I wish I had time to write everything I'm feeling, but that will have to wait until I get home. For now, I just want to thank everyone for their love and support. I feel so very blessed to have a wonderful family and a strong faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I miss my sweet John more than words can express, but I know that he is happily doing the work that he loves best (sharing the gospel) on the other side. I also know that our family is eternal. We have been sealed in the temple, and I find so much peace in knowing that it won't be long until we can be with him again.
I know that most of you are far away, but anyone is able to attend John's funeral is welcome to join us this Saturday at 11am. The service will be held at the Stansbury Park, UT stake center. The address is 417 Benson Rd. Stansbury Park, UT 84074. It's short notice, so please help us spread the word.
Thank you again for your love. We could use your prayers.
107 comments:
my dear emily, i am sending you the world's biggest hug right now...are you ready?? here it comes....
my love and prayers are with you. i wish i could be there saturday but i would LOVE to come see you when you are back in VA (when you are ready of course) and any help that i can give on this end, please, please, please let me know!
i love you girl!
Emily,
Steve and I would do anything to be there tomorrow, but we have no way to make it. We are thinking of you and your family. We love you so much and are thankful for what you and John have brought to out lives. Please let me know when you are back to your home. We want to come down and help pack or move or do anything you need. We don't know your plans but whatever you need help doing let us know. Emily , I love you so much and cant express my feelings to you. I'm gratfull for your testimony, your children are so blessed to have such a Christ like wonderful mother. I know you will be with John forever. Please call us or e-mail us and let us know what we can do. (801) 472-1774 You are in our thoughts and prayers, my beloved Emily. We love you. Your Eternal friend, Lara
We are praying for you and your family. John is a wonderful man and you will be with him again. You are such an amazing woman and have the strength to do anything. I know that Heavenly Father loves you and He will give you the comfort you need. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Emily,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know you and John. Thanks for sharing your testimony and strength. I'm so sorry we can't be to the funeral, but know we are thinking of you.
Love, Megan & Ryan Hambly
We won't say much now, but we love you so much and are continually praying for you, the Jones' family, and your family. We will see you tomorrow morning at his funeral.
We are praying for you- love you TONS.
Hello Emily,
Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, Elizabeth, and your whole extended family. As you have mentioned we will miss John greatly, yet he continues to do The Lord's work on the other side of the veil. And I am sure that the three of you will be re-united on the other side.
If there is anything I can do for you or Liz, please let me know. Even if it is nothing more than fixing a screen door, or a smile when you need it. Like the others I can not attend Saturday in person, yet know that my thoughts and prayers will be.
With love and care,
Mike Fehse
Oh I wish we would be there to offer our support. I gave Bishop Petersen your e-mail address, but it's a BYU.net one and I'm not sure how current it is. He wanted to express his love to you at this time of need. We love you and pray for you and are grateful to have known John and learn from his amazing example. Our hearts are with you. Love you.
Sweet, beautiful Emily, my heart aches for you and I wish more than anything I could come on Saturday. Please know that Ryan and I and all of your girlfriends out here are thinking about you and praying for you continually. We are ready and waiting to do anything we can for you when you. You and John are some of the most wonderful people we know. I love you so much Emily.
We feel blessed to know you both. If there is any way we can help on the VA end we would be honored to. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Emily
Ashlee and I are so very sorry. We pray for you and love you. We will see you tomorrow at the service. God Bless.
Dear Emily,
Our prayers are with you and Lizzy.
Emily,
We just want to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Even though we haven't seen you in years, this news has touched us both very much, probably because you and John were such wonderful examples to us. We pray that you'll have all the strength you'll need to pass through this difficult time.
-Dani & Mark Rowan
I just wish I could be there, giving you and lizzy hugs and kisses and coming tomorrow. You and John have been such great GREAT examples to us of christlike people, and I love you so much and admire so many many things about you. We would love to help in any way you need. I am so grateful for your friendship, and just love you and we are praying for you!
Emily. Your perspective floors us, and we are so grateful to read this post and see the wonderful faith and perspective you have in a time such as this. Our hearts go out to you more than we can express. Please call on us for any help we may be able to offer. You are an incredible person! Hang in there. Love, Angie & James Munnerlyn...
Emily,
I know we havent seen each other in a few years,but when we heard the news I just wept for you and your family. "Keeping up with the Joneses" has never been as true as when we were in the 147th ward together and marveling at what incredible people you are. Thank you for showing us all again what faith truly means. We will be there tomorrow, our love and prayers and continually with you.
Emily, I can not even express my love to you and my desire to hold you and make some of this pain go away. Ever since David and I heard the news last night I have just been so broken hearted. I wish we could be there tomorrow, but please know that we are praying for you and will not stop. You are such a dear friend and I love you. Families are forever and ever!!! God be with you. Natalie Stadelman
Emily,
Ever since I heard the news, I've wished I could think of something to say to you that would bring you comfort and take away some of the heartache and pain. But I know, words can't do that. I do want you to know that you and Lizzie have been in my thoughts and prayers and will continue to be. You and John are such wonderful examples to everyone. I know you have the strength necessary to get through this. I'm so grateful that I've had the opportunity to serve with you. You constantly amaze me and continue to do so. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help during this time. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow and wish I could be there. Love, Michele
emily,
my sister just sent me the link to the article on ksl. i then googled you and your husband to see if you had a blog. sorry, i am not a stalker, i just felt like i needed to write to you.
this sunday, november 29th, it will be 2 years since my husband passed away unexpectedly after a horse riding accident. i remember how helpful it was when people reached out to me... especially those who knew what i was going through (as a new widow).
each situation is different i know, but as far as being a young wife and mother... and losing my husband so young, i know the heartache, heartbreak, loneliness, confusion, and all sorts of emotions that you are probably experiencing right now. i remember those days before the funeral being so stoic because i was still in such shock and i just knew i had to get through the funeral. it was after the funeral when life started to feel like it was spinning out of control and like things started to sink in a little more about what reality was going to be for us.
i am only writing because i wanted you to know that you aren't alone. i felt so alone when aaron passed away and it was when i could communicate with other young widows that i would feel not quite so alone because then i knew there was someone else out there that knew how i was feeling. no one can understand what it is like to be a widow unless they have experienced it before.
i am sure you have friends and family around you at this time and that is so great. they will be such a huge help to you. but i wanted to reach out to you and let you know that if you need to talk, write, vent, chat, anything... i am more than willing and able to do anything for you to help you. i think the thing that was the most helpful in talking to other young widows was to know that the feelings i was experiencing were normal and that no matter how you need to grieve, there is no right way. i am so so so sorry for your loss. it is a loss that brings such loneliness to the surviving spouse and i pray for your comfort and your peace at this time from our loving Father in Heaven.
please don't hesitate to contact me if you want to or need to. i would love to help you with anything.
all my love...
leslie *
lesterlou33@hotmail.com
(this comment can link you to my blog if you are interested at all in reading about my experience when my husband passed away... i share raw emotions on there... very honest, very open... just if you wanted to)
you are in my prayers.
Emily, I never got to meet you, but John was a good friend of mine in high school and at BYU. I was so shocked when I heard the news. I know you don't need to hear what a great guy John is from me, but I am so sorry he is gone and just wanted you to know that there are a lot of prayers in your behalf going out from me in Minnesota.
Kat Dixon Rane
Dear Emily, we love You and we pray for You in this hard moment. God bless You and all Your family. We wish we could be there with You on Saturday, but we can't make it. Be strong and let us know if there is anything that we could help you with! Anytime... please...
Love,
Ina and Eddie
Emily,
I have been saddened all day thinking of you and your loss. I know that I didn't know you too well when we were in the 147th ward, but I want you to know that we care and that prayers are ascending on your behalf. You are amazingly strong and that is the impression I have always had of you. In the coming weeks, months, years, I will continue to pray in your behalf that you will have the comfort that you need to sustain you during this trying time. Kiss your little one too, what a blessing to have!
Emily-
We love you and I am so glad we can come and be there on Saturday. We are praying for you constantly.
Kenon
Emily,
I love you so much. You were there for me during some rough times. I greatly admire your strength and testimony. Nate and I keenly feel your loss, and pray that you will find peace. Know that you are always in my thoughts,
Christina Swiss
Emily,
We were shocked to hear of the accident. I'd read the story and thought, "Surely not him." Your family has been greatly missed in Virginia Beach. I don't know nicer or more pleasing people than you and John. He was especially inspirational in our bishopric and is greatly missed. I can only think that God felt the same; welcoming a good man home with open arms and issuing another great assignment to fulfill. It is left for us to mourn and endure the sadness and loss. We pray for you and offer our support in any way you need. May you feel God's love for you and His respect for the great service you render to His children.
John Ashby
We were out of town all week and just barely heard the news. Our deepest sympathies go out to you. We will be at the memorial service and our prayers will be with you constantly. Our deepest love!
- Shane and Alyssa
Emily,
I love you so much. I don't think you know how dear a friend you were to me that year we were visiting teaching companions. John is someone Jimmy and I both look up to and will miss. I don't know what you are feeling right now, but please know you have another friend willing to do anything for you. We will see you at the funeral tomorrow.
Oh Emily,
We love and appreciate you and your little family so much. Our prayers and thoughts are with you constantly. I am so sorry that we won't be able to come to the funeral, but we will see you in VA, and we hope to be of help to you and Lizzie when you get here.
All our love,
Rachel and Chris
Emily,
Our deepest thoughts and prayers are going out to you and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. We love you. If you need anything please let us know.
All our love!
Josh & Kelly Jones
Salem VA
Justin and I were so shocked to hear about John on the news. I can't imagine what you're going through but know that we are praying for you and your family. In the short time that we were in the same ward you and John both made such an impression on us. We look up to your strength and love of Christ.
Hi Emily. I know I haven't talked with you since Virginia Beach summer office. Chad and I are so sorry and sad for what happened with John. We wish we could be there tomorrow and just know that we are thinking and praying for you. Chad said that your John was a wonderful man. You are and your family are in our prayers!
Diana Corder
Even though this is a tough time, you seem to be blessed with so many people who love you and your family. I just hope you know that I am thinking of you, praying for you, and sending love your way. You are such an amazing person.
Emily,
Words cannot express how deeply sorry we are for your loss. John was such a kind person and we will never forget all the selfless service he provided. We wish we could be there to give you our love. You and your family are in our prayers. Thank you for your testimony.
Love, Kassie and Travis Howe
Dear Emily, we've never met, but your sweet husband grew up right next door to me! Our families are good friends, and we cherish our many memories with them. Words are inadequate to express our sorrow over the tragic news of John's death. Yet, through that sorrow, we embrace the knowledge of our Heavenly Father's plan, and the promise of your eternal lives together. May he keep you comforted and blessed in this very difficult time. Our love to you and sweet Lizzy...
Kerry & Barb Johnson
emily, we are praying for you like crazy. loves from our family.
april & jimmer
Emily,
You do not know me, but I knew John very well. I served with him in Ecuador. I just heard about the accident, and wish I had some encouraging words, but I am completely devastated. I am so sorry for you. John was one of the greatest men I ever knew and I will always remember him. He was an example to so many people. I have some things I would like to send you, so when you can, send me your VA address. My email address is artbyadrian@yahooo.com
My thoughts go out to you and your daughter,
-ADRIAN
Emily, please know that there is so much love and so many prayers pouring out to you... and Heavenly Father is by your side every step of the way. I am so sorry. We, c-villers, are here to help you and sweet Lizzy in any way possible.
Emily,
We have never met, but I served over half of my mission time with John. He was a true leader in the mission and a friend to all. I am deeply sorry for your loss, and I am praying for you and your family.
My husband and I live here in virginia, and I would love to help you out with anything that you need. Even if you need a babysitter for a day, I am here.
I admire your testimony of faith, you seem like the perfect match for John.
Laura Osmond
lj.osmond@gmail.com
Dear Emily
We are very sad to hear about John...We never met him but I have enjoyed your blog and your Photo work. You are in our hearts and prayers at this time..... You stayed at our house in Muscatine when you picked up David from his mission....
love,
Steve and Sarah Tidwell and family
Sweet Emily,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you today and always. We love you.
Emily,
Like so many others who have commented, I too have been touched by both you and John. While in the 147th ward your testimony and the countenance were shining examples to me. We may not have been very well acquainted when we knew each other but I did and still do admire you.
My cousin's husband died in a motorcycle accident last spring, leaving her and their then 18 month old son behind. She, like you, has such an amazing testimony of the gospel. She has this quote that gives her peace and hope through the gospel. I am so grateful that you will be able to see your John again, the gospel is so amazing!
"The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.
One of the blessings of the gospel is the knowledge that when the curtain of death signals the end of our mortal lives, life will continue on the other side of the veil. There we will be given new opportunities. Not even death can take from us the eternal blessings promised by a loving Heavenly Father.
Because Heavenly Father is merciful, a principle of compensation prevails."
-Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Come what May, and Love it", Ensign, Nov. 2008
"... and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; and ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours."
D&C 78: 17-18
We will be praying for you and your sweet family.
Nicole and Mike Pfeiffer
emily, i havent been able to stop thinking about you since i heard the news! i know we didnt know each other very closely but you and john were such great examples for the ward. we wish we could be there today but know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you and all of your family and friends.
Lisa and Brandon Jastal
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with John since the 4th grade. He is such a wonderful person! Wish I could make it to the funeral to celebrate his life. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
We've always loved and admired your amazing family. John will surely be missed. You are wonderful examples for us, and we are definitely praying for you and all of John's family.
Please let us know if you need help with anything in Virginia--we're less than an hour away. jackieshafer@gmail.com
Much love, Doug and Jackie
Hey Emily,
It's been a while, but as soon as Brigg and I heard our hearts and prayers went out for you. Know that you are loved and prayed for.
Kelli and I are thinking and praying constantly for you and your family. We are very grateful for the chance we had to get to know you and your family.
Querida Emily,
I just found out this afternoon. I would have been there but was in the mountains for a few days and just found out today. I am so sorry. I just want you to know that I am thinking of you and praying for you. My heart goes out to you. I love you. I'm sorry that I haven't kept in touch more but I can promise I've thought a lot more about you over these past few years than I've called or written. I've always looked up to you and John. You both have always had such a wonderful light in your eyes. I love you, Em!
--Your friend, Amy Sonntag
amysonntag@yahoo.com
We're still thinking of you and praying for you and your family. We wish so much that we could have been there today. I've been thinking of you all day and want so badly to do something for you. I just want you to know that so many people everywhere are thinking of you. My family and I have been continually praying for you and your family. Remember you are loved.
You don't know us. My brother served with your husband in Ecuador on their mission. Your loss touched my deeply. In reading the tribute to John on my brothers blog I wanted to pass our love and prayers to your and your family. We will prayer for you and your daughter often. May the lord be with you daily. May he rest in Peace.
Emily,
Our hearts have just been ripped out here in Indiana for you guys. I wish so much that I could be there with you, in UT and VA. We love you and John so much and our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Love, Eric and Andrea Cannon and the kiddos.
I saw your blog posted on facebook. My heart goes out to you and your family. You will be in our thoughts & prayers. I can't begin to imagine the overwhelming emotions you must be feeling right now, being a young mother myself. Thank you for your testimony & strength. I know that over time the Savior can heal all wounds and heartaches. Events that happen here may not be understood until we leave this life. You are stronger than you know. Please find strength in knowing there are so many that love you and are thinking of you at this time (that you don't even know)
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I know I don't know you and just met you yesterday, but if there is anything I can do to be there for you, let me know. I really should have written my memory down on paper at the funeral yesterday. I apologize for that. Will you email me so I can have your email address?
Megan Jennings Allen
meg.allen101@gmail.com
Emily-
Words can't express my feelings...I've thought about you day and night and just can't seem to stop thinking about you! You have always been loved and admired for your goodness and great faith,now more than ever. Neither your example nor John's will ever be forgotten, especially amongst those of the BYU 147th ward.
You have our love and prayers,
-Robinaughs
I have never met you but I went to Elementry,High School and Beauty School with Maria, Johns sister! And Johns dad was my principal in Elementry. My sister graduated with John also. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time!
Tracie and I are praying for you and your family. We were so sorry to hear about John, and want you to know that our prayers are with you.
Dear Emily,
You don't know me but my husband told me about your husband and I just wanted to let you know we are praying for you at this time.
I thought I would share one of the quotes that helped me most when I was in the dark days of grief after my daughter died.
"The cavity which suffering carves into our souls will one day also be the receptacle of joy." Neil A. Maxwell
Sending you much love,
Stephanie Waite
www.adailyscoop.blogspot.com
Emily,
We only briefly met at the School of Education while at BYU. I was John's missionary companion in Puyo and have been devastated by his passing. He was so dedicated and driven in an area that brought a lot of challenges. His integrity was so solid and he lived so closely to the Spirit as a young missionary. I just wanted to say that I and my family have had you in our prayers since we learned the news. We're inspired by your faith and courage and grieve over your loss. If there's ever anything we can do, don't hesitate to let us know.
God bless,
Dave
My name is Kate. Ali Parrish (my trainer on our missions in Korea) gave me your blog. She asked me for advice on how to be a good friend to you right now... my husband passed away not three months ago in a car accident. I wasn't going to write you, but your website played "our song" -- Lucky by Jason Mraz... and we have a baby girl too... Your blog touched my heart. Feel free to look at my website (www.thealders.org) and contact me if/when you'd like. I know the Lord will sustain you as He continues to watch over me and my baby. God bless.
Emily-
I am Jackie Shafer's sister and she and Doug were here when they got the news. My family is praying for you and I am confident the Lord is comforting you during this incredibly difficult time.
Keep strong-
Cydney
You won't remember me, but our husbands played on the same flag football team a couple of years ago.
You have always been beautiful, and even sitting with you on the sidelines of all of those games, I could sense the strong love and genuine devotion you and John had for each other.
Brandon and I are praying for you and your sweet little family.
You may want to check out this site. it is a support group for widows and widowers. The man who founded it lost his wife after she gave birth to their daughter.
http://thelizlogelinfoundation.org/
emily, i know it's been a couple of years since we've seen you, so i hope you remember us... we were in the 147th ward with you. ben and i want you to know how much we love you and john and that you are in our prayers. i so dearly wish we could have been there at the memorial service to mourn with you and celebrate john's life.
much love,
whitney and ben shafer
Like many others I never had the opportunity to meet you but I went to elementary and high school with John and his dad was my principle as well. I just want you to know my prayers have been with your family from the moment I heard the news. John was a wonderful person and was so much fun to be around in highschool. I have so many fun fun memories of him!!! Like when he dressed up like Garth Brooks and sang the homecoming theme song in the homecoming assembly. He was awesome and he defintely did good at looking the part.
I wasnt able to make it to the services but I heard it was so beautiful and that you bore an amazing testimony! You will be able to touch so many lives by your faith in the gospel. My prayers and thoughts will ALWAYS be with your little family!!
Marcie Jacobsen
Dear Emily,
The Jones family is very special to me. I grew up with John, and am good friends with Cherie'. I met you when the 3 of us hung out at her house together shortly after you found out you were pregnant with Elizabeth. I thought you were a beautiful person, inside and out, and that you were perfect for John. It broke my heart when I heard the news. But I too have been comforted with the wonderful truth that we will see him again.
John was my first crush, and it was because of the way he treated others. I will never forget the amazing example he was to all of us.
Thinking of you and praying for you, sweet Emily!
Love,
Catherine Lang Reed
We send you our deepest condolences. We didn't know John but heard his story and we're saddened by your loss. We are sending you our prayers and invite you to read a blog recently started on grief. Take a look when you're ready.
http://www.agoodgrief.com/index.php
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. John seemed like an amazing person and I can't imagine what you are feeling right now.(I'm Cherie's neighbor BTW). You are beautiful and I've been deeply impressed and truly inspired by your faith.
Emily, you don't know me, but my husband and I have both been deeply affected by your ordeal this last week. We lost our son just over 4 years ago, so while the situations are slightly different, we do understand somewhat the loss you have experienced and some of the emotions and feelings you have and will have. I wish I could say something amazing that will make it all better, but I know from experience it doesn't work like that! Love and support is what got me through the first little while, so I guess that's why I'm writing, to let you know that there are many people, even that you don't know, thinking and praying for you! One piece of advice I would give is to try to find a support group of some sort as soon as you feel ready. This is a life long journey you are now headed down, and it really helps to have others who really understand with you for the trip! I didn't try to find a support group for a couple of years, and once I did, I wished I had had it the whole time! The miracle of all our situations is that someday, the Lord and Savior will be able to heal our hearts completely, and make things right, and even better than they could have been, which is truly amazing and almost mind boggling, but I know that even knowing that doesn't take away all the pain right now, or even in the future!
Again, know that you will be receiving extra prayers!
Diana Fischer
I am another that does not know you, but went to school with John in St. George. I always greatly admired him, especially his kindness and intelligence. When I looked through the pictures posted with the article I read, I could tell he had married a beautiful girl that shines with the spirit.
My prayers have been with you and your babies constantly the last few days. What a great loss. I will continue to pray for you, I hope that you will be blessed during this difficult time.
-Sarah (Mathis) Schulz
Oh my we didn't know! I am behind on reading blogs and I just came on and read this. I just called Seth. I wish I had read it sooner we would have done everything we could have to come out. We loved you and will pray for you!
Emily,
Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you! You are one of the strongest people I know. We have always thought of you and John as one of the happiest couples, and we know you will find even more happiness when you reunite with John someday. We will continue to pray for you and your family.
Em,
I just wanted you to know that I'm praying for you and your families. My father past away in a horrible water-skiing accident when I was 17...so I know first hand what it's like to loose a loved one so close. John's memorial service was beautiful! If there's anything I can do for you and anyone in your family...please let me know.
Love,
Loni Waggener
Emily & Family, It was unreal to us when we looked over the photos on the news articles about John. I knew he looked familiar, and then we recognized you for sure. Though we were never close, you and John both have influenced our lives for good. At Linford we'd sometimes cross paths and in the Monticello ward - but we were both falling harder and in love with our sweethearts. We are praying for your continued comfort, strength, and for Lizzie's understanding. Thank you for your testimony and example.
Emily,
You may not remember us well, but we were in the 147th ward with you. We hope you know we are praying for you and thinking of your family at this time. We are so sorry for your loss and hope you feel Heavenly Father's love for you now and in the future.
Best, Becki & Jeff Wright
I don't know you...but my heart aches for you. I have cried tears for you, and prayed prayers for you, and my husband and I are doing a fast for you this weekend. Almost 2 years ago my 19 year old sister died tragically, and unexpectedly...the shock is still fresh. It is hard to lose a loved one during the holidays. I just want you to know you have so much love and support...and that Heavenly Father heals pains you didn't even know you had! In the darkest moments and the toughest times turn to Him...and remember the happy times. Families are forever. Just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers to you! May God bless you at this difficult time!
heather hillhouse
ps - if you need to talk (although I am SURE you have MORE than enough people) you are welcome to email me...angelhep@hotmail.com
My name is Karolee,I'm your brother in law, Jonathan's sister. Since Jonathan told me I've been thinking and praying so much for you and your family. I'm so sorry about John. I went to high school with him. He was someone who truly stood out. He was always kind and carried a great spirit. I was in the MTC when he was teaching there and saw him with his classes. I can't help but think what a great work the Lord is having him do right now. I'm sure he continues to be a great missionary too and is blessing the lives of many who do not have the gospel on the other side. We will continue to pray for you- love the Allen family
Emily,
I don't know if you will even remember me, but Jason and I were in the married BYU ward with you and John and we were neighbors when we lived in those green duplexes. I was so heartbroken to hear about John and I just wanted to tell you how much you and your husband's testimonies and examples made an impact in my life. You and John are one of the greatest couples we have ever met. We know you'll be together again. You and your family our in our prayers.
Kristine Couch
I wanted to welcome everyone who is posting their kinds comments here to visit www.johnjonesmemorial.com. The family has set up this website to collect any and all stories, pictures, and condolences regarding John. We hope to gather as many stories and pictures as possible so that Emily has them to share with her children. You can also easily make a donation at the website via debit or credit card to the memorial funds that has been established for Emily's family. Thank you for all your support during this difficult time.
Emily,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. Your faith and courage in this trying time are a shadow of the wonderful strength and leadership you and your beloved have to offer this world.
Brittany Leonard Ratelle
John was one of the kindest men I ever met. He was so friendly and kind to everyone. He assumed the best about everyone. He was also a great basketball player that was great to have on your team.
Emily my heart breaks for your loss. Your testimony at the funeral of the Savior was simple and profound. What a blessing to have the knowledge and peace that you described. I am sure there will be hard times ahead but you and your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. My deepest sympathies. If you ever need anything you can always call.
Emily,
We have never met. I only heard about you and saw the change in John after he met you. I taught with him in the MTC for about a year. We were Hermano y Hermana Jones. Our districts would joke and think we were a family or married... It was humorous.
I live in Michigan and didn't find out about the accident until I happened upon my cousins blog late last night.
John was a great influence for good in my life. I felt his great spirit and learned from his testimony daily while working with him. I just wanted to say I am sorry for your loss. I have been trying to wrap my head around it all day.
I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers.
Abby
Emily,
I saw your link on a friends blog. I do not know your family but I feel like I do since your story hits so close to home being a mom with two young children. We are sure thinking of your family. We can't imagine your heartbreak but are grateful for the knowledge of eternal families. Lot's of prayers for you and your family from out here in Rexburg.
Emily,
I know we haven't spoken in years (freshman BYU ward) but please accept my deepest condolences. My family is praying that you and your children will find a way through this. You are so loved by our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ. They wouldn't ask you to do this if they didn't know you could.
Love, Dani
Emily,
We were in the BYU 147th ward, and you and John were great examples to us. Ever since I heard that John died, I've been thinking about you everyday. I want you to know that we have been praying for you and will continue to pray for you and your family.
Emily,
My heart is breaking for you. Like many, I can't get you off my mind and have you in all my prayers. I admire your rock-solid testimony of eternal families, even if it still hurts to have to go through this. Thank goodness for the gospel and the eternal truths that help anchor our souls in the most turbulent of times. May you be blessed with peace and comfort. If you are still in Utah and need anything, let me know. (even if you aren't in Utah and I can do anything, please let me know!)
love, Natalie (Jackson) Pace
natjaxsun@gmail.com
Emily~
I don't know if you remember me(the girl that was always calling trying to figure out how to get to all you "summer sales" girls apartments!), but I just wanted to tell you that we are praying for you and have you in our thoughts. I am glad that I had the chance to meet you guys! You really made a huge impression on me, and I know you will be blessed to make it through this time. You are one of the nicest people I have ever met, and I just wanted to tell you that I wish you the best! Thanks for being such a great example of the person that I am striving to be! :)
Emma and I are praying so much for you and wish we could give you a big hug! - Haley Hiatt
Hey Emily....
It has been a while....like a long while....like back in Atlanta at girls camp I think....anyway, I just wanted you to know that I love you, still, and think a great deal of you, and I can't imagine at all what you are going through, but that the strength and ties that you and John built together are only going to help you get through this like a champ.
Love
Rebekah (Stork) and James Plourde
Dear sweet Emily! I think I have prayed over 500 times so far for you..and will still continue too. I'm am still broken hearted over this, and that you had to experience it so young. please try to crack a smile for me, you always had the pretiest smile....you are truly a beautiful person inside and out. In memory of John finish his missions and keep spreading Gods word and love to all you see and touch, for itwon't be long til you will see him again. You will always have that strong sealed bond with him( for eternity). I have made my donations to you at johnjonesmemotial.com and planned to keep donating as much as I can to help each month. I love you Em! talk soon. Stay strong for (John) Lizzy, and the unborn child...which by the way let us know what your having when you find out and when you have it! We want to ewwwww and aaaahhhhh over it.Much love always
Lindsay
emily,
jason and i and as with the rest of the cape henry ward were and still are in utter shock. we ALL are praying for you and your strength and we think about you daily. you are one of the most beautiful people inside and out and always have the light of Christ with you. jas and i feel so lucky to have known you and john even though it was for such a short while. your daighter is the cutest little joy i have ever seen. please know that you are thought about daily and prayed for. my heart goes out to you and john's family as well at this time. you are truly amazing and your love and strength inspire me and so many who know you or are now finding out who you are and what you stand for. luv u girl.
please check www.bandssullivan.blogspot.com
Brady just lost his wife Sara to breast cancer and is now raising there newborn on his own.
he is an amazing Christian man.
just wanted to link the two of you up
Emily, i am so sorry to hear about this tragedy. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
emily-
This is jenny bright from your student ward at byu. You, lizzie, johns family, yours, your baby to come are all in my prayers. This is too shocking for you- but I knew you were strong ever since I met you. I'm so grateful for the chance sam and I had to know john and sing with him and you in our ward.
We now live in charleston, wv, not too far from your family home in va. If there's anything we can do...jenbright5@gmail.com. Lizzie is so beautiful- I haven't ever seen your blog until today when I saw some information on ryan and heather's. -jenny
You don't know me, but I share your faith that families are eternal. I just wanted to say that I am so sorry for your loss, and my prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Emily, you probably wouldn't remember me, but I lived on your hall in Glennwood. I have not been able to stop thinking about you these past few weeks. I am so grateful that you have such a strong testimony and I know that it will pull you through. I pray for you every night and will continue to do so.
Dear Emily,
I had to write and let you know that you have been on my mind a lot for the past couple of weeks. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet husband. I hope you know that you and your family are on my mind and in my prayers!
Love,
Becky from Arizona
Hey Emily... Just wanted you to know we're all still thinking and praying for you and your family. We love you so much!!!
Hi Emily-
We are thinking of you and hope you are doing alright. Let us know if you need anything. Know that we are always here for you.
hey all- please make sure you check out the blog i'm going to post.
Brady- in Tx is an amazing Christian man who lost his wife- Sara- just 2 days after there baby Chloe Grace was born.
Sara was dx with Breast Cancer at the age of 29 in Feb and [assed 09/09.
the blog is amazing and heartwreching and uplifting.
check it out.
http://www.bandssullivan.blogspot.com/
Emily,
I have continued to have you and your family in my prayers and thoughts. I just wanted to let you know that while you may feel alone at times, we are still here. Keeping holding on!
Hey Em,
Just wanted to let you know I still think about you and pray for you constantly. Miss and love you!
Alli
Jones Family-
I just wanted to let you know you have been in our thoughts and prayers. This past summer I lost my Uncle. He was killed in a small plane crash. He left behind 3 kids under the age of 5. My aunt and him were high school sweethearts and such amazing strong people. It hit my aunt pretty hard, but she is starting to find some peace and comfort. She said it's a slow process, but she has had so many amazing experiences and blessings happen since his passing and I know he is looking out and helping her and the kids every step of the way. I am sure John is doing or will be doing the same for you. Even though I may not know you personally I do want to let you know you guys are in our thoughts and prayers, and our Heavenly Father is watching out for you and your family. Take Care.
Jhonesito
Hermano una brazo de aqui hasta el cielo. Se que estas mejor alla aunque se te extraña aqui. Tienes una hermosa familia, la felicito porque tienen un angel extraordinario en el cielo.
Saludos y un abrazo Emily,Lizzie & Johnsito II
Isrrael Ch
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Hi, Emily. I was eating Thanksgiving dinner with some friends and one of them mentioned that several years ago her husband, who's a paramedic, had been involved in trying to rescue a man who became trapped in Nutty Putty caves. I vaguely remembered something about it, and I looked up the story. I cried reading it. But more than anything, I was impressed by how both you and John displayed such faith. He was so patient, and kind to the rescuers. And you and your family expressed so much gratitude. It was very inspiring. I just wanted to let you know that -- and know that even though I'm a stranger, I won't forget John either. God bless you and your family.
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