Friday, January 6, 2006

a sad, yet hopeful, letter

Probably most of you have seen the letter left by one of the dying miners for his family.  It haunts me.  What faith this man had, and how great a love for his family.  He was thinking of them during his last, dying breaths.

"This letter released by the Toler family on Thursday Jan. 5, 2006 in Flatwoods, W. Va was written by Martin Toler Jr., who died with 11 other miners in the Sago mine. The note was given to Martin's brother, Tom Toler, by the coroner. It reads 'Tell all I see them on the other side JR I love you It wasn't bad just went to sleep' (AP Photo/Courtesy of the Toler Family, HO)"

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

My heart can not find the words to say how sorry I am for all these familys. I hope they find some comfort in this note and the last words I LOVE YOU.

Anonymous said...

That was neat that he thought of them in his last final moments to hopefully relieve their minds wondering how he died. I truly hope all those men there knew or came to know Jesus in their final moments. If so, they are rejoicing in heaven. I pray for comfort for their families and for healing for their community.

It just reminds us to make sure to spread the Word of the saving grace of Jesus.

betty

Anonymous said...

I hope this mining community is sued for many millions and that the grieving families get some justice.

Russ

Anonymous said...

Hi there,
I too saw this note and had the same feelings...I agree so much on his faith...and he was able to leave his family a memory to last forever in one little piece of paper.
Hugs,
joyce

Anonymous said...

I think it's touching that they were thinking of their families and wanted to make sure they knew that they didn't suffer.  This is just such a sad thing to have happened.
Lori

Anonymous said...

At least we know that God was with them, even when no one else could reach them.  -  Barbara

Anonymous said...

That's so sad!!
Missie :(

Anonymous said...

From blogger Ron Franscell @ http:underthenews.blogspot.com ...

So imagine this: You're a mile below ground, huddled in the dark, cut off from rescue and all you can do is wait to die. You have a pencil and a piece of paper the size of a pay stub.

What will you write?

(I've made a place at my blog for your thoughts)

Anonymous said...

That's a bitch. Knowing you're going to die and all you can do is unknowingly leave a few words behind that will become ever so more presous over time. This entry has brought tears to my eyes.

Anonymous said...

This whole thing has broke my heart..Those poor poor men and their families....so so sad....I think they all are heros.
love ya,
carlene

Anonymous said...

That is the saddest thing I have seen in a long time.  Sad and yet very haunting.  
My grandfather was a foreman in the Coal Mines of West Virginia back in the 20's and 30's.  I remember hearing my mother talk about the many dangers he faced all the time.  So sad..  

Jackie

Anonymous said...

That just broke my heart-I was so excited when the news said the rest were found alive and so mad when I found out it wasn't true and then just heartbroken when my local newspaper arrived the next day and it still had the wrong report.  I'm glad they got to write a note and I hope it helps their families during this hard time.

Jeff

Anonymous said...

One never knows what they'll do when faced with death. This man was amazing. rich