This past 24 hours has been tough for Jonathan. Normally, the opportunity for a missionary to call home is a joyful day, but today was not one of those days. Unfortunately, today was the day we had to speak to him about the imminent passing of one of his close friends, David Heiner, the son of our dear friends Mark & Vickie.
The story begins on Friday, June 13th in Elkin, North Carolina. David took his younger brothers to the pool on a beautiful, warm summer day. David is very good swimmer and has joined our family at Lake Powell in the past. This day, however, while attempting to swim the length of the pool and back on a single breath, he began to flounder and then sank to the bottom. His brothers bravely attempted to rescue him. It wasn't until the lifeguards intervened that they were able to get him poolside. A successful and skillful resuscitation followed, however, David's condition remained critical. He was transported by air ambulance to Charlotte, North Carolina where over the past few days his family has expectantly waited for some indication that he would recover. When it started to become apparent that this hope was in vain, we obtained the help of Jon's Uncle Scott and Don Gerszewski, who are both airline pilots, and barely caught the next flight to Charlotte. During our dash to the airport we sought the advice of President and Sister Robison on how to break the news to Jonathan. During our flight, Jonathan was located by Elder & Sister Larsen, the couple assigned to his area, and given the tragic news. We hoped that breaking the news in this way would give him an understanding, grandparently shoulder to cry on! Finally, today, after a few attempts to hook up by e-mail and phone calling, we were able to speak with Jonathan.
Jonathan is such a strong young man but we know that this will be a difficult time for him. We anticipated that during our call we would be telling him of David's passing, but turning off the life-support has been delayed until Wednesday. We know that Jonathan's knowledge of what will transpire is going to make this week agonizing for him. We do not doubt that Jonathan will weather the storm and put on a brave face; he is hurting more than those around him will ever see.
We pray that he will be comforted as he wholeheartedly thrusts in his sickle and reaps with all his might in the Lord's harvest! He told us he is already having wonderful experiences in Guyana and loves being a missionary!
"Brothers forever DMH. Love ya man."