Gut Wrenching Hope

Sebastian Biber

Pictured here is my friend Sebastian, a fun and happy kid from Austria. Yvonne and I love him and his parent Peter and Maria. Last time they visited with us, Sebastian made us laugh so much and brought real joy to our home.

He was traveling North America by "couch surfing" and introduced us to this cool kind of travel. Sebastian is just that kind of person ... the kind who can go from home to home (couch to couch), meet new people, make friends, bring laughter and leave a blessing.

Tragedy hit their town in Austria as one of Sebastian's close friends drowned. Peter told me that Sebastian gathered friends on the couch in his own home and was helping them process the grief. In the midst of his own loss, he was helping others. Well done my friend!

When a young life is lost, it is tragic, when those closest feel like they could have ... should have done something, it is even more tragic. To be clear, there is no blame here, nothing that could have been done, but that does not stop friends from playing out the "what if "scenarios over and over.

Our son Brett has been through this journey as he lost a very close friend and like Sebastian, helped his friends process pain, loss and grief while he walk that deep valley. Its just gut wrenching.

So Sebastian, we pray for you ... we pray with you. We cry with you and we love you. We pray for your friends and for their families as they go through this gut wrenching loss.

This is my hope ... as you face the reality that life and death live as neighbours in our world, may you continue to choose life. Yes, there is always hope! Gut wrenching hope.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

I miss my dad. Howard M. Ostrander (1929 -2005) was a man of peace. He was described by his co-workers and friends as someone who could "spread his warmth and humour to all those around him". His former boss called my dad, "A pillar in his community in Elmira, Ontario ... and someone with an endless number of jokes up his sleeve!" How true, that was my dad.

But at a deeper level, my dad was a man of peace. As he was spending his last week with us on planet earth, I was so impressed with how he could bless others as he was so ready to die. Not easy to say, but a great memory. A man who lived at peace with those around him, no one, not anyone from anywhere had to rush to his death bed to make amends. All who came to his hospital bed, came to have a final visit, to share a memory, a song or a verse of two from scripture.

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Dad, thanks for the great example. I'll see if I can live my life in such a way that I honour memory and our lord.

On Fathers Day We Need to Bring Peace

See Cartoons by Cartoon by Milt Priggee - Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com - Email this Cartoon

Twenty four years with the 'wife of my youth'

Brett, Yvonne, Neil & Michael -- The Ostrander Family

May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. Proverbs 5:18

On Monday, December 4, 2006 Yvonne and I celebrated 24 years of marriage. Like so many people in our age group we often say, "where did the time go?" It is a valid question, even though we recognize that time is a constant, the more experiences we have in our past, the quicker time seems to move.

Next to following Jesus, deciding who to marry was the biggest and best decision of my life. Building a lifetime of good memories began when we became engaged and has continued to today. My Yvonne is getting more beautiful as the years go by, and I just seem to be getting older.

We are so proud of our two boys and the men of character they are becoming. Each have their own unique personalities, and each their interest and pursuits. And we love each of them for who they are and what they contribute to our world.

Today, I am feeling blessed by the decision we made some 24 years ago, and I'm looking forward to at least 24 more!

Big News for Michael

Michael completed his driving test today — and he passed!
His comment was, "That's a load off my mind!"
No kidding! Yvonne and I are thrilled for Mike and thankful to our friend Faith Morphy for her investment into him through her business, Young Drivers of Canada.
Faith did a little "pretest" with Mike last evening, which gave him confidence as well as, some last minute instructions. Thanks Faith!
If you want to congratulate Mike you can e-mail him at mike_ostrander@hotmail.com

Our boy Brett

Brett Ostrander, standing at the Elora Quarry, Summer 2005

It's Sunday morning and usually we get a call from Brett who is serving the poor in Manila, Philippines. Not today however.

Yvonne and I spent a couple of weeks with Brett in October this year, and did a lot of "firsts". Brett leased his first apartment, purchased his first couch and chair, along with a bed and kitchen items.

Very fun for a mom and dad to be a part of milestone. However, what really thrills us is our son's love for Filipinos. He has great friends, like brothers and sisters. He moved into a neighbourhood that is full of people and lots of children and you can just watch him build relationships. I think he get's the big heart for people from his mother!

It's never easy to let you son go, and encourage him to move to the other side of the world, but Yvonne and I have great peace about this whole situation. He is where God wants him and that is enough for us. Yes, we do miss him and his Canadian friends.

Brett we love you and we are very proud of you. Mom and Dad.