Mr. Mair,
While Id like to address you with your first name, I dont feel right doing it since I don't really know you. The times that I have interacted with you, I think I had been unkind and probably made inappropriate statements. For those things that may have offended you, please accept my apologies. That said, I hope my words are accepted as being wholly sincere.
I've been visiting this forum for 10 years and have never read anything on here so heartbreaking. I missed the news while out on a business trip and just saw it today. I am a father of 3 children, ages 3, 5, and 8. The youngest two are little boys. I know this has been said before, but to comprehend the loss you all have felt is simply not possible.
Ive seen it said that there is a purpose for all things, that all things happen for a reason. I am a religious man, and wish I could agree with that statement, but I just cant. I believe in a loving God, and do believe there is a plan for each of us. I can't grasp the concept of a God who would willfully include such a tragedy for you and your family. It would be cruel and unjust. No one deserves to experience such a trial. With that being said, I must believe in a God that treats us all equally and allows things to happen by chance. In your case, I have to believe it was a horrible, tragic accident caused by no one. If I were ever to believe in a God that had purpose in a such a loss, I would feel bitter and angry that such an event would happen for any reason. So, I maintain that God watches and knows all, but does not not put certain trials in our way on purpose. Things just happen, and as they do, God is ready to be there to comfort and bless. I hope you have felt that in recent days.
As I watched the tribute to your son, there were two things that were evident to me while watching those pictures: #1)Your son was a happy child. He was blessed to have two loving parents and a beautiful baby brother. As a father, it is clear that you provided your son with wonderful experiences that brought him joy. In my estimation, that alone qualifies you and your wife as elite parents. #2)You are so fortunate that you captured so many memories of your children. Those images and videos are priceless pieces of history that you will treasure forever. These pictures will not only provide you with wonderful memories, but can inspire other fathers, like myself, to cherish moments with our children and record their lives as they grow and experience the world. May these joyful images always stay with you and replace the memories and feelings from your recent tragedy.
Especially, may the Lord pour out his blessings and love upon your lovely wife. I pray that any feelings of fault or inadequacies be far removed from her thoughts and that she will hold to the knowledge that she provided her son with love and affection throughout his life.
God bless,
-Travis