From One Heart to Another: A Letter to a NH Grieving Mother

A Raymond, New Hampshire boy died over the weekend in a tragic accident on Governor's Lake.

The Mother of the boy created a post on the local Facebook page. It was a heartfelt message thanking the community. She also put up a picture of her son, Noah. Her name is Lisa.

That post really moved me. I just wanted to write a letter to her to express my sympathy.

Dear Lisa and family,

I am a resident of Raymond, New Hampshire and I live about a mile from Governor's Lake where your 15 year old son, Noah, passed away.

I just read your post on the Raymond NH Area Squawks Facebook page and saw his face.

There are no words to comfort you at this time, I am sure. The loss of your young son will be something that you will live with for the rest of your days. Despite that, I do want to say how very sorry I am.

15 years old. Heartbreaking.

I also want to tell you that you are not alone in your grief. My sister, Susan, lost her son when he was a young man too. Not as young as Noah, David was 28, but still very young.

For my sister and the rest of the family, there is one thing that we found to be comforting, in a very small way. We talk about David long after his physical body is gone. We remember what he liked and what he didn't like. We celebrate his birthday, which was just yesterday, April 28. He would have been 39 years old.

I also saw Gordo's Restaurant post about Noah. My family goes there quite often and I am certain that I used to see him in the kitchen or sometimes, he would bring the food out if the front of the house got busy.

Lisa, your son is not gone. He's just not. I know this like I know my own name.

My heart aches for you, but he is right next to you, right now, helping you with your grief.

The Raymond Community and all of New Hampshire will support you during this time. I will be going to Gordo's on Sunday, May 4th to contribute to the fundraiser the owners have organized for Noah.

May God's arms be around you now.

Love,

Your Neighbors Sarah Sullivan and David Newsam, Raymond, NH