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Luke Howes, Family Friend

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As a mission companion of Paul's (Aaron's younger brother) I learned all about the 13 children in the Thatcher family. While Paul and I served together I loved hearing stories from the lives of each of his siblings and I felt like I knew them all long before meeting each of them in person. This of course included stories of Aaron - the missionary to Brasil, the baseballer who was committed to living the Gospel and the owner of the Big A Express.

Because I am from Australia it took me several vacations to the USA to meet all of the Thatchers - in fact I had met every other Thatcher over the years before finally getting to meet Aaron in 2008. (Though I did have the pleasure of driving in the Big A Express with Paul a number of times prior to meeting Big A himself)

I have only met Aaron once, for perhaps 30 minutes but he had a profound impact on me that helped me through one of the most challenging times in my life.

Meeting Aaron was a memorable experience - he was so engaging, so interested in what I was doing and in learning more about me. During the entire conversation he beamed a huge smile. It was instantly apparent that Aaron is a remarkable person with unique gifts in how he interacts with others. Our time together was brief and I was left wanting to spend much more time with him - I wanted to ask him more questions about him, but he was too preoccupied with being interested in me!

Fast forward a few years and in 2013 our 5 year old son was diagnosed with cancer. As we dealt with the shock of the news I knew I wanted to face it with a smile an optimism. Yet after a few days I found myself smiling outwardly but unable to feel the same on the inside - I just felt hollow and like my forced smile wasn't helping at all. As I walked around the hospital grounds contemplating how I was feeling, a vision came to my mind. It was of Aaron Thatcher and his beaming smile! 

I thought about Aaron and how despite the health challenges of his own children he was sincerely happy. He no doubt had moments of sadness, but the smile Aaron radiated was of someone who genuinely felt happiness, peace and contentment. That was who I wanted to be like!

It was a turning point for me and any time I felt weighed down I would think of Aaron and how it is possible to genuinely smile through any of life's challenges. Thank you Aaron for helping me when I needed it most. 

Our son fortunately had a good outcome and we look forward to the same for you Aaron. From the other side of the world we're praying and fasting for you, Lorraine and your wonderful children.  

May the Lord bless you all,

Luke

Comments

  1. Jon PaulMarch 22, 2015 at 10:22 PM

    Like the British empire of yesteryear, it's probably safe to say the sun never sets on the people praying for Aaron.

    ReplyDelete
  2. KathyMarch 23, 2015 at 6:44 AM

    Luke,
    Paul, Jen and I read this aloud together over the phone last night and loved every word. You, Jerusha and all your children have been great examples of faith and courage as you faced your own storm. The words mean more because of that.
    We love you Howes!
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete

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