This is Ron and I can't go another day without expressing my appreciation again for the thousands of wonderful well wishes and prayers for my dear wife. I know Heaven is listening. At the end of this day, I am thankful for the opportunity to be with a great woman for over 34 years. I have learned so many lessons from Sherrie that have helped me over the last week to not wallow in self pity. I miss her beyond anything I could have possibly imagined and it will continue to be difficult for some time. However, she has always taken great joy in her family and she would want me to carry on and make sure all is well in the Labrum household. I have great hope that I will again be able to converse with my sweetheart. It will be a difficult road, but I will wait on the Lord and do all I can to align my will with His. I have been so impressed with my sons, daughter and in-laws. They have added strength beyond my own. Over the past 30 years I have been in business, I have met many many wonderful people. I have forgotten where many of you have gone and what you are doing. Nevertheless, somehow, someway the message goes forward and I have been very grateful for the many business associates (friends) and your tender comments.
We are more sensitive to small miracles that often get disguised as common and ordinary. I am a firm believer that great things come through small and simple things. We have seen something special, unique and divine each and every day. Thank you for who you are and for being such great friends to me and my wife. Actually, my circle of friends are exponentially larger because of Sherrie. She has carried me along with her unconditional love and even in her current condition, she continues to influence my life for all thats good.
We are more sensitive to small miracles that often get disguised as common and ordinary. I am a firm believer that great things come through small and simple things. We have seen something special, unique and divine each and every day. Thank you for who you are and for being such great friends to me and my wife. Actually, my circle of friends are exponentially larger because of Sherrie. She has carried me along with her unconditional love and even in her current condition, she continues to influence my life for all thats good.
We love you Ron and Labrum family! We consider ourselves fortunate to have ever crossed paths with you and be counted amongst your, literally, thousands of friends! Our family joins with all others in imploring our Heavenly Father on behalf of all the Labrum family, but particularly Sherrie's, at every chance we have. We are full of the hope that comes only through faith in the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ! You are constantly in our thoughts and on our minds!--Nate and Lori Emery and family, in Florida
ReplyDeleteRon,
ReplyDeleteYour situation is heart wrenching & your words touching. We are so grateful for the family you & Sherrie have raised & will continue to raise together. Our three-year-old Caleb knows that every prayer we say now needs to include Sherrie & her family:)
Love,
Jenny Ludlow (carol's sister)
Ron and Sherrie, your family is so strong because of the way you have raised them and guided them. I wish I could say I know both of you well, but I can't. I am friends with Brandon and Wendy. I have been checking this blog honestly hourly since I found out about Sherrie. I have learned a great deal about strength, love, hope, our Lord and his tiny miracles... My plan one day (soon) is to meet both of you. In a way I feel like I already know Sherrie because of this blog and reading all the stories people have shared, but I want to meet this wonderful woman in person because I feel like I am missing out on knowing a very special lady. It's obvious though that you both are two magnificent people. I say this because I have always admired Brandon and the way he handles himself. He is a true friend, an amazing father and the love he has for his wife, he just adores her and obviously saw that growing up between the two of you. I know you both must feel so proud! I read this today and wanted to include it in my message: "I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong."
ReplyDeleteSherrie keep fighting hard, keep squeezing your children's fingers, keep moving your feet, keep listening to all of the messages that are being sent your way, and open your eyes...
With so much love and admiration,
Alissa McNicholas ( Brandon & Wendy's friend)
Dear Labrums
ReplyDeleteOur lives were changed for the better when we lived in Lake Forest and were able to watch your family. Ron, your advice to me as the administrative fellow at Lake Forest Hospital really helped me define my career, which is now nowhere near hospital administration (I'm a geography professor at Illinois State). Sherrie was so excited about your first grand-baby and always showed interest in our first, Mary. Three additional kids later and we still consider your examples and friendship one of the highlights of our time in the Buffalo Grove Ward. That and the temple. And the Cubs games.
We pray for you. Ron, I think you are right, Heavenly Father is a more significant driver of our lives than we think. He drives even the smallest things, which encourages me and gives me confidence in the future.
Love the Thayns,
Jon, Debbi, Mary (9), Lucy (7), Henry (4) and Ben (4)
Hello, Ron,
ReplyDeleteYou won't recognize our name, but our daughter, Alyssa, knows Zak. We are so moved by your circumstances. We are thinking of you constantly and will pray for you eternally.
The Dreis Family
Ron everyone at GSABC has been following and praying for Sherrie. Your strength and hers is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteDear Sherrie, Ron, & family,
ReplyDeleteWords can not express the shock of hearing this news. My parents, Monica and John at Simon's cleaners, heard of Sherrie's accident through another customer. I worked at companies previously led by Ron (Allegiance, CAH), so my mom called me to pass on the news. She considers Sherrie such a dear friend, that she was devasted and so upset to hear such hardship would happen to a sweet person. I feel a heavy heart as well as I read your blog and learn of all the details. One thing we've learn through the years, is that you have a great, tight-knit family and it's great to see you all pull together at a time like this to give each other support. I often wonder why such tragedies happen to good people, but I'm learning that God always has a reason. He chooses good people like Sherrie, because he knows she has the strength and faith to pull through all this. He knows she can be used as a great example to show others how faith and good deeds can overcome any hardship. Please let Sherrie know to keep fighting to regain her strength. Along with your family, there are so many people out there to support her. We will continue to pray for Sherrie and your family and for "little miracles" to happen one day at a time.
Kathy Kuk
Monica & John Kwon
Labrum family, my heart and prayers go out to you. It is always profoundly difficult and heart-wrenching to see such a wonderful person endure such a trial as this. Though I do not know her other than through this blog, it is clear what a truly fantastic woman she is. My very best to you. - A Fenwalite
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMom tried to write to you, but kept pushing the wrong keys....technology and G-ma Gloria don't mix, so she told me what she wanted to write. I'll do my best in translating all her thoughts. Mom says....with tears rolling down her cheeks...that she loves all of you so much and is so grateful to our loving Heavenly Father for watching over you all during this trial. She is strengthened by your family's unwavering faith and love you not only have for each other, but for our Heavenly Father. Ron, she knows how much you love Sherrie and how you both have been by each other's side as you have raised and lead such a wonderful family. She is so grateful for everything you both have done for them. She said so much more.....I just can't remember all of it.....
DeleteShe love you!!! She loves Sherrie!!! She cherishes your family!!! She knows what a strong knit family you are, and is grateful for that blessing. You all have strengthened her! Wake up Sher....we need you!
Love,
Mom....and Julie
Dear Labrum Family,
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have never met Sherrie, or Ron for that matter, but our association with you is through your wonderful son, Tyler. We had the pleasure of serving with him as his mission president and "mission mom" in the Chile Vina del Mar Mission. We know of his great faith in the Lord, his love for not only the Gospel, but for his family. We know he acquired these things from his family, through your example. During many visits with Tyler in Chile, he often told me that I reminded him so much of his Mother. I didn't realize at the time how beautiful of a compliment that was to me. We have been impressed, but not surprised by the strength your family processes during this difficult time. We know that Sherrie has been and is strengthened with your presence by her side. Please know that we add our faith, prayers and love, along with so many others, that the outcome of this experience may be quick and positive.
Love, thoughts and prayers to all of you,
Darl and Kaye Andersen
Ron,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have only been able to be around you & Sherrie for a short time, I immediately fell in love with you both!! You two are so amazing & yours & your families strength during this difficult time is unbelievable. It makes us all stronger. Thank you for sharing your thoughts & testimonies for us all to become better people. My heart is aching for you, your family & your sweet wife. We pray for you all daily.
Love,
TanDee Burbank Shaw
Dear Labrums,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know we have been thinking much of you and praying for all of you. Sherrie was Liam's, our youngest son, nursery leader at church a couple years back. She always made me feel like my son was a rare and precious treasure... She treated him that way and I was always so thankful for her loving kindness. Sherrie is such a wonderful example of what it means to have compassion and grace. I have heard from so many in the community this week how she has touched their lives. I can't wait for her to come home so I can bring Liam to visit her and give her a big hug.
Love,
Karilee, Miro, Aidan and Liam Marcikic
Dear Labrums,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me personally, but I am a friend of Jessica's from Utah. We worked together for a year it so. I had the opportunity to meet Todd on a few occasions as well.
I remember Jess telling me how wonderful you all are and after following this blog for the past few days I see how right she was.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time but especially for your wife and mother, Sherrie.
Your faith and strength has been such an example to me. By small miracles great things do happen.
May the Lord continue to watch over each one of you and bless you with faith and courage in the days ahead.
Judi Bona
Provo Utah
Sherrie is so blessed as well to have a family that is gathering in love and strong faith during such an unexpected time.
ReplyDeleteYou guys have been an example to many people over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
-Nathan Wright
Layton, Utah