Home With Jesus

The jarring of the phone broke the morning silence early Tuesday. Doug answered and received the news that David, his youngest brother, had been in a horrific car accident and was in critical condition. David and his wife Vanessa live in Orlando and he was on a business trip in northern Florida.

As the day progressed, we continued to get reports and learn more of the accident. There were three cars involved on a lonely country road late at night. David's SUV flipped and caught fire. He was trapped inside, unconscious. He suffered third and fourth degree burns over 90% of his body plus numerous internal injuries. The doctors gave him little hope of survival. Vanessa made the difficult but courageous and correct decision to take him off life support. Thursday morning we were again awoken by the jarring ring of the phone to learn David had died. He was now at home with his Lord.

In the midst of this heavy and difficult week we were reminded of God's goodness and providence. This past February Doug had a business conference in Orlando. David and Vanessa invited us to stay with them. We arrived in the early evening. Vanessa prepared us an amazing dinner and David gave us the grand tour of their house. The next day David got us passes to Epcot Center at Disney World. Doug, David and I spent a beautiful day together. As I shopped and explored, I would find Doug and David patiently waiting, talking and enjoying the rare opportunity to have time together. What a beautiful time God gave us and such a warm and wonderful memory of time with David.
Doug with his little brother, David Brian Hammer. 6/3/62 - 4/21/11