Saturday, July 14, 2007

Stephen Hampton's Memorial Service

Stephen's service today was marvelous. The place was packed with family and friends. Pastor Marty Kruse did an awesome job leading the service. It was filled with tremendous memories and the honoring of Stephen for the excellent young man he will forever be.

I was unexpectedly blessed to be standing in front of a door at the rear of the auditorium just moments after the service started when the Hampton family entered. It was my first occasion to see Leon & Susan personally, and I was deeply honored to be able to hug them as they walked into what must have been an experience both peace-filled and excruciating at the same time. They are just an incredible couple and family.

I also wanted to post that Leon has started a Memorial Blog for Stephen, and direct you there to leave comments and condolences. Click here to get there.

1 comment:

Judy Corbett said...

Dear Paul..
Yes Stephen's service was awesome!! Seeing the hundreds of family and friends there was such a tribute to the person he was and as you say, "will forever be" and I could feel his presence during the service.

Actually I cannot get the service and his death out of my mind. I am filled with such a sorrow and empathy for Susan and Leon and the whole family.

I too had the privilege to hug and speak briefly with Susan and Leon. As a mother I cannot begin to understand how much pain they must be in, but I am praying to our gracious and faithful God to give them strength and love and bring them peace.

And while I shed tears of sadness, I can smile, knowing Stephen is now in Heaven with our Lord....
Keep Smiling Stephen Hampton!!

Judy