I write this with a heavy heart tonight. Yesterday afternoon Carl and I learned that a dear friend, Mason Smoak, was killed in a plane crash. This was Mason's personal plane and he was a very experienced pilot. Everyone is still waiting to hear the cause of the crash.
Nonetheless, we all lost a wonderful man. Mason and Carl grew up together and have grown even closer in the past couple of years. They were known to talk on the phone several times a day just to chat. So of course Carl is absolutely devastated and was out of town when he learned of Mason's death.
Mason was 33 and leaves behind his high school sweetheart, Tracee, and their 3 children (Gabe 8, Landon 5, and Ellie 16 months). Mason was a truly devoted father, loving husband and all around great guy. He was one of those friends who you could always count on to make you laugh or smile and he was always genuine. He was also giving of his time and things. He was always doing thoughtful things for others and in fact was flying someone doing bear research when he passed.
I have been so impressed in the past 24 hours with the outpouring of love and support that his family has received. Within 5 minutes of Carl calling me with the news, my phone started ringing off the hook with people calling to make sure I had heard. Not to mention the large group of people that gathered at the airport to be with Tracee and then moved to the house last night and today. When I visited Tracee and her family around noon today there were at least 30-40 people there with flowers and food galore. She told me tonight that a local furniture store even donated a refrigerator just to accommodate all the food they've received...amazing! It's truly comforting to see all of these people who have grown up together or have watched Mason grow up come out and support the family. And while there have been many tears shed, I have also witness a lot of smiles and laughs as people reminisce about Mason and all the pranks he was known to pull!
In closing, I ask that you pray for Tracee and her children after reading this. Tracee is a strong women of God and she amazes me with her strength. Yet, we all know the reality will set in soon enough and the heartbreak will begin. And while the boys are coping right now, my heart just goes out to little Ellie who will never truly know her father. Thankfully, though, she will have tons of people to tell her all about him!
We love you Mason.
Nonetheless, we all lost a wonderful man. Mason and Carl grew up together and have grown even closer in the past couple of years. They were known to talk on the phone several times a day just to chat. So of course Carl is absolutely devastated and was out of town when he learned of Mason's death.
Mason was 33 and leaves behind his high school sweetheart, Tracee, and their 3 children (Gabe 8, Landon 5, and Ellie 16 months). Mason was a truly devoted father, loving husband and all around great guy. He was one of those friends who you could always count on to make you laugh or smile and he was always genuine. He was also giving of his time and things. He was always doing thoughtful things for others and in fact was flying someone doing bear research when he passed.
I have been so impressed in the past 24 hours with the outpouring of love and support that his family has received. Within 5 minutes of Carl calling me with the news, my phone started ringing off the hook with people calling to make sure I had heard. Not to mention the large group of people that gathered at the airport to be with Tracee and then moved to the house last night and today. When I visited Tracee and her family around noon today there were at least 30-40 people there with flowers and food galore. She told me tonight that a local furniture store even donated a refrigerator just to accommodate all the food they've received...amazing! It's truly comforting to see all of these people who have grown up together or have watched Mason grow up come out and support the family. And while there have been many tears shed, I have also witness a lot of smiles and laughs as people reminisce about Mason and all the pranks he was known to pull!
In closing, I ask that you pray for Tracee and her children after reading this. Tracee is a strong women of God and she amazes me with her strength. Yet, we all know the reality will set in soon enough and the heartbreak will begin. And while the boys are coping right now, my heart just goes out to little Ellie who will never truly know her father. Thankfully, though, she will have tons of people to tell her all about him!
We love you Mason.
1 comment:
I do pray for the whole family. And especially for Tracee as she heals from her loss.
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