Yesterday didn’t turn out like any of us had planned, dreamed or imagined. Even the Search & Rescue folks said through tears, “It just doesn’t usually turn out like this.”
I woke up in the dark yesterday morning and I really couldn’t wait to get to the base camp. I could just picture the joyous celebration there would be when Josh was found and I wanted to be there for it!! Dw and I were loaded with cookies that Emma and friends had made the night before.
Search & Rescue going to the chopper to be air-lifted in…….
We went to the base camp because Dw and I just could not imagine being fifteen hundred miles from home having such a traumatic event unfolding, with no support around. And although we had not ever met Josh’s parents before, we really just wanted to offer comfort as they waited, if they wanted us there. Otherwise we would just stand off to the side and be prayer support for whatever was going on. Back and forth the helicopter went…..
We introduced ourselves and they literally threw their arms around us. As it turns out we had much in common. Our ages are similar. Shelley and I both home school. They know Christ. Their youngest daughter is adopted from Russia. We all passionately love our kids. Their married daughter Megan and her husband, Matt, were also with them. Megan threw her arms around us too.
We spent the day praying and praying. Talking about scripture. Hugging. Crying. Talking about more scriptures. Recalling worship songs that encouraged our hearts. Praying. At one point Shelley and I were sitting on a big rock and I realized that we were snuggled all up close just talking like sisters who had known each other for forever. It turns out that she had had a sister who passed away recently with the exact same name as me, even our middle names were sort of the same – her sister’s middle name was Lu and mine is Lee. Shelley had been especially close to this sister of hers with the exact same name . Kind of special!! She felt like the Lord had sent me with just about the exact same name as sort of a stand-in for her now deceased sister – – to comfort her as she waited and the rescuers searched for “her Joshua”.
Two Search & Rescue volunteers…..
Eddie is a personal friend & brother in Christ, shown with Amber….about to leave for the helicopter to go into the rough terrain….to search…. 
The helicopter took teams of rescuers in all morning. They were dropped at different locations. The search plane operated by the Civil Air Patrol continuing searching. The weather turned very stormy in the morning and soon huge raindrops came pelting down. They soon turned to hail. We prayed. Before long it had stopped and passed.
The helicopter took teams of rescuers in all morning. They were dropped at different locations. The search plane operated by the Civil Air Patrol continuing searching. The weather turned very stormy in the morning and soon huge raindrops came pelting down. They soon turned to hail. We prayed. Before long it had stopped and passed.
I told Shelley about all the bloggy friends around the world praying. She cocked her head and said, “Really?” She was clearly touched. I told her that there were even people fasting. She was humbled and said that she, too, had decided to fast. I told her it was on the news now in Ohio and here in Colorado. Her and Rand both were surprised.
At one point as it started to rain, we quickly jumped in the trunk/end of a van nearby. We were all scrunched up huddled as it was starting to pour and I remembered that 2 sweet bloggy friends, who each live in Columbus had both emailed me separately and offered to help in any way on the home front.. She and Rand both got teary-eyed. Thank you L & A.
And the day wore on and suddenly there was a report that a backpack had been found. They were radioing back and forth about the type of backpack and the things inside. There was a bit of cautious hope. But still…..why would a young man leave his backpack with food and supplies inside? Shelley knew her son and she was convinced he would never, ever, ever leave it. No. Matter. What. I am certain the Lord was preparing her.
All Search & Rescue are our heroes!! They volunteer – giving their lives away – serving people they have usually never met…..how we thank them for their sacrifices…..
In the meantime, Megan’s husband’s twin brother, Mark, had arrived. He had been picked up at the airport by our staff pastor and dear friend, Steve Q. Steve had just dropped Mark off at the base camp and so I asked Steve if he would take a message back to Emma so she could post an update on the blog to ask people to pray specifically. The weather was starting to get very stormy and a helicopter is not the most optimal method of transportation in a storm (to say the least). And if Josh was somewhere near his backpack, time was of the essence to find him before dark. Steve took the message back to town and Emma posted it. 
But as you all know, within an hour the helicopter had returned, this time bearing the most horrible news imaginable. When we saw Rand run from the helicopter toward where Shelley was, seeing the look on his face, no doubt we all knew. It was horrific. The wails, the screams, the secret fear of every parent – absolutely incomprehensible. No words suffice. Only sobbing and wails could be heard echoing through the valley. Even the Search and Rescue were visibly shaken, some even crying as well. No one ever dreamed that this would be the outcome. No words of comfort could match the loss. So we didn’t offer words. We offered our shoulders and cried right along with everyone. Sobbing and sobbing. We will never forget how horrible September 11, 2009 was. *
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PS We spent part of this morning (9/12) with Rand, Shelley, Megan, Matt & Mark. Please, please do not forget them. They need constant prayer as they take care of all the necessities that accompany such an horrificly, tragic and completely untimely death 1,500 miles from home.
As a parent I can not imagine the hurt this family is going through. They are in my prayers. THank you for keeping us posted on teh situation.
Continued prayers for Josh's family. So terribly sad.
Linny –
When I read your post about Josh last night I felt ill. I knew my sister was going on a search the next day with her best friend whose 17 year old nephew had been missing for two weeks. I was so afraid the outcome would be the same. I prayed, but unfortunately, they found his body as well. No one expected the outcome: he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. His poor mother already lost her husband suddenly seven years ago. We have to appreciate our blessings while they are here with us because you just never know.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_13323981
I'm keeping all of these poor parents in my prayers,
Debbie
Oh, we are praying for this precious family. Josh and the search team came to mind today, and I immediately began to pray. Then I couldn't wait to get home to check your blog, just knowing I'd read about his amazing rescue. We are deeply saddened, and our hearts go out to his family. We pray they will find comfort in his 'ultimate' rescue into the arms of his Savior.
Thank you for allowing us the opportunity to pray.
Love to you~
Praying for this sweet family and so thankful that yet again, our God was there in the midst of it all. Heartbroken for them…
My heart is breaking for that family. I will keep them in my prayers. I can not even begin to fathom the gut-wrenching pain of losing a child.
~Amy
I've been checking your blog and twitter and praying and praying for Josh and his family. I'm praying that the Lord will comfort them hugely and that somehow our mighty God will bring good out of this. I'm praying for people that don't know Jesus to come face to face with their Father at Josh's funeral.
Linny,
I don't really know what to say except that I will continue praying for the Gulvas family. The loss of a child seems to me to be one of the worst things you could face. My heart goes out to them and I will keep on praying. Thank you for sharing this with us. – Charissa
so thankful she had you there-you are a blessing to many people-so thankful they FOUND the body as fast as they did even though not the outcome we wanted. (go rescuers and volunteers great job!)at least they can have closure! will continue praying for the family as they travel back home for safety and strength and peace.
Praying!
I am so heartbroken for this precious sweet family. I will continue to pray that the Lord will cover them & lead them through this horrific week. He is in their midst, & He loves them.
Oh Linny,
I am so glad you and Dw went to be
with them. I have thought and prayed for them constantly since I heard of Josh being lost. My own
son just came back from a 5 wk. hiking trip alone in the appalachian mountains, and I know the fears only too well. I just cried when I heard the news of this
awful tradgedy! I can not even begin to imagine the pain they must be facing and dealing with,
I will surely keep them in my prayers. Thank you for being available to these dear folks.
I am sure they will never ever
forget you as long as they live.
Blessings, Nellie
Oh, precious Lord, give Josh's family strength, hope and peace in the midst of this incredible pain.
Praying much in Oregon. Im so so sorry. Jenne
Oh dear Linny–thank you for the update, and for sharing the horrific events of yesterday. My mother's heart cannot comprehend the loss, the pain and the anguish. No words. I will absolutely be praying for them–trusting the Lord that the peace that passes all understanding will be theirs.
Sending you a HUGE hug, dear friend.
I've been gone all day and just checked to see about Josh.I am so sorry to hear of this. I will continue to pray for the family. What a tragedy.
There was a similar situation that occurred with a family here in our community. Life has never been the same for them, but their faith is strong, and they know that someday they will see their son again!
God bless all of you.
My heart is fully and completely aching for their family.
We will continue to pray. Our hearts cry for them…
what a beautiful story-teller you are, linny. i felt like i was there. i prayed for them , for josh, for the rescuers… not wanting that outcome at all, but prayed for their preparation for news. . .
so sorry for them. i'll continue to pray for them.
what a sweet heart you and dw have to serve. you all are setting wonderful examples to your family and your bloggy friends.
my heart aches.
I'm so so sorry to hear this! I read your post yesterday and the family have been on my heart ever since. My heart is breaking for them. I can't even imagine… they are in my prayers.
please let them know that we are still praying for them 🙂
Oh my,
How sad, I was praying for a better outcome. I just cant imagine………
This is so sad. I loved hearing how you felt sent to them and how they received you. It was wonderful that you could be with them. And that you had so much in common, Linney, and that sister-thing…God definitely was with you all during that time.
I have no words to express my sorrow over this. Continued prayers for Josh's family.
Linny, what a blessing you were there for Josh's Mom.
Steve was in tears when I told him yesterday…we are praying for this family!!!!
Oh, my heart aches for this family. I have cried and continued to pray for them ever since I read of the news. Please let Josh's family know that I send my most heartfelt condolences for the loss of their dear Josh and that they are held close in thoughts and prayers. May the God of All Comfort and the Giver of Peace surround them and keep them during this time.
With sympathy & prayer,
Tina
No words. Only tears and prayers.
RiggsFamilyBlog.com
No words come to express my deep sorrow. Holding Josh's family up to the One who can comfort and heal. I know you will tell them we are praying.
Please let this precious family know that there are brother's and sisters here in England who will be praying for them.
My heart just breaks!!
"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble and He know those who trust in Him"
Nahum 1:7
I am deeply saddened over their son's death and I will most definitely be lifting them up in the coming weeks and months…
Only God could orchestrate you being there for her…with the same name as her sister..that is amazing.
This is so tragic. I am so sorry for this family and all of those that have been a part of this. It just breaks my heart.
Linny, Thank you for taking the time to update and give details to all of us out here praying and wondering. Both Josh's family and yours remain in our families prayers!!!! I remain humbled as well as inspired by your deep and abiding faith AND your willingness to share with the rest of us. Julie
I've continued praying for them whenever God's bought them to mind – which has been often – and will continue to do so.
Thank you for posting this 1st hand account. I am a close family friend to one of Joshua's roommates and knew Shelly & Rand as they use to attend the church I work for. It is difficult to absorb all that has happened and for me being on this end waiting and praying, it's been hard to connect with it. I do give Praise to our Heavenly Father who provided loving, gracious believers to pick up the support on our behalf. The marvel of the Body of Christ…In action…caring for one another even though those in need might not be 'known' to them. One Family because of the One True God! He does provide for every little detail.
Thank you for reaching out and providing comfort. Thank you for your continued prayers and thank you for sharing the story. May God's grace & peace be yours in abundance.
Sisters In Christ 🙂
Thank you for allowing us the honor to pray for Josh and his family. I will continue.
Oh Linny, truly a parent's worst nightmare. My heart and prayers goes out to this family. I cannot even imagine what they are going through. Praising the Lord that Josh knew him and that someday they will all be reunited again.
Hugs!
Ohilda
This outcome is NOT what I was praying for Linny…but I know God's plan is perfect…even though I do not understand it.
I am so sad for this family and will continue to pray for them as they learn to live with out Josh here on earth.
I join you with tears and prayers for the family. Thank you for being there. Thank you for being the arms of Jesus.
~Linda from Northern Colorado
I have no words…
Many, many prayers…
I am so so sorry. As a parent to older sons I can't imagine losing one of them. What incredible pain they must feel. I am praying for Rand and Shelly and for their family, his girlfriend and friends.
I saw your post earlier but could not respond.
This is heartbreaking.
I also think about all that you and Dw do in these situations. How helpful and comforting you two are to others. Good job dear friend- you bring the Lord to others in need.
I just want to thank you for your concern and support to my Aunt and Uncle during this whole terrible ordeal! I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate all the prayers and support you all have given to my family! The kindness of strangers is so touching!!Shelley and Rand are truly GREAT people and my heart aches for them! Keep them in your thoughts and prayers in the coming months!