Posted on 09/10/2008 5:45:03 AM PDT by rabscuttle385
If you ever ran into Nokesville dad Thomas S. Vander Woude, chances are you would also see his son Joseph. Whether Vander Woude was volunteering at church, coaching basketball or working on his farm, Joseph was often right there with him, pitching in with a smile, friends and neighbors said yesterday.
When Joseph, 20, who has Down syndrome, fell into a septic tank Monday in his back yard, Vander Woude jumped in after him. He saved him. And he died where he spent so much time living: at his son's side.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
A father gave his life for his Downs Syndrome son.
No further comment necessary.
Prayers for the family and an extra prayer for the young man’s recovery.
Could you add this to the prayer ping list?
Sadly, near-drowning victims who aspirate contents of septic tanks are not out of danger for several weeks or even months after they are rescued from the tank.
Very frequently the near drowning victim dies days later from infection, which is even harder on the family who thought the rescued child was out of danger.
Very, very sad all around.
:-(
jas3
May God bless this man's family and give them comfort.
The anti-lifers would tell you that Joseph wasn’t worth even being born, much less sacrificing your life for.
No greater love has he that sacrifices his life for others.
A fund is being set up in memory of Tom Vander Woude for his wife, Mary Ellen, and son, Joseph, for future expenses.
Details will be available at his parish’s website—
http://www.holytrinityparish.net/
The family is especially requesting prayers for their son, who is improving.
-—tkoed
RIP. Prayers for the young man’s recovery.
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