DAVID SPEAKING
First, I would like to thank everyone for their donations to the Amish regarding the tractor van accident. All of the money donated is going to the medical bills and funeral bills of those that were injured or went (passed away). After one of the funerals Jean and I went to, some of the Amish were saying how they couldn’t believe that all the people they didn’t know would contribute. Some of the people they may see to thank in person-some they may never see or even know who they are and still they send. So I want you to know it is appreciated and will be put to good use. Thank you also, for your prayers. Prayers are always needed but especially at this sad time. We believe this is God’s will, but even though we shouldn’t, we wonder why. This also makes you realize that the time for you to leave this earth is God’s time-not your time. You never know when that will be, so we must forgive. We must be ready.
When you get a call two counties away wanting your Fire Department and Ambulance Corp you know it has to be bad. I will not go into details of the accident because I believe the papers and TV have taken care of that. It was a shock when we go there. Hearing that five people had went, it brought back to mind when I heard of the school shooting in Pennsylvania. But you can’t think of those that went you have to care for those that are living. What was a real shock to everyone is that when the original Fire Department got there one of the passengers in the van had gotten out of the van with minor bruises. When you look back at all that went on and they had to lift the tractor off the van to get the people out and here this man had gotten out by himself before they got there. He was in shock he didn’t know I guess how he got out although he did remember and gave a statement to the police later. But that was God’s will also. It took over two hours to get all the people out of the van. Also there was a lot of TV people, newspaper people, and nosey people in addition to people who didn’t know about the accident and had to be re-directed. I was sent with one of the ambulance’s to Strong Memorial Hospital as one of the accident people was speaking Deitsch and the medic could not understand or get him to speak English. As I am also a medic and speak Deitsch I got to go. Several people told me that one of the news stations had a picture of our ambulance pulling into the emergency entrance to Strong. After I got home that evening I couldn’t talk about the accident. I know Jean wanted me too, but I couldn’t or the next day either. Right now I can, but there are some things that are still hard. I do want to advise all people to please have some form of identification on you at all times. Please advise your friends and relatives. It was so hard to identify those that were in the helicopters and ambulances plus those that had went. If someone can not speak you have no idea who they are.
JEAN SPEAKING
This accident was really upsetting as it was the second one there in two days. We first heard the people in the accident were Mennonite. David was still up at Strong Memorial Hospital when the young Amish couple we sold the property to came to our door and said that one of their cousin’s was in that accident. At that point we did not know if they had went (died) or were alive. They wanted to use our telephone to call a driver to get to the hospital-but I did it for them as they were so upset. The driver came to our house so they left their buggy and horse here. We did find that they were badly injured, but they believe they will recover in time.
By the next morning all the Amish and Mennonites knew what happened. One of the Amish started collecting money and food at their house but they had to move it to the Fire House as so much was coming in and they didn’t have a place to put it. People started coming Amish, Mennonite, outsiders kept coming bringing food and money. Some bought toys, little gifts, books, etc. for the children. You can’t believe all that came in. Our bake sale driver was the first van to load and we thought she would be the only one down-little did know what was coming in. All the home made food is down there plus the money so far, but there are still some canned goods that are going to be taken down this week. Also, all the meetings (churches) will probably be having donations this week so that will go down to the bank when the goods go on Monday.
All the firemen and ambulance people were invited to the funerals. I believe our view and the Amish view on death is different than some others. First it was considered a honor that the people who had lost members of their family at this time thought to invite firemen and ambulance people. We look at death as a time on earth is done and they are with the God. It is a time of sadness because we miss them and will always miss them, but its also a time of joy because their job on this earth is done. The fire department tried to spare enough people so that they could have one person at each funeral. David and I went to Melvin Hershberger Jr.’s funeral on Friday and Sarah Miller’s on Saturday. David was greeted and thanked for what he had done when we entered the buildings. When David said he wished he could have done more-he was hugged and told he had done God’s will-he couldn’t have done more. After the funeral, we went to the cemetery and then back for a dinner. There were lots of people at the funeral, cemetery and dinner. When you are invited to a funeral it is proper to bring a dish of food so I brought a cake to each of the funerals we attended. We met people at both funerals that we hadn’t seen in years. David also met many people that were fireman from other states that had come to a relatives funeral. At the dinner people try to remember the good times and not the sad. The village of Jasper had been very nice and turned part of their school into a place to stay. Some of the Amish were discussing how they enjoyed sleeping there and the meals they received. It was like camping out without the cooking.
It will be a hard time on those that have lost a family member and those that have family members in the hospital and recovering. This is not a time the Amish and Mennonites stop helping or giving. After the dinner some of the men were figuring who could come when to help on the farms. In the kitchen the ladies were deciding who would come and when to help in the home, cook meals, etc. Those that can’t go down and help will send food, gifts, etc. David and I will be going to the Miller farm as he is still recovering from the accident and Sarah went. Also, David and I were told to bring our children when we come. We kind of laughed as the Miller’s have 14 children-most of them still live at home. As David said when you have that many in a household-what’s two more. When we married David and I had hoped to have a big family of children-but it was not God’s will. David always adds-yet.
What has been so hard on this accident is that we knew some of the people. Maybe not personally, but had been to Farmers Markets, auctions, weddings, funerals, and more together. One Amish couple came up and asked us if we remembered them. When we were getting married David and I had gone down to look at some property they owned-thinking we might buy it. They recognized us after all those years. We had bought and sold animals from some of these people. David had worked on a construction job with one of the men. There had been farm meetings and more. These were not strangers. To have one leave is bad but five at one time is really hard. Even today the fire department and ambulance crew have wondered what they could have done different or better. But we must remember that it was God’s will that this accident should happen.
I have not answered the questions you have asked of me and I will next time, but David and I felt you would want to know our views on the accident. I will try to get my mind back to regular thinking to answer your questions in my next post.
God is with you,
David and Jean. To make a financial contribution to the Amish farmers in Jasper and Woodhull, please send donations to Amish Relief Fund, P.O. Box 123, Woodhull NY 14898.
Its always tough when something like this strikes your community, and when you might even know some of the victims. So because the Amish and Mennonites have a very strong faith it may be just a little easier to heal from a tragedy like this, but to say goodbye can never be made any easier. Richard
Thank you David and Jean for this post. I know it was not easy for you to do so. My prayers and love continue to go out to everyone involved in this accidents, the victims and their families, also the emergency personnel who worked to free them from the wreckage and get them to the hospital and the others who lent a hand in some way.I remember when I was much younger folks in my community responded in the same manner, food, money whatever was needed they provided. I am saddened and heartbroken that we no longer see that in the secular world like we used to. Both the Amish and Mennonites are a good example for us to follow.Much love and blessings, Alice
How personal of you to share with us this tragedy. How blessed I feel to of read your post today. To say I understand would be untruthful but to say I am praying for everyone involved is all I can give of myself. There will been many times in the days ahead where it will be difficult but I know the love of God, Family, and Community will help heal the people touched by this tragedy. Thank you so much David and Jean and for the volunteer work you also do David the Lord will continue to bless you for your service. I was so sad to hear of this but so at peace knowing that this world is not the final destination for us and the people in that van are in a better place. God bless both of you and may you know that my life is richer because you have made a prayerful decision to share with all of us. Veronica
I knew that this was going to be a very personal post the first few seconds i started reading this. So I'm sure most of the folks reading it will only come away with something that touched them. Richard
This is the hardest post I have gotten from Jean and David so far. How we get the posts on here is Jean calls me and I type in on the computer as she talks. Sometimes I have to tell her to slow down a bit. I can't type as fast as she can talk. LOL Both David, Jean and myself chocked up on this post. David is not a man of many words as Jean is sometimes. Still it was hard, but he wanted to thank everyone. Jean and David were surprised at all that came in. Since I received this post more has come and been taken down state. They thought all had been received but when Elva Hershberger died even more came. This post was hard, but David and Jean wanted to know. After I receive the post-I e-mail it on to Richard who reads it to make sure it makes sense and checks my spelling. LOL Then it goes on Amish Stories to you. As I said, this post ws the hardest.God Bless,Marilyn
I am sure this was very difficult for all those involved in getting it to us. So thank you Marilyn and also Richard for all that you do to keep this post going. You must feel very blessed Marilyn to share in the lives of David and Jean on a more personal level. What a blessing to say the least. I have said before that I would love to have an Amish or Mennonite pen pal but I have had no success with that up to this point. I would feel honored to share in the life of a special women who lives how I only wish we at times still lived. So a big hug and thanks to all of you. Veronica
Before i go and i don't choke-up that easy folks, this post had me at that point. And i e-mailed Marilyn telling her about it a week or so ago. Even though I'm the one posting it i still must read it very closely before i place it on this blog, so just to let everyone know i get effected as well. Please give anything that you can to the "Amish relief fund" for this accident, and i know times are very tough so if you give just donate what you can. I'm out for the day so please chat among yourself everyone, ill be back later folks. Richard
Richard,I've not had the time to leave a message thanking you for the great blog and the work your doing regarding this accident. I wanted to let you know I've started a Facebook page for the accident. I look for articles, call folks for updates, and write about the needs of the community as I try to anticipate the need. I worked as a medic in Broome County, NY for a number of years, and have a degree in health care. So, I *know* what the rescuers are going through. I also know the Amish will rarely – if ever – ask for any type of assistance. Please encourage them to make an exception in this case. 6 farms! 1 will be taken care of as Elva's brother and his wife are moving back from MI to take care of it and their children (12, with the youngest being 7 months old).But that still leaves 5. Many hands make light work. So let as many hands as ask help with the work!LeslieFacebook page – Amish Aid Fund – Jasper NY
I think that is great that Elva's brother and his wife are moving back to take of the children. That will be 25 children !!!! If my adding is right. I live about 60 miles away from the families-is there anything I could drive there and help one of the families with? I don't know the first thing about farming-but I could help with laundry or cooking or cleaning. I am the world's worse sewer, but if I could help someone out I would be glad to go.Marilyn
Richard, I have always been fascinated by the Amish and Mennonites. Their strong faith in the face of adversity is so inspirational to me.BTW, Thanks for visiting me and leaving a comment.
Thanks to David and Jean for sharing with us this most difficult post. It most certainly personalizes what is for some just a tragic news story. And thanks also to Marilyn and Richard for making this available to us and for the address for the relief fund.
It is interesting to hear from someone who was so close to this tragic accident and I am glad you got to help a bit David. People are right, you did what you could and god makes the final decisions in the world.I have myself suffered many losts, both my parents and two good friends died at a young age. I know that it is pointless to ask why but you still do. I have chosen to put my trust in god regarding this and I also trust that he will give the life I am supposed to live and I have stopped wondering when and how I will die. I am really thankful that I have found such help from god regarding the issue of death. As you say, for a Christian death is not something horrible, god has just called you away from this life for something new.
It is interesting to hear from someone who was so close to this tragic accident and I am glad you got to help a bit David. People are right, you did what you could and god makes the final decisions in the world.I have myself suffered many losts, both my parents and two good friends died at a young age. I know that it is pointless to ask why but you still do. I have chosen to put my trust in god regarding this and I also trust that he will give the life I am supposed to live and I have stopped wondering when and how I will die. I am really thankful that I have found such help from god regarding the issue of death. As you say, for a Christian death is not something horrible, god has just called you away from this life for something new.
When you are there helping as David was, many times you just go on 'auto-pilot' and do the work you have been trained to do. You are emotionless and try not to feel too much of what is often a devastating situation.Later on, it all hits you, the depth of what happened, the emotional loss, the enormity of the whole thing and it can put your thoughts into a whirl. Getting through even the simplest daily tasks can be tough.My thoughts are with those who lost family members and loved ones in these difficult times. They may be gone, but certainly won't be forgotten.
Richard, I just wanted to let you know I have some more pictures of Northern Sweden up and more will come during this week so do pop by, you and the rest of you reading this blog.
It's nice to know that so many people stepped in to help.
Hey Leslie just getting back onto the blog, and no problem in trying to help this cause. Posting the address which is also on the top right side of Amish Stories is the easy part . If you should get back on Leslie maybe you could let us know if they are receiving a steady flow of donations to the Amish Relief fund still, and how long will they be accepting donations for those Amish family's. Richard
For the time being i will leave -up the address for the "Amish relief fund" so "new" folks stopping by Amish Stories can send anything that they can spare to those Amish family's. Richard
This is so heartbreaking. I live in another part of the country and don't have television or listen to the radio, so this is the first I'd heard of the accident. Like you all, I believe that all things are allowed by God, that these things are His will. It is so hard not to wonder why. Then I remind myself that without faith it is impossible to please Him and I just have to trust He always knows best.
Amish relief update : I called New York state today and talked on the phone with someone at the Bob Manley Agency, Bob was not there to talk with me but an associate there said the banks and an Amish Representative was handling the donations that were coming in. He also told me that he does not have a dollar amount because the money is going to the bank directly . I have seen online where one newspaper today was saying that 35,000 has been collected so far, but that has not been confirmed since thats the only place where ive seen a dollar amount given. So as of right now they are still accepting donations, and it sounds like they will be for a while longer. Richard
When I go to the bank tomorrow I will see if I can find anything out as my bank is the same as the bank in Woodhull. If I remember. I have a brain like a sieve sometimes. LOLMarilyn
Sounds good Marilyn, they may not be able to tell you anything being they are the bank, but maybe they can say if donations are still rolling-in. Richard
The vice-president of our bank is a friend of mine. I don't know if she will tell me anything but it doesn't hurt to ask. Jean said that the Amish were going to close everything down where Jean lives but when Elva Hershberg passed away it was like it started all over again. Money was coming, food was coming and gifts or toys for the chldren. Jean said a van went down this morning-loaded. All is appreciated.Marilyn
I taped a note to my checkbook so I should remember when I get to the bank tomorrow. Marilyn
I called David and Jean and read your comments to them. They thank you very much. They mean so much to them. Also, they appreciate any donations you are making to the Amish Relief Fund. Jean says the bank account is still open-they have been sending money down with the driver and she has been depositing it in the bank. Jean and David want you to know that the money is all going for medical bills, home medical equipment or needs that the families of the surrived or the ones that went (passed on) families needs. None of this money goes for someone's salary or anything like that-it all goes to the medical bills or family needs. Jean doesn't believe they are going to close the account in the near future, but even if they did, and money came in after the account was closed the bank would see that the Amish got the money. David and Jean thank you for your kind donations. You are very generous people helping your neighbors.Marilyn
Thank you for sharing the story about the funerals with us. It was very touching, plus a faith builder. In the story there was no denying the sadness but at the same time there was such faith in God talked about. I sent a contribution about a week or so ago. Was nice to hear what it was used for. We will continue to pray for the families. Would be interested in knowing how best to pray for those still recovering. So Richard, share that on A.L.?Marilyn M (Amish Living)
I live in this community that families live in and even though the accident happened many miles away is still heart wrenching to know what they are going through. I personally helped in anyway possible, made sandwiches for the travelers, brought them food, drinks and ice, and even transported a couple of the family members closely related to the victims. I also got to personally transport some of the children that the parents both had perished, and I hope they will be ok as little and young as they are it affects them as well. Thank you for posting this as it is a hardship for many of them and they will continue to need help going down the road. Sometime this week I am dropping off more canned goods for one of the families affected and continue to transport them if needed. God bless them for forgiving the driver, but it must be hard to accept their loved ones are now gone.
Good morning Marilyn m, and I'm glad posting that Amish fund address on that other very good web site maybe helped to bring in more donations. They seem to give me a lot of room when promoting something on this blog, regardless if its a simple story or something very serous like this fund. So ill need to somehow contact the owners and thank them for that. I recieved Jeans next post for next Tuesday yesterday and all i will say is that this accident is still on her mind, and ill need to still go through it before i get it ready to publish. Richard
And Anonymous you didn't leave a name and I'm not sure how you found us but thank you for your story, it really sounds like you folks are really pulling together as a community. So even though the times are very different its very nice to see that neighbor helping neighbor is still alive in small town America. I hope your able to stop by again and maybe give your first name and share more with everyone how this small community has come together. Richard
Hi Folks,I DID remember to ask them at the bank this morning about Amish Relief Fund. The account is still open active and will be active until they use all the money. Amish and Mennonites have checking accounts, too-I was told and to stop and think about it they do. Anyway she could not tell how much was in there, but it was way over $35,000 even though they have used some of it. Money is still coming in. So anyone that wants to make a donation go right ahead. I am sure it would be appreciated. Marilyn
Thanks for the new update Marilyn, well done. And lets hope those donations keep coming in as those familys could sure use it. Richard
What a tragedy. Thanks for sharing David and Jean's story.
Its not the kind of story that i enjoy posting on Amish Stories because of the nature of it Nancy, and thank you for taking the time in reading it. These folks Jean and David speak from their hearts. Richard
Thank you for sharing their story.There are no accidents in life, there are reasons for events and we are not always given the answer in the time we expect them.Those are the times in life we lean on Faith – it will carry them.
Hi, sorry It took me so long to post. Downloading problems. I appreciate David and Jeans post as I had a hard time reading it.Thank you for posting a way to help Richard and Marilyn. Lissa
Welcome Lap dog and that's a heck of a meat loaf that you have on your site, wow. Thanks for dropping my. Richard
Lisa sorry you were having computer issues, and it seems like your back on track. And welcome back on. Richard
Hi lap dog,Is Annie a chihuahua? I went over to your blog after Richard mentioned your meat loaf and saw a picture of Annie. My dog looks kind of like Annie and mine is a chihuahua. Rickie is a long haired chihuahua.Marilyn
I remember one time fighting for my life while i was on my mountain bike in Florida. I was ambushed by 2 or 3 wild Chihuahua's that were jumping at my leg. Luckily i was able to escape alive so i could produce Amish Stories 10 years later. Richard
LOL U R SO FUNNY!Chihuahuas can be vicious though. Good thing they are small dogs.
I'm just glad there was not another little assassin Lissa, i would have then got off the bike lied down on the ground and prepare to make a trip upstairs,lol. Or as some might like to think down stairs. Richard
This has been harder than one can imagine. I live in this community. I have taken Sarah and Emery to Penn Yan several times, as they are my neighbors. It was heart wrenching when I pulled into the drive of my best friend Rachel's house and found company there. I asked what are you doing Jake..He say's oh Misty we have big problems we have five dead and don't know who. I think Emery is still alive at Strong. So I called Strong Memorial. After several transfers a lady comes on the line and says he is down stairs for X-rays. Are you a family member..I says Ya I'm his sister..Remember his 2 sister in laws and brother in law are standing there with me. She said well he wanted me to let whoever called that his wife Sarah didn't make it. I started crying..the others Rachel and Linday says oh please not Sarah..I just shook my head yes..there we all stood sobbing. Sarah's son Henry had moved to New Berlin months earlier. I had phoned a neighbor up there and ask him to have Henry call me it was an emergency. Henry didn't call me till 7:30 that evening. I was standing in his parents basement surrounded by Amish people (which I consider family) when the call came. He says Misty I heard there was an accident what can you tell me. I said Oh Henry..as the tears rolled..I hate to be the one to tell you this but your mother died in that accident. He says Oh NO Misty..please tell me your not serious. I said I'm sorry but I am. I said I know you are 3 1/2 hours away would you like Danny and I to come pick you up. So off we went. Over the course of the next two weeks there was very little sleep for us. I own my own business and closed it down so I could do what was needed. I called to order more port a johns and when the bill was around a 1000.00 I asked the community if we could help. From there it blossomed. I am so proud to live in this community. My Amish friends are astounded by this. I received many calls from the Mennonites in Penn Yan. I already knew Howard Hoover from my many trips to his farm. He came to the calling hours. I must say we are truly blessed. Saturday, Emery and his married children went to the accident scene. Then went for a picnic. They are doing well. As well as everyone else. I am canning blueberries for Rosanna who is still in the hospital. We are not angry at anyone. We pray for the driver. Many Amish folk would like to go talk with him beings how he has tried to commit suicide. Some days I just cry when I think about it. But I know it is God's will. I have several of Sarah's pie pans. She has made us many pies. I am so close to this community. We had a frolic and the Amish built my business for me. They are wonderful people. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!
Misty, Thank you so much for telling us this. I continue to keep the families and everyone involved in my prayers. I wish I could have helped. But I live in California. I'm sure they really appreciated all that you did and may God bless you! Respectively, Lissa
Misty thank you very much for telling your story, and i hope other people see it. I'm terribly sorry for the loss of your friends and i think those of us who are in tune with the Amish really are aware of what has happened to these families. I'm orig from New York state but living in Pennsylvania now, but like you I'm in a rural area where folks may gossip about each other a little and seem distant at times until something like this happens and then everyone seems to somehow pull it together to help. I would love to hear from you on what is going on with this community, and with the Amish relief fund. I'm very sure that your reading jeans post the last few weeks telling everyone what she's been seeing, and with David talking about the rescue and trying to save a life part. So please feel free to e-mail me Misty if you should wish and if your up to it fill me in on what this has done to this Amish community, and how are folks helping each other. That's always the only really good part of a story like this, and sometimes we can get a loss for words so there really is no answer "why". So we just cope and try to live never understanding the "why". Richard.
Hello Misty,My heart is breaking for what you went through and are going through. I live in Upstate New York about 40 miles or so north of you. Many of the Old Order Mennonites near where I live along with the Amish sent lots of foods, gifts, children items and money down. It has touched us all up here as well. I am not Old Order Mennonite, but they are friends of mine. If you need someone to talk to, please feel to e-mail. I would be glad to talk with you. God Bless You,Marilyn
Thanks everyone and may God bless you. We are moving right along. Melvin"s brother and his wife are childless and they will be moving here from Ohio to adopt the children. These kids are so excited. Thanks so much for your concern. We just do what needs to be done. Sarah and Emery's children are coping very well. I am amazed!! Today is the first time i saw one of the girls smile. She is usually in another world. One had a date:) I just love them!! You may email me at fordman962@yahoo.com
The bank account is well over 60,000.00!! The even got a check from another country!!!
Thanks for that update Misty, wow 60,000 i think that's wonderful. I love seeing people come together in times like this for folks who are facing some very tough times, and the loss of a life is so overwhelming enough without worrying about other expenses. Thank you again Misty and please drop by again for another update if you would. Richard