I stood numb and in disbelief as I watched my husband cup his hands to his face. He wept aloud.
We received news that we had just lost a precious friend.
Major David Gray.
Truly, one of the very finest of men.
Truly.
We met David and Heather years ago when we were stationed at the same Air Force base. We met on a Sunday afternoon. The Gray’s were new in town, and they were visiting our church. It was potluck Sunday. We sat next to each other in the fellowship hall, and there our friendship began. From then on, our lives have intertwined.
We tend to think of the good things when we reflect back on someone’s life, but truly… all memories I have of David are supreme. He was a rare man of the highest quality.
During those early days of our friendship, David had a tragic accident. He drowned during some intense under-water training. Miraculously, he survived the incident and came out of the hospital with only a small scar on his left forearm (a mishap with the IV). This scar was a physical sign to all of us that David had been “marked” by God.
The above photos are from a photo album that Heather put together for our family when we moved. That album has been a treasure to us over the years… a small piece of the memories we held with our friends during that season of our lives.
And now, it is even a greater treasure.
Please pray for my friend Heather, and her three children.
I cannot imagine her heartache. But I know that she does not mourn as those who have no hope (1Thess4:13-18).
Penned yesterday by Heather:
I thank you for prayers and remembrances as we mourn the loss of my beloved husband david. Anyone who met him, immediately knew he was Gods special masterpiece. But just like a great work of art, he was merely on loan to us from the creator. Please pray for my children. David’s dignified transfer happens today then in the morning I will return home to tell them the sad news. I want to thank my amazing friends, especially Mandy Daniel Fernihough and the people of Alethia church for being a human shield around my family so that I could grieve and gather strength… David would want you all to remember the many good times, have a personal relationship with the lord, love your family as well as he did (although his humble spirit would have been the first to say he had flaws) and then he’d say, it’s time to “press on”. We love you all and appreciate the kind words.
Thank you for this. I placed it on my favorites bar so I can see it later. David was my best man … in every sense of the phrase. He helped straighten me out by showing me how to truly lead a blessed believers life, and I believe I will be forever changed by this terrible tragedy.
You have permission to post my email address.
Thanks again,
Doug & Lenna Newborn
(520) 390-4141
Praying
What a beautiful rememberance to a wonderful and courageous man. Our prayers are with Heather and her
children. He will be missed.
What sad news. And what a brave and wise woman Heather is. I will be praying for their family and friends. I’m so, so, sorry for the loss.
Heaven is surely celebrating David’s homecoming!
David, Happy Birthday in Heaven!!!
David now has a Heavenly Birthday of August 8th! He has been promoted to a higher ranking than any of us have ever achieved! Scripture proves this. Matthew 11:11 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is”! Congratulations brother!
Separation and the absence of love are the worst things possible on this earth. We know there is no lack of love here, just a temporary separation. Our Father in Heaven is love and hates separation. David is now reunited with our Father and is in his eternal presence!! For those of us who accept and love Jesus, We know and will take joy of being reunited with David again for eternity!! Brother, I shall see you again!
Hi Christy,
I have kept your friend Heather and her children in my prayers since reading your post. What a beautiful family.
I love your blog it is so classy ,simple and beautifully photographed.
Lori
Lori… thank you. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU. Please don’t stop. As you can imagine, there are many difficult days ahead. Thank you so much.
This is such a tragic yet beautiful story and memorial for a beautiful man and family. You penned it so beautifully. Some people never know friendship like this. Prayers & Blessings to you all!
Sam