have marveled at the strength and maturity of your son Jordan. What a wonderful testamen your children are of what you and Tom have instilled in them. I have tryed to put myself in your place but I have not been able to wrap my mind around it. I have poured over your blog again and again. Iv been checking your blog every day to see if , by chance you might have left a message as to how things are going. As you can see there are so many people that care deeply. Blessings to you my sister, keep your eyes on Him, keep your eyes on Him.
I too miss you, I was just getting to know you a little.... I hope that will continue. God has forever impacted my life with that of yours and your children and your bloved Tom.
Susan
I am so sorry. I have just found your beautiful blog and am so mived by your post. May God bless you and your children form the top of your hair to the tips of your feet. May his peace fill you as you face this tough time. And I will praise God with you, becuase he is always in control.
ReplyDeleteNicole :)
Dear Sherry,
ReplyDeleteI was so grateful to see your post. I am in tears as I write. Our family has been praying for you all since those awful storms. I am grateful that your children are healing..we have been wondering how you were. We have never met but I felt my heart connect with you and your family when I visited your blog. We will continue to pray for your precious family. We know that you are trusting God
..what a beautiful testimony of His faithfulness. He will be your strength and shield. He has already made provision for all that you have need of.. even to mend your broken hearts. We are SO VERY sorry for your loss and grieve with you... your beautiful home and your beloved husband and father.. Our hearts and love go out to you.
Jeff, Tamara and family...
Heritage of Truth
(The Family Table)
Sherry,
ReplyDeleteI was so glad to see your post today...I cried and cried as I watched the video of your son on the Bradrick site. I am so sorry for your loss and yet, so warmed by your hope. I, too, have this hope but don't know if I could handle a similar situation with such strength and amazing courage. May God hold you and love you through every step and know that there *are* many praying for you! xoxo
And please know, you have a family in Western PA here for you. How I would love to gather your clan and bring them here. You are always welcome, dear sister in Christ!
Lovingly,
Katy
Just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteOur family as well as our whole church (Grace Reformation of Middle Tennessee) has your family in our prayers every day. The Lord is already doing a great work through the testimony of your family and He is being glorified through it all.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you all in our prayers.
Christa, for the Smith Family
Like so many others, we have wept tears, and prayed much for you and your children. We praise God for His mercy in sparing your children's lives, but our hearts go out to you in the loss of your husband.
ReplyDeletePraise God you do not mourn as those who mourn without hope, but you have been so much on my mind and in my heart these past few days with this thought in particular: you must grieve. It is not a sign of lack of faith, or of not accepting God's will to grieve. The children of Israel were given 40 days - nearly 6 weeks - to grieve over Moses' death, yet they knew he was in a much better place.
Weeping is good at a time like this. I hope your children are able to cry, as well as to praise God. Both will help them heal, though not forget, of course.
So, you are being prayed for all across our globe - we're in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, on a small 'insignifigant' island, but you are being prayed for here, as in many other corners of the world.
God bless you all, and we are glad to be able to hear how yourselves and your friends are getting on through this blogging world.
Love, Anne x
Sherry, thank you so much for taking the time to let us know how you and your family are doing. It is so good to be able to hear your testimony and that God is sustaining you all and that the children are okay!. We will continue to lift you up to our Heavenly Father who knows your deepest needs in the days ahead - may He help you to continue to see His hand at work in your lives because, as you already know, He never leaves or forsakes His children!
ReplyDeleteI just want to say how in the midst of all of this your lives are just a testimony to many!!!! I am amazed at how your family has turned this for God's glory. My husband has been there the past few weekends helping and has actually gotten to talk with your oldest son and he was very impressed with him and his faith!! God is good even in the good times and even in times of sadness. I have prayed for your family continually , especially for you because I could not imagine going on without my husband. But I also know what a blessing it is to know where he is at and that one sweet day you will see him again. God bless you!! Please let us know if you need anything. My husband's name is Billy and he helped a lot this past weekend at the Crawford house and actually got to talk with MR. Crawford a good bit. He will be returning so please let us know if there is anything we can do. We will be praying for you and your family. http://theballardsblog.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteDear Lee Family,
ReplyDeleteI first heard about your family through another blog after the tornado's happened. I've been thinking about you since then. I'm actually really glad to see this update. You all have such an inspiring faith. I'm very glad to hear that all the children are out of the hospital!
Hugs from Illinois,
Jennifer
Sherry, I weep for you and your family, I can't imagine the pain. I showed my 3 year old daughter pictures of you, your husband, and your children and explained to her what happened to your husband, and she wept with me and we prayed for your you and your children. I pray the Lord pours out His peace and mercy on your family. We love you and your family in Christ Jesus.
ReplyDelete"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
"I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid." John 14:27
Sherry,
ReplyDeleteI learned of you and your family from the "His Heartbeat For Women" email newsletter. I am praying for you and your children during this difficult time. I am also putting together a few handmade items to help you rebuild the beauty of your home. I hope you will feel the love that is being sent your way when you open the box. May God, our Heavenly Father, and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ help you through this time of grief. May your hearts be filled with peace.
I met a stranger today who began to tell me a story she'd heard from Shoal Creek, of a heroic father and faithful family. It was my pleasure to tell her how wonderful y'all really are.
ReplyDeleteBlessed by your obedience, edified by your example and challenged by your faithfulness.
-Olivia
Dear Lee Family, continuing to pray for you all during this time of loss. My family recently moved from B'ham to Lexington, KY, and while I never recall meeting you, I have dear friends who know you personally. I have been blessed by your family's example even though I don't know you. Just know you are continuing to be lifted up in prayer. May you know the presence of God more than ever before while walking this path.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne Hatcher
Dear Lee Family,
ReplyDeleteOur hearts and prayers are with you. We know many who were on the ground there with you in the early hours of this difficult trial. And we know you from the Homestead Barnhop as well. Two of my girls stayed with the Crawfords just down the street from you when they came to your area for a wedding. They knew exactly where your house was. Our prayers are with you as you walk this new path the Lord has set before you. May He uphold you, guide you, comfort you, strengthen you.
The Seargeant Family
http://PlymouthRockRanch.com
Recording the Faithfulness and Provision of God for Future Generations
Dear Sherry,
ReplyDeleteI feel so connected to you and your family. Just like the others who have already commented, I have been praying and weeping for you.
Just a few minutes ago I realized that you left a comment on my blog, and the time on it looks as though you left it just before the tornado hit--I didn't realize we had any connections at all! Folks have been confusing you with me since we have the same first name and oodles of kids. I just can't imagine losing my dear husband--but I know God has you and your children in His protective care.
There aren't words adequate to express the heart we have towards you all.
Sherry
Dear Sherry,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to stop by and let you know we're praying for you and your family. I'm so glad to hear about all the support you're receiving.
I know God is working out something beautiful from this tragedy.
Take care.♥
Sherry ...just lifting you up today.God has impressed on my heart to send you some lovin!!
ReplyDeleteKnow that we are all still thinking and praying for your sweet family.
Miss you...and I hope the children are hanging there okay.I KNOW you are in HIS arms being comforted!!His promises we lean on during these times!
Started some lemon balm today and I thought of you.
Hugs and big Tx squeezes..Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham
I just wanted to say that your faith and courage is truly inspiring. I hope that everyday you can draw from you last paragraph, that although your lives have changed forever, you know that truth that God is the same yesterday, today and always. My prayers are with you and your family and your neighbors, may you find moments of peace and glory each day.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord is glorified in each of you! Thank you for being such a testimony of His grace during your season of grief and trial. May the Father continue to sustain you and may the body of Christ be His arms to you.
ReplyDeleteWe (and our church in WA state) are praying for your family.
Dear Sherry,
ReplyDeleteMy children and I were reading in Isaiah 25, and I was impressed to write these Scriptures to you to express the comfort of the Lord.
O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth,
For thou hast been a strength...to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm.
He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces;
And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation. (Isaiah 25:1,4,8,9)
Our family is praying for you and your children. We know the McCurdy family, and will be in touch with them to see if we can help in some way. May God bless you and continue to strengthen you.
Underneath are the everlasting arms, oh, praise his name forever!
In Christ,
Mike & Noreen Sumey
Jeffrey,Daniel and Andrea
Sherry & Family,
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for you since the storms. It seems news traveled fast of Tom's passing and my heart has been torn for you yet rejoicing at Tom's celebration with the Father! We were in the overflow room for Tom's funeral. It was a great tribute to him and the Lord.
It has been since Romel's funeral since we have seen you guys, but you are often in our thoughts and conversation because of how surrendered and happy in the Lord your lives and family are.
Harold still does cabinetry/construction, so if there is anyway we could be of any help, please let us know. We would love to help somehow.
My email is missyhanks@gmail.com
Much love & prayers,
Harold, Missy, Delisca, Leslie, Heather, Treasure & Hunter
Hi Sherry
ReplyDeleteI too have been following your blog and have loved it from the start. It is so wonderful that your family is out of the hospital. Wow, your strength and faith is amazing. You and your family have been through so much. You sure have alot of people thinking and praying for your family. When you are ready to rebuild your home....I would come and help you with your kitchen in a heartbeat. I build kitchens. Let me know when and I will bring my tools and my daughter. Much love, Sheryl
PS...I am serious about the kitchen you know....us girls up here in Canada are pretty good you know....
Thank you so much for sharing your heart and being such a shining light for Christ. I found out about your family from a friend of mine who lives near you and since then you all have been lifted up in prayer by my church here in FL. I have never seen such an example of how we are to "glory in our suffering" as you have displayed. Thank you and I pray for comfort for your family.
ReplyDelete