A very sad end, to a very sad week

• A very sad end, to a very sad week by Mikekoz13 on 05 Mar, 2010 18:49
• Earlier in the week I wrote about my Friend Rick Porter. His brother Ray was shot and killed in what is being called a robbery.
  
  Late this afternoon I went  to the wake. Dozens and dozens of people came thru over the two hours. Rick was continually pointing to people and saying, "Ray helped him......". Apparently Ray was quite a humanitarian but he didn't make a big deal about it. He didn't want the attention.
  People traveled hundreds and hundreds of miles to be there. I knew almost nobody there so I sat in a chair and listened to the stories all around me about Ray. Many of them began with lines like, "If it hadn't been for Ray...".
  
  The love in that room was only overpowered by the sadness.
  
• #1 by wpruitt on 05 Mar, 2010 19:36
• Mike; That is actually a glorious end to a sad week.  How wonderful that his legacy is one of giving and doing for others. 
• #2 by Sgt. Pate on 05 Mar, 2010 21:15
• We would all do well if we were more like Ray.  God rest his soul.
• #3 by warhawk on 05 Mar, 2010 21:32
• mike:  i just wanted 2 let U know that i will B saying a prayer 2nite 4 ray & his family during this difficult time.   may he rest in peace. 
  
  WARHAWK
• #4 by GASlick on 06 Mar, 2010 05:15
• Agree with Pruitt.  Sounds like a glorious ending to a traumatic week.  The world is obviously a better place because of Ray.  That makes me feel better!
• #5 by schro on 06 Mar, 2010 05:25
• All the best to your friend's family.
• #6 by hammerdrill376 on 06 Mar, 2010 07:14
• Sometimes it is strange how a tragic event can be the catalyst in bringing out goodness in people they never knew existed or lie dormant. While it is little or no consilation to the family it sounds like his life was a ripple effect that touched many people. The thing is that ripple does not stop with his death. It only continues. Maybe there are people that will pick up where he left off and continue his work so to speak. Prayers of comfort for his friends and family though. 
• #7 by Mikekoz13 on 06 Mar, 2010 07:54
• Quote from: wpruitt on 05 Mar, 2010 19:36

  Mike; That is actually a glorious end to a sad week.  How wonderful that his legacy is one of giving and doing for others. 
  

  
  Thank you! Thank you! This statement and the ones that followed have made my day.
  
  Every one of Ray's organs (except his eyes, which were damaged in the shooting) were donated in order to give better life to others. Only 25% of organ donors can donate 100% of organs as Ray did. The Lord has let his Legacy continue even in his death.
  
  Now that I've slept on it and had time to think about yesterday...... I feel inspired today. Listening to all the stories about the lives Ray touched was indeed inspirational.
  
  God Bless all of you for your kind thoughts and Prayers.
• #8 by TGB1 on 06 Mar, 2010 08:07
• Nothing I can add but more positive thoughts.
• #9 by D.A.L.U.I. on 06 Mar, 2010 08:42
• His family are obviously strong and generous people to have thought of the lives of others when their own was gone--that is a tremendous love, and worthy of the best of people. 
• #10 by Razor X on 06 Mar, 2010 09:19
• I'm sorry to hear about this.  What a tragic loss.
• #11 by Magoo on 06 Mar, 2010 10:30
• My thoughts and prayers go to Ray and his family. God Bless.
• #12 by Papa Don on 06 Mar, 2010 13:28
• I am very sorry for the loss of what must have been a wonderful person.  Perhaps, through the donation of his organs, that legacy will continue in his receipiants.  May God bless his soul.
• #13 by Sooner Steve on 08 Mar, 2010 15:54
• Sorry to hear about your loss. However, the family should draw comfort based upon his organ donation.
  
  I say this to all my SBG brothers.  ORGAN DONATION IS A WONDERFUL PROGRAM.  Please take the time to sign up for it.  We never know when our time shall come and it would be a terrible waste if you should we take valuable organs to our grave simply because we meant to sign up.