The passing of Pastor Dan's Wife Loretta

Dear MH family,
It is with a very heavy heart that I tell you Pastor Dan's dear wife Loretta left this world sometime this morning while in her sleep.  Dan found her gone when he awoke this morning.

Loretta had undergone bariatric surgery, April 1, and has struggled since then.  She was at home, and Dan and Loretta were getting by  with the help of their friends and church members, everyone had worked so hard to see that her needs were being met and she was healing.  

A memorial service is being planned for next weekend.


Regardless of your faith or beliefs, I would ask you to take a moment to remember Loretta and to hold her and Dan close in your thoughts.  He is a man of strong faith, but even the strongest can use support from their friends.

Dan will not be around here much, but feel free to leave a message. I know your words and gestures of kindness will give him solace.

Peace,
Laura

[opie74]

Oh my, this is a suprise!  There are no words, but I send up prayers for comfort for him.
Ann

[sllowe]

Thank you so much Laura for letting us know.

Pastor Dan, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I'm at a loss for words, but in my mind and in my heart I close my eyes and send you love of friends and healing for your heart and for all those who love her.

-shell

[Rena705]

I would like to offer my deepest sympathy in the loss of your wife Pastor Dan

Sincerely,

Rena

[wonko]

I was deeply saddened to read about Loretta's passing.

There is never a good time to lose a loved one, but I am glad you were able to be together until she left.

You are in my thoughts, and I wish you peace.

[saveone]

"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid...for the Lord they God, he it is that doth go with thee, he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee."

I keep this taped to my monitor.  It has been many places through out my life.  It always comforts me.  I hope it comforts you in this time of need.

You are in my thoughts and prayers

terry

[biowham]

Oh my gosh. My deepest sympathies to him and his family.

Bio

[willowwoman7]

My prayers are with you.

[michelleric]

((((((((Dan)))))))),

I am SO sorry for your loss of Loretta. My heart is deeply saddened for you and your family.  I am so surprised by this tragic news, and I hope you will be surrounded by family and people that love you right now,

My thoughts and prayers are with you,

Michelle

[CheeserNurse]

I am very deeply sorry and saddened to hear about this...WOW...I am speechless, and although we have never met in person, I do feel an exceptional amount of sadness in my heart for you, but an overwhelming amount of compassion for you as well. Please let us know what we can do for you, but this is for sure, you and your entire family will be in my prayers...May God give you the strength, peace, and comfort to get thru this very hard time.

All my prayers,
Aleah

[Heather3418]

Words just don't seem adequate at times like these.  I cannot imagine the shock you are going through.  I am so, so sorry.

May the Lord let you know that he is near and remember that Loretta is free from the binds of this earth.  Our Heavenly Father will give her rest.

The Lord be with you.  Please take some comfort from all the friends you have made on this Forum and come back to us when you are ready.  I will say a prayer for your strength during the difficult time and beyond.

With Much Love,
Heather

[Erin0313]

To: Pastor Dan

  I am so sorry for your loss. May Loretta always be in your heart and bring you happy memories and thankfulness for the times you shared.

May God bring you strength and peace now when you need it most and may you find some comfort knowing that we are all here for you, some praying all caring.

Peace & Hugs,
  Erin

[Salamander2]

What a terrible loss for you.  I pray your loving memories and your faith in the Lord will sustain and comfort you at this time.
Sally

[chezbug]

My heart goes out to you on the Home going of your lovely wife Loretta.  I'm new to this forum but I wanted to extend my sincere condolences to you.  I pray that our Father embraces you in His loving arms and holds you tight while you grieve.  May the mansion that was prepared for Loretta be as glorious as can be and may you be at peace with the knowledge that she is with Him.  

"What a day that will be when my Jesus I shall see, and I look upon His face,
The One who saved me by His grace; When He takes me by the hand
and leads me through the Promised Land,
What a day, glorious day that will be".

Your sister in Christ,
Cheryl

[rendean]

I am so sorry to hear of your wife's passing. Like others before me , I am shocked and am left speechless. I pray that can find comfort and solace in this most difficult time and that memories of your time together bring you peace in such an unexpected turn of events. The following poem is probably something you are familiar with but it has become part of my family's "tradition" and I do find peace when I read it. May it help you in some small way:

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
Mary Frye


May your faith help you through this unexpected turn of events and may God bless you with the strength and courage to overcome this.

Hugs,
Ren

[flowerfloosey]

I do not know you but I am saddened to hear of your loss. She is in a wonderful place now but it is hard to see one go. May God be with you and wrap his arms around you during this diffiicult time.
God Bless you,
Cynde

[Tahiri_Veila]

My prayers are with you.  I hope you can find peace and comfort.  Know that Our Father loves you and is always there for you to turn to.  
Tahiri

[LLWB]

My heart grieves for your loss. Just knowing that you will be reun ited again one day in God's glorious house will be a comfort to you. Remember in those black hours of night, that His Light will shine for us always.

Prayers
Maggie

[goofysmom1]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Chrisy

[shrubling]

Dan, I am sending you my deepest sympathy and prayers. It must be a relief for Loretta to be "back home" in the presence of the Lord, free of pain, waiting until you can be reunited. I pray that you will find strength and comfort in God and those around you. My heart grieves for you, but Loretta is beside you smiling!

It is the will of God and Nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life; 'tis rather an embryo state, a preparation for living; a man is not completely born until he be dead:  Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals?
Benjamin Franklin

Hugs,
Sara

[Wobbly]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you.  Come back when you can as you are of great value on the forum and we will wait for you to return.  

Take care of yourself

talk to you soon

Hugs...
wobbly

[Eyesnlegs]

Although we have never met in person and you live across a mighty ocean - my thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

With love
Pat
x

[essdipity]

I was shocked and astounded to check in here this morning. Usually I just want to see what's happened overnight. But this!

Dan, I can't tell you how very sorry I am. Please know that you and Loretta will be held in my heart and in the hearts of all of us here.

ess





















1

[ShockedToday]

I was so saddened to read the news this morning.  I will praying for you and your family.

ST

[Janette2836]

Pastor Dan,

My heart hurts for you.  Even though we know our loved ones are in a place without pain it is still hard!  Since you are familiar with the scripture I will share what I have been using during our difficult time here - Psalm 23.  It has given me much comfort.  I pray for strength for you & know that being with Bandit will ease some of your comfort as well!  Take care of you!  Janette

[young at heart]

PASTOR DAN;

MY HEART BREAKS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND FOR ALL WHO LOVED YOUR WIFE.

I WISH I COULD BE THERE FOR YOU.

YOUR IN MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS

T-LYNN

[hbananas]

I am so very sorry to hear that Loretta wasn't able to recover from her recent surgery.  We'll be praying for you.

[Ufrustrated2]

My deepest sympathy to Pastor Dan during this time of loss...

[jed9999]

I am so sorry the world went awry for you, Pastor Dan. God's love continues nonetheless. Loretta has gone ahead to meet Jesus and is whole. Jane.

[Tammy826]

I'm so very sorry to hear this!! We don't know each other personally but we are all family in Gods eyes. I pray for you & yours Pastor Dan, that you will feel cradled in the arms of God in this very sad time.

[Military_Wifey]

I am sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in prayers!

-Dee

[Fluffysmom]

I am so sorry for your loss, for all that you are going through at this time.  I hope that you can feel all the love and compassion that we are sending to you, and hope and pray that your faith sustains you through this painful time.

I hope Loretta's passing was relatively peaceful.  I know that she has no more worries, no more pain, no more suffering.  She is home, though her love and memories live on in you.

Take good care of yourself, accept love and support from others; I'll bet Bandit can feel your grief, take comfort where you find it.  Know that the grief will lessen.

Know that I care.

Kathy

[Weakandfalling]

Although I do not know you, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your wife.  You have my deepest sympathy.

Weakandfalling

[Guitar_grrrl]

Pastor Dan, I'm so sorry for your loss.  I'm glad you two were together at home.  My thoughts are with you.

Namaste,
Guitar_grrrl

[HVAC]

I am terribly sorry for you and Bandit's loss. I am praying for you.
Alex

[Quixotic1]

I continue to send you thoughts of peace and comfort.

Quix

[CareBayer]

So sorry to hear of your wife's passing. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers.

[PastorDan]

I am overwhelmed by your expressions of compassion.  Thank you, and God bless each one of you.

Now go hold your loved ones tightly, and let them know that they are loved.

[Udkas]

To Pastor Dan,

My heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to you.  Thinking of you at this sad time.

[LATW]

Dear Pastor Dan,
I am so sorry to hear about your wife passing. I know not a lot can be said at a time like this that helps much but you know she is out of pain now and with God.  I will pray that God gives you and those left peace and strength to get through this difficult time.

Lee Ann

[BOK2Bjan]

It's hard to imagine the burden you've been dealt.  Her surgery, I assume, was meant to improve her life.  I imagine you both hoped for better times ahead.  Because you put God first and seek to follow Christ, I know you'll find the blessing that can come from this tragedy. But for now, you know you need to grieve and take care of yourself.  Let others care for you.  As a pastor, you might tend to keep comforting others and give too much of yourself. The biggest lesson God has taught me through my illnesses, is to accept help, and to let the church know what my needs are so people can also have the joy of serving.  My prayer for you is that you too will reach out and let others give their time and attention to YOU during this time of loss and shock.  I send an electronic hug.  Loretta is at peace - my prayer is that the promised Comforter give you peace as well.  God Bless,  In His Love, Jan

[SickMomma_PDX]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest condolences.

You and Loretta will be in my thoughts and prayers.

---SM

[Eliza3]

My heart goes out to you!
You are in our prayers.

Bob & Elizabeth

[syndismilez]

My Deepest Sympathies to you and your loved ones.
I am so sorry :(
God Bless
Cyn

[deborah0904]

I have been praying for Loretta and was so sad to see this news.  I'm actually quite surprised at my reaction as I've never met Pastor Dan or Loretta.  It's amazing how you guys have become just like my family, even though we've not met.  I am so sad to see this news.  Thanks for letting us know!

My prayers will continue for Pastor Dan and his family during this time.
Deborah

[chinacat65]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and your pup..  I was so sad to come in here and read this. I think you were one of the firsts to reply to my posts and I appreciated so much.There really are no words . I'm so sad you have to go through all this. Please take care of yourself.
Karen

[GrannyJo6]

A few of the words from a song by Chris Tomlin:
I will rise when He calls my name
No more sorrow, no more pain.
I will rise on eagle's wings
before my God, fall on my knees
and rise, I will rise!

Gives me great comfort and I hope it does you, too. So sorry for your loss.

[shoshin]

I am so sorry about your loss, but am glad that you and Loretta were able to enjoy many years together. May your faith and family and friends (including us here on this forum) be a great support for you during this difficult time.

sho

[PastorDan]

Thank you, sho, and again to everyone.  I don't know how I'd be managing without all the love and support from so many good people.  I honestly don't understand how people live without faith, either.  I KNOW that my darling is in heaven with those whom she's missed so much, and in the presence of our Lord, free of pain or sorrow of any kind.

[6-paq]

I'm so very sorry for your loss.

My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

You are in my prayers.

Pat

[ShadowsSister]

I am so sorry to learn of your Wife's Passing. I know she is now resting in Heaven with Our Heavenly Father at her side. Know that I will keep both of you in my Heart and in my Prayers.. May God Bless you and through His Love may time help to heal the pain of your loss...
Love & Prayers...ShadowSister( DJ)