God's love shown aboard Oosterdam

[klheckman]

I feel impelled to tell you about what happened to us on the Oosterdam. My husband and I were on the cruise of a "liftetime" to Alaska. We left from Seattle on July 3rd. This was our first cruise ever, and we knew no one on board. The first night we met our eight tablemates at dinner. Before the main course was served, one of the tablemates, Mike, asked everyone to hold hands and say a prayer. My husband and I are Christians, so we thought this bold, but very great! We didn't have much of a chance to talk to Mike and his wife, Elsie, since they weren't seated next to us. The next night however they sat across from us. We got a chance to talk to them. They do prison ministry in Arizona. We talked until we were the only ones left in the dining room, so Mike suggested we go to the lobby to continue our conversation. We told Mike and Elsie about our lives, how my husband, Bruce, is searching for a new purpose in his life with his work, and our two children, Jeremy who is 21 and my daughter, Micah, who was 18. We asked them to especially keep Micah in their prayers because she had just graduated early from high school and moved to a small town in Nebraska where my husband's family lives. She had her own apartment and was trying to figure out what to do next with her life. At that point, Mike told us that they were originally scheduled to go on a Christian cruise, but they felt the Lord leading them to the Oosterdam. They decided to follow what they were feeling, and just asked God to put them at a table with people who needed them. Then Mike looked at us and said he felt God put them on the Oosterdam for myself and my husband. I thought, "wow, ok.. maybe over the course of the week we can figure out with their help what God wants my husband to do with his life, and they can continue to pray for Micah and her life,etc.". We said goodnight and each went to our staterooms. I fell asleep, and at 1 am the phone rang. It was my husband's brother from Nebraska telling us that our beautiful daughter, Micah, had been in a car accident. They were flying her to the medical center in Scottsbluff and that her heart had already stopped once. We ran down to the main office and started the process of getting off the ship. We were in the middle of Alaska... we even lost communication with our family for six long hours during the night. We asked the staff to please find Mike and Elsie. We didn't even know their last names, just that they were seated at table 25 on the upper late seating. They finally found them. When Elsie got to us, she was sobbing, and just said " NOW I know why the Lord wanted us to be on this ship". They stayed with us and prayed with us and helped us while we tried to get off the ship and back to Nebraska to be with our daughter. We did finally get off the ship at 9 am. A fishing boat came alongside the Oosterdam and we were able to climb down a rope ladder and get to Yukatat, Alaska. We were able to get on an Alaska Airlines jet to Anchorage. While on the plane, we were given a snack tray, and on the tray was a little card from Alaska Airlines with a picture of a sunset and the verse "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever". I just looked at my husband, knowing God was speaking to us. We finally made it 36 agonizing hours later to my daughter's bedside. They kept her on life support until we got there, so we were able to kiss her and hold her and tell her how much we loved her before she left us to be with her Savior in heaven. She was honestly my life, my Micah Danielle, and my heart is broken. But our faith remains strong. We believe in a God that loved us so much that he sent Mike and Elsie to us so we wouldn't be alone when He took our girl to be with Him! I sob everyday because I miss her so much, but God is still a great God. He gives eternal life life to those who will just be sorry for their sins and accept His FREE gift of eternal life! I just wanted to share this story with all of you. Especially those who may have been on the Oosterdam and either saw us getting off onto the fishing boat, or heard the story.

In Him,
Kris

[saltydog28]

My heart is breaking for you. I will pray that God gives you strength.
Someday we will all go home.
Take care,
Pat.

[HeatherInFlorida]

This must have been the saddest yet extraordinary experience for you. While my heart breaks for your loss, I am so glad that someone was there to help hold you up on what must have been such a horrifying night.

My thoughts and prayers are with you. How wonderful for you to have such a strong faith to help you through this difficult time.

[sail7seas]

My deepest condolences on your horrible loss. I hope you find peace in your grief.

[DFD1]

We pray that God will bless you and give you strength.

[localady]

We are so sorry for your tragic loss and thank the Lord he has given you the strength to endure this. Our prayers are with you and yours.

Sher and Bob

[grannynurse]

Thank you for posting your story. I cried while reading it. I know that God is good and that He has purposes that we are not even aware of. I won't say the trite things that I'm sure you've heard many times. Thank you Jesus, for sustaining their faith. I know You'll keep them and the rest of their family in your hands.
I'm asking you to comfort them in this their time of need. Show them your presence and let them know that Micah is with you in Heaven.

I know thet "God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory"
Love to you both,
Grannynurse

[Spot]

I don't know you but my heart aches just the same.
Although I know you understand - The Lord never leaves us alone in life and I'm certain a parade of angels were there with your dear daughter to take her home.
My love and prayers are with you and your family.

[stillfrantic]

:( I am so sorry for your loss.

[ger_77]

It's difficult to even see the computer screen through my tears, but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you both. How fortunate you were to have two wonderful "angels" on board to be with you at such a traumatic time. My heart goes out to the two of you and your son as well. God bless you all.


A Canadian Friend

[Thoth]

I 'm so very sorry to read about Micah! I wish there was something I could say to make everything wonderful again, but I can't. For what it's worth, I'm praying for your family. Why does terrible things seem to happen to good people? I don't have an answer, but I can say this....as Christians, you'll see your lovely daughter again, that much we know.

[MandyGirl]

Kris - Reading this brought tears down my cheeks. God works in mysterious ways, and that is amazing you met your tablemates - but He had a plan. Keep you faith in God and He will give you strength through the times to come.

[terrybiz]

My heart bleeds for you, my deepest condolences

[CaptData]

Sorry for your loss.

[WindyCity]

Our condolences to you and yours. Our prayers are with you.

[RDMOREU]

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[jhannah]

Thank you for your post. Sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep your deep faith.

[Cameron-by-the-Sea]

Your story broke my heart and illustrates how precious life is. You will be in my prayers--as a mother I cannot begin to imagine your pain. May God hold you close during this time of grief.

[cruisingangel]

I am so sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you.

Michele

[Cruiseoften]

Our Lord works in mysterious ways - that two 'strangers' were brought to you and provided comfort proves it. My heart goes out to you at this awful time................God Bless...............

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I too had tears in my eyes as I read your story. I am so sorry that you lost Micah, the Lord just called her home early. Sometimes we do not always understand his plan and may never but he definitely has a plan. Just the fact that he brought Mike and Elsie to you shows how he was looking out for you. I hope you have been able to stay in contact with Mike and Elsie. I know this is a difficult time but with your strength in your faith of our Lord I am sure he will help to comfort you and your family.

[Kami's pal]

1 Thessalonians 4 13-18

How else can you bear this but to believe? And God sent to you, before you knew your need, angels to minister to you.

I read this over the phone to my own beloved daughter. Thank you for sharing this miracle with us.

[cruisinjudy]

I am in tears reading your story. As a mother I can just imagine the pain you are going through but I am so glad that couple was there to comfort you.

[razman]

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

[jplewis]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us. Some will say it was a coincidence but we know Our Lord knows what we need before we even know to ask. Your family will be in our prayers.
We pray for you "the peace that passeth understanding."
Patsy

[PrincessMelody]

My deepest condolences on the loss of your precious daughter. May God be with you and your family.

[777steve]

Words are a poor substitute for the ability to reach out in person...but here they're all we have. I hope you know that your loss is felt keenly by many people - most of whom you may never meet. I, for one, can only share with you that as much as my heart aches for your pain I must also thank you for sharing with such grace your own faith. For all the sadness of your story, you have already begun spreading a new light by the way in which you chose to share your own life.

Thank you for allowing us to care and may your faith continue to carry you through this most awful time.

[digby]

"The first night we met our eight tablemates at dinner. Before the main course was served, one of the tablemates, Mike, asked everyone to hold hands and say a prayer."

I am so sorry for your loss, but I would find this forced prayer at the table to be totally offensive. That should have been done privately unless this guy with the direct line to God knew all at the same table had the same beliefs! Ta;lk about forcing your beliefs on others!

[RevNeal]

Dear Kris,

May God bless you and your husband during this difficult time with the love, mercy, and grace that you will need to see these days through. As you have been repeatedly upheld through this, from even before the accident, may be you continue to be upheld during these next days.

Grace and Peace,

[joanagain]

thank you for sharing your loss with us...

as there are no accidents,

"And God sent to you, before you knew your need, angels to minister to you."

in sympathy,

nita and kathy

[kryos]

There are no words that are adequate at a time like this. But, as someone else said, they are all we humans have. Let me add my deepest condolences to those already heaped upon you by others on this board. And ... be comforted by the fact that your precious daughter is now in the arms of angels and living the life we all can only dream about until it is our turn to go be with the Lord in the paradise he has created for us.

Of course, such words mean little in this time of your horrific grief. You hurt and hurt bad. Reach out in this time of your greatest need ... to those who love you and care about you. Believe me, they want to help and to comfort. And reach in as well ... deeply ... in your times of prayer so that you may be further comforted by the ministering of His Holy Spirit and the legions of angels He will send to soothe your broken soul.

I've long believed that we stay on this earth until our "mission" here is complete. This world is not always a kind place, and life can be tough. Many of us take years to accomplish our purpose here due to all of the negativety we are bombarded with each and every day. Your daughter obviously did very well on her assignments, and for that reason she was called home early ... and heard those words we all yearn to hear ... "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Rest easy in the lord, and in the knowledge that you will one day be reunited with your daughter ... in a place far more wonderful than any of us could imagine.

Blue skies ...

--rita

[Cruising Jake]

I cannot even begin to understand your loss and pain. I have lost parents and grandparents at an early age and that loss was terrible. But as the mother of two daughters, I think the loss of a child would be the most tragic event I can imagine. You have handled this with grace and dignity. I would hope in a similar event that I could reach into my Christianity to do the same. Thank you for having the courage to share with us.

[dst]

What an incredible story, thank you for sharing it with us; I am sure it was difficult. I will add you to our prayer list so that your hearts may be comforted....God Bless

Debi

[Orcrone]

I can't add anything that has not been said. I am just happy that you were able to meet such wonderful people and that you have a faith that is deep enough to sustain you in such a difficult time.

[CrabbyHarper]

Thanks for sharing your story with us. Thanks for giving witness to God's mercy and love.

My prayers are with you and your family.

Gerry

[elmorejj]

May God hold you in the palm of His hand and give comfort to you in your hours of need.

PTL. jean

[Debi_D]

I am so very sorry for your loss, your story has touch my heart and reminded me of how strong faith can be. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Your faith will bring you though your sorrows.

Debi

[the2ofus]

I do believe that there are angels among us. I am glad that you had such loving support from Mike and Elsie in your time of need. Thank God that the Mikes of this world are not afraid to share their faith with strangers.

Thank you for sharing your story to strengthen others even in the midst of your grief. You will be in my thoughts.

[bepsf]

I'm so sorry for your loss - my heart goes out to you.

I'm not a religious guy, but I had to pass your story on to my family and friends - it proves that even if we don't know it, all people are in our lives for a reason.

[RuthC]

Wishing you all the support you need until you reach peace.
My sympathies.

[cactuslady]

Thanks for your story. God is so good to send us angels when we need them. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and hope that you continue to know that God holds both you and your daughter close to his heart.

[jcike1980]

may the hand of god reach out and comfort you in your time of troubled waters.

[wilsonzoo]

My heart aches for you. May God, in time, grant you peace and comfort. You are in my prayers.
Dana

[dream cruise]

Thank you for sharing your story. God does provide for us what we need and the fact that wonderful couple was there for you, just proves it. I can't imagine the pain of losing one of our children. How wonderful you have faith in Christ as I don't know any other way you would get through this. Hope the messages from all the friends in Christ helps sustain you. May God bless.
Carol

[CINCY40]

God bless you and your family. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Nancy

[Sue's Mom]

My deepest condolences. God bless you all.

[mountainmare]

My heart goes out to you and your family. I recently lost my mother who always said that she could not imagine how hard it would be for God to take a child. I am so happy that you have faith so that you know that there is a reason for everything.
Look at how you have touched the hearts of all these people. You have done so much to share your strength and faith with others.

[Sage]

My deepest condolences to you and your family. May you find peace in your faith.

[Vicar]

Please accept my heartfelt condolences on your loss . You are in my prayers

[Sandiz]

My heart just breaks for your suffering. If a mother can get through the loss of a child, then you need never to worry--- you'll be able to handle anything. May each day, month, and year ease your pain until it's bearable. You'll be in my prayers for many years.

[Sandiz]

My heart just breaks for your suffering. If a mother can get through the loss of a child, then you need never to worry--- you'll be able to handle anything. May each day, month, and year ease your pain until it's bearable. You'll be in my prayers for many years.

[tammar]

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare of the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I am trusting Him. Psalm 91:1-2

God will bless you for not understanding, but trusting Him.

[TylerRose]

Through the tears I must add my own prayers:

Exalted and honored by the name of the Holy One, blessed be He, whose glory transcends, yea, is beyond all blessings and hymns, praises and consolations which are uttered In the world; and say ye, Amen. May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life for us and for all Israel; and say ye, Amen. May He who establisheth peace in the heavens, grant peace unto us and unto all Israel; and say ye, Amen.

[hdawson]

My sympothy to you and your family. I lost a dear web-friend today to cancer. Just diagnosed one month ago and we have been in chat daily and sometimes 4 times a day till yesterday. It has been an unusual pleasure to have him for my friend. He and his bride were to have cruised on Aug 13th but had to cancel.

[Beckey]

My prayer is that God will grant you a special portion of His grace, that He will hold you in the palm of His hand and shelter you within His heart.

Do not let this change your heart stand fast in God's love.

May God grant you His peace today and all the days of your life.

[Ichellebereel]

You have my prayers, I thank God even in the mist of your burden, the Lord has given you favour that you can minister to someone else. My heart and eyes began to cry when I was reading this your post but when I read down and see how you are still walking in your faith this dried up the tears. "Weeping may endureth for a night but joy cometh in the morning." the Lord giveth strength when we are weak. I don't have to tell you to stand strong because I see your faith has not fail you.

Forever stay blessed!

Rochelle

[ryansmemom]

I am so sorry to here of your loss. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you must feel. I can only attempt to add these few words of comfort to try to ease your burden.

Linda

[Peggy Sue]

May you continue to find peace and comfort in your faith. You and your family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

[cheric]

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. I, too, am a mother who has lost a child. My son died at the age of 25 five years ago. If it wasn't for my faith, and the belief that we will be together again some day, I don't know how I could have gone on. Please know that you are not alone. I am a member of a group called "The Compassionate Friends". it is an International organization of parents who have lost children. They have been of tremendous help in assuring me that I am alone, that others are there who truly understand, and that I will survive. they have a website if you are interested at a later time. Please know that I will remember you and your husband and son in my prayers tonight.

[LovesCruisin]

I too add my thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time. Remember it is not our place to question why, but our place to comfort those in need.

[jazzsea]

May God bless you and keep you. What great strength you must have to share your story with us at such a sad, sad time.

[cruise_girl_too]

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

[2forTravelin]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. May God watch over you and give you comfort.

[sheldrvrT6A]

Kris
From the Wagner's here in Kansas our deepest sympathy. We were on the O through July 3rd when we got off the ship and I am sure you were just getting on. There is nothing I can do or say to comfort you and yours other than to say that your memories of Micah will be with you forever so cherish them and her. She will be our prayers. Sincerely,
Jerry/Tami