This is undoubtedly a difficult time for Peaches. She is without question considered family in relation to our company, as well as a personal friend of all ours.

I (as well as our company and many of you) want to do everything that can possibly be done to help her through this trying time.

That said however, I can’t just give her address out. Her address is company information. Not to sound crass, but please understand my position on this. Second, she is unlikely to know what she wants right now, but I am confident that sending a lot of flowers at this moment is likely not what she would want. Believe me when I say that I am also confident that she appreciates all of your prayers and condolences.

At this time, we are looking into organizing a charity donation in his name. As time moves forward, I will keep you informed of any on-goings that involves a way for you to help out. I have received an overwhelming amount of request for her address and do not want you to feel as though I am ignoring you. She is aware of the abundance of support being given in her time of need and I am confident that it has found a very warm spot in her heart.

This is without question a very difficult time for her. More than anything, I want to make sure that she has her space. I can only imagine that I would need the same thing.

She is a part of our company family. She is also a part of our industry family. The abundance of support has been nothing short of touching, compassionate and reflective of just how tightly knit of a group we all are. I for one am impressed by the outreach and humbled by everyone’s willingness to help one of our own in a time of need. She has a long list of incredible friends and I am confident that she realizes this.

She is in our prayers.

Thanks and Best Regards,

Cory.

I absolutely agree on this one. Given the circumstances of the situation, and the fact that she's not in a position to make solid arrangements yet, nor does she likely have any idea which way is up, much less what she wants to do about it, I'd say that giving it a week or so would be the best thing we can all do.

I know she's planning a memorial service within the next couple of weeks, and that she specifically mentioned that she wants to celebrate John's life, not his death. With that in mind, I think that waiting a bit is probably best. While I cannot in any way, shape or form put myself in her shoes right now, all I can think is that if this happened to me -- same sort of situation, single mom, only child -- I would be so touched by the number of people that want to do something, yet I would be completely overwhelmed if flowers started arriving before I had my son back with me, it would probably totally unnerve me.

She knows we love her and that we care about her, I think we should wait until she's given us a better indication of how we can help her to try to do so.

Thanks for keeping us informed , Cory

most definately and thank you Cory for keeping us informed

as long as she knows she's in all of our thoughts there is nothing more any of us can do to make this situation easier

as I said to KK yesterday, I keep looking for the rewind button ... this just can't be real.

Just post an account, such as ePassporte / PayPal...and I'll help spread the word.....we can send her a collective thought..and she can do with it as she will.

Tev and I are there for you, Peaches.

Let me know, Cory....

Raven, lets just give her some time & save the gestures for when/how they are needed ...

I'm sure someone close to her will have a plan that we can contribute to soon

As soon as I hear anything, I will relay the message.

Are you in Phoenix?

I think on all this I will wait to hear peaches wishes.

Just my 2 cents.

No problem, thanks.

If I hear anything, I will be sure to relay it.

Just a quick note. I'm so filled with emotion reading the boards that my heart is ready to explode. I feel so blessed to be part of such an incredible group of people. I hope John is reading them too so he knows how loved he is.

Right now we are still trying to get him home. Things I want and the family wants change daily but as of now we are looking April 11 (I think that's right - a week from this coming Monday) where we will have a military honors outside at Arlington Cemetary in Sandy Springs and then a catered BBQ picnic where we can all laugh and talk about him and his great life at one of the parks near the river in Roswell/Alpharetta. He will be cremated and his ashes spread in two of his favorite spots - Seward Alaska and a portage camping trip he took through Minnesota. I will keep some also.

All financial aspects are being taken care of by the USAF so no donations are needed but thank you to those who mentioned it. One thing John loved more than anything was soccer. The box with his soccer shoes had just arrived in Japan and he was thrilled. I talked to his soccer coach today and one thing we might do is have a plaque/bench/something in his name on the soccer field. I will give specifics when I know them if people want to donate.

At this point, I keep waiting to wake up and find out it was all a horrible nightmare. But I thank each and every one of you for your thoughts, prayers and love.

I haven't turned on my ICQ so I'm not ignoring anyone, just not ready to deal with anything.

Please feel free to repost elsewhere as this is about my limit on being slightly coherent.

Thank you Cory and WEG especially for understanding.

I will talk to everyone soon.

I can only speak myself when I say take all and more than time it takes, theres no rush... and use everyone and thing at your disposal for support along the way.

I dont think anyone expects anything but to give to you right now :-)


Again you are in our thoughts

Toni and Trev

speaking as a single parent with an only child I can only imagine what you must be going through.... and that probally doesn't come close. :cryin:

Best of wishes to you in such a bad time... Use the support of your friends freely, I am sure any one of them would feel privileged.

Mike

What a beautiful way to celebrate his life Peaches & I hope it helps everyone to remember him for the amazing person he is

thank you for taking the time to keep us informed & I'm glad to know you feel the support you have here in our community

Please take care of you

Always thinking of you Peaches.

Nickdark and family.

Celebrating his life is a beautiful way to do it. Personally, I think more people need to celebrate that way upon death as oppose to the traditional funeral. I'm sure he would agree.

I think the plaque/bench at the soccer field idea is also wonderful. Please keep us posted when that becomes reality so we can donate.

Take care of yourself, hon. I know during times like this we forget to do that.....so, be sure to take some time to yourself...it's so important.

*huggs*

I hope you understand board things are just that and accept my condolences for your loss.

yes just let me know the details, money may seem like the furthest from her mind, but when it comes to organizing a memorial fund, an epassporte account or such may make it a lot easier.


I feel sory for her loss. for her to feel such immense pride and then loss is a gamut of emotions i would wish on nobody. my heart goes out to her and hers.

Peaches, I'm so glad to see you poking your head out and responding. I think we're all happy to wait until you feel like turning on your icq :)

Hang in there Peachy!


CD