Friday, July 23, 2010

Tragic Family News

Dear Blogging Friends,

I will be absent from my blog for a week, perhaps longer, due to a family tragedy. On Wednesday, July 21st, sometime between 10:30 am and 2:00 pm, my younger brother, Todd Getgen, was shot and killed. Todd, who was an avid gun collector and hunter, was at a shooting range near his home in southeast Pennsylvania, apparently for some target practice, when he was murdered. The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating and have ruled the incident a homicide. We don't know who has done this terrible thing, or why. That someone would take his life in such a horrible way is beyond understanding. He was a good man, a loving husband and father, a compassionate lawyer, a gentle son, and an amazing brother. His loss is deeply and widely felt.

Our family needs your prayers. Todd was married and had a 6 year old son. He and his son were the "dynamic duo" and you almost never saw one without the other. Also, we have an 80 year old mother, 3 other brothers, and a sister, plus numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Our grief is is devastating.

I have the comfort of the Lord in these days, but some of my family do not, and this is very difficult for them. I pray that God's peace will descend over them and hold them close. This is a fallen world and terrible things happen to wonderful people. We have trials in this world because this world is not our home. We will need all of the prayers of the Faithful in the coming days. My heartfelt prayer is that my brother has joined our father and another brother in Heaven with our Lord.

The funeral services will be early next week. I will try to update this post with more details as I get them. For those of you who want to express condolences to the family or if you wish to contribute to a memorial fund that has been set up by my dear friend Lauren, proceeds to go to my nephew, Ethan, click THIS link.

If you wish to contact me, you can use the email on this blog, but be aware it may be some time before I get back to you, and there is always the chance that my box will overflow. I will be traveling from California to Pennsylvania on Saturday, July 24th, with a tentative return on Friday, July 30th. If you are a DT buddy or a blogging buddy, you can also contact Rose Miller. She will be able to give you my contact information privately.

30 comments:

  1. Oh Gloria, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.

    Sherry

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  2. I can only imagine the pain you and your family are feeling. You are all in my prayers.... God Bless

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  3. You know you and your family will be in my prayers and again I am so sad for your family's loss. Love you friend.

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  4. Oh my God! I'm so very sorry to hear about your tragic loss. My prayers are with you and your family during this horrible time of grief.
    Be well -
    Jessica

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  5. I just still cannot believe this, Gloria - such a devastating situation for your family. Big hugs to you!!

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  6. God have mercy..I pray your strength during this very difficult time...

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  7. Gloria, words cannot express how saddened I was to read of this tragedy. Please know that you and your entire family are in my prayers. Please travel safe and remain strong.

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  8. How terribly sorry I was to read of this. What a tragedy, for certain. I know you have your faith to guide you, and I trust it will be of some comfort to you during this time.

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  9. May the Lord bless and keep you and your family. My prayers are with you. Love Judi

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  10. My heart aches for you Gloria. I am semi-local (VA) so if there is anything I can do, please contact me. In my thoughts and prayers......Deanna

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  11. I'm so sorry for your loss.

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  12. I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Gloria. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. ((hugs))

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  13. I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  14. I am sooo sorry for your and your family's loss. There are no words for this, but know you will all be in my thoughts in this tragic time!

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  15. Hugs and prayers for you and your family. You all are in my thoughts.

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  16. Praying for you and your family, Gloria. Know that your sisters in the faith at Christian Paper Crafts are keeping you lifted up before the Lord. Our hearts mourn with you and are trusting that the God of all comfort will hold you up during this difficult time. Hugs.

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  17. Anonymous11:04 AM

    Gloria,
    My heart breaks for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. I hope you can find some comfort in God during this hard time, and we'll keep you and your family lifted up.
    big hugs!!
    Jacqueline

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  18. Oh Gloria...I want you to know that you and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time...hang in there...

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  19. I will be thinking of you and your family at this sad time.

    Sending you big hugs and love.

    Gail

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  20. Gloria so very, very sorry to read about the loss of your brother. Sending you prayers & hugs!
    Take Care.

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  21. Dear Gloria,

    I am so sorry for your loss, what a devastating experience for you and your family.

    I will be thinking about you.

    Love & hugs
    Majo

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  22. I am so sorry to hear about your loss, I will be praying for you and your family... Sending big hugs

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  23. Anonymous5:38 PM

    I am so sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your brother. Our condolences to you and family. Big bear hugs to you .. Keep you and family in prayers. hugs...

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  24. It saddens my heart to hear of the loss of your dear brother. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs Rita xxx

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  25. Gloria, I'm so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. Just know that you and your family are in my thoughts at this sad time.

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  26. Oh Gloria, I am so sorry for your loss, know that you and your family are in my prayers.....hugs

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  27. I am so sorry to read about this Gloria and am very sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you and your family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Be strong. This is just so terrible. I am very very sorry about the loss of your brother.

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  28. God bless you and your family at this terrible devasting time. I am so very sorry to hear about the tragic loss of your brother.

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  29. Oh gosh, I'm so sorry to hear about it. What a cruel thing to happen to your brother. My thoughts are with you in these distressing moments.

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  30. I am sadden at your loss. I can only imagine your grief. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. {hugs}

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