Kurt Blake

Well, we have been through one long, long year. And we made it.

2009-03-17T08:49:00.001-05:00

We still have good days and bad days, ups and downs, we laugh, we cry, we sob. We pray for the kids who were with Kurt on that day. We pray for his friends who weren't.

Some days I feel sorry for myself and somethimes I think, "Why NOT us?"

Kurt was a great kid. He wasn't perfect. He sassed his parents, fought with his brother and sister and teased his cousins. But we was a great kid. I've tried to find out things about him from friends and kids at school. Sometimes I'm jealous of them having more of his time than I had. But I think I saw the truest Kurt of all.

He loved to laugh. In school I think he was pretty serious or quiet during class. Not always, I know. But here, alone with me, he loved to laugh. Most days he was on the couch, playing PS2 or watching sports.

It was tough to walk into the living room to see that empty couch. His feet weren't on the coffee table. He wasn't petting the dog with one hand while eating hot pockets with the other.

Sometimes he'd head up to his room early at night, and what was he doing???? When he was bored, he'd do sit-ups and push-ups!

I miss hearing him say, in his deep voice, "Mom, I'm hungry." His voice was low even when he was little. We've been watching some old home videos which make us laugh and cry. I'm so glad we have them. SO glad.

God is still good. All the time. No matter what we face, no matter what we have to go through. He still loves us and is good all the time.

My thoughts jump around quickly. I have a hard time focusing for any length of time.

We have a new Pastor at our church, and I'd like to invite any of you, especially those who don't go to a church, to come to ours. 9:00 a.m. Sundays. Yeah, it's early, but God's ALWAYS awake, so time means nothing to Him.

I thought of that a lot one day....maybe today we ought to celebrate Kurt's 365th day in heaven. But he doesn't even know or care that it's been a year!! He's just enjoying EVERY minute of it.

I long for the day to see him again. What a great reunion. What a day that will be.

On this incredibly difficult day, we have a huge game tonight. With Kaisa playing basketball in the quarter finals, we have something to look forward to. GO GLADS !!

If you see us on the street, in the school, at a game....don't hesitate to talk about Kurt with us. He's pretty much always on our minds, and we know you think of him, too.

This community we live in has been an amazing support for us throughout this entire year. Again, we thank you. Thank you seems so small compared to ALL of the kindness, support and compassion you've shown. It has been amazing to see the unity that happened. God is still using Kurt's death for His glory and I praise Him for that.

Our God is an awesome God.

We thank you for all of your prayers for us and continue to need them. From what I hear from other parents who have lost a child, we will need that prayer support forever.

Kurt, until then. I love you. mom

Thinking of Kurt

2009-03-05T22:48:00.000-06:00

Now that March is here I think of Kurt more than ever.
The time in the hospital, the visitation, the funeral, the burial.
I try to focus on the positives.
All the tremendous support from family and friends and even strangers.
I think of all the great memories of Kurt's life.
The football games, playing catch with the baseball, (me busting the car window), the pony rides, the wrasslin'. and watching Vikings games.
The way he told jokes.
The million ways he made us smile.
And how proud he made us all.

On March 8th, I plan to watch some of Kurt's football games again on DVD.
On March 17th I plan to weep. again.
I miss him so much.
Steve

Bleachers at Gitche Gumee in Kurt's Memory

2008-08-07T21:49:00.002-05:00

The bleachers have arrived at Gitche Gumee.
We will be getting a plaque to put on them in Kurt's memory.
They are set up and were used today for the first time.
Thank you to each and every one who donated money for this fitting memorial.
There couldn't have been anything else more appropriate for Kurt who loved sports so very much. It's the perfect place to have them; here where he spent so much of his summer each year.
Thank you especially to Erin Robinson for heading it up and to Beth Yates for the great idea!!!

We will finish our 8 week stay here at Gitche tomorrow. It will be hard to leave but there are other things that need our attention. I am reminded of a saying, "Don't be sad that it's over, be glad that it happened."
We are so thankful that God brought us to Gitche and gives us the priviledge of serving Him here year after year.

anna

Kurt would have been 14 on Sunday, 7/27/08

2008-07-26T22:31:00.001-05:00

My thoughts and prayers are with Anna, Jerry, Daniel and Kaisa. Love, Steve

Anna back at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp

2008-06-22T20:24:00.001-05:00

Hi,
We survived the first week of kids at Gitche. We cooked for about 95 people and all went pretty well. Except the Chinese sponge cake. That didn't turn out so well. It is international week for the kids camps. Chinese night was our worst attempt. It was edible, but not great. Jerry came up today on the motorcycle. He figures it only costs about $15 round trip! Daniel took it for a ride the other day when he first came up. It is a nice bike.

I'm pretty tired out at the end of each day. I try and take Sandy for a walk, work my 6-7 hour shift andvisit a little and go to a service here and there. Busy busy busy. Next week there will be some kids who knew Kurt and it may be a little harder. It wasn't too bad this week, although I had my usual cries.Jerry and Kurt were usually home still this week anyway for baseball, so it wasn't so different. But the next 2 weeks might be harder as more kids his age will be here. One day at a time.....
I love you all. talk to you soon. anna

Bleachers for Kurt! $1,625 surpasses goal

2008-05-20T07:00:00.003-05:00

Thanks to your donations Gitchee Gumee Bible Camp will put up bleachers at the field in memory of Kurt. Donations of $1,625 have surpassed the goal of $1,500. Thank you!

TEAM MEMBERS HONOR FALLEN COMRADE

2008-05-14T22:59:00.000-05:00

On Monday May 12th the Jr. High Track team hosted their only home meet of the season, the Ontonagon Invite. With the completion of the last event,after enduring a cold and competitive day, the entire team gathered atcenter field. They unfurled a large banner of Kurt Blake, a teammate who died earlier this year as a result of a skiing accident. Hoisting the banner, they solemnly marched in front of a standing, respectful crowd who applauded them as they made their way around the track. At the end of the lap, many hugs and tears were shared between the teammates and Kurt's parents, Jerry & Anna Blake. Shortly thereafter the announcement came that both the Boy's & Girl's teams had won the meet. This was very fitting as the meet was dedicated to Kurt's memory.

The consensus of the team was, "Kurt would want us to do our best. We did it for him."

Many thanks to Pastor Paul for this article and photo.

Kurt honored at track meet

2008-05-13T15:41:00.000-05:00

Last night, the Jr. High had their only home track meet of the season. At the end of the meet,
they all gathered around, raised a banner up of Kurt and carried it around the entire track in his
memory. Jerry who didn't know anything about it, went down to join them and carried one side of
the banner. I was frozen to my seat, bawling. It was very touching.

As they rounded the last corner, I went down and met them, and one by one, though they were all
freezing on this 40 degree, overcast day, each gave me a tearful hug. Wow.......

anna

Kaisa Blake - Prom Queen

2008-04-25T00:22:00.002-05:00

I'm very pleased to report happy news out of Ontonagon. Kurt's sister Kaisa was named Queen of the Prom in Ontonagon on Saturday night!

I have found my God through all of this.

2008-04-18T15:48:00.001-05:00

Anna-

I have found my God through all of this. Before and during Kurt's passing, I did not believe. Thanks to you and the amazing faith Kurt had, I love my God for each and every moment in my life. I will live my life for my God, For our God.
Thank you for helping me without even knowing it Anna.

Your are an amazing woman.

Anonymous

Danny Byykkonen passed away...

2008-04-18T14:18:00.005-05:00

 Dear friends,

 I'm sorry to have not kept you all better informed about my
 father-in-law.   I went on Sunday to be with Eric and the family in Marquette,
 and had limited e-mail addresses with me.   So many of you have sent
 e-mails and called with words of encouragement and prayers.  Thank you so
 much for the love you have shown our family.   We came home this
 afternoon to Eric's family home in Traprock, to a kitchen full of food, and
 flowers.  His mom said it was like getting a huge hug from lots of
 friends.

 Danny passed away yesterday evening.  We are all very sad about the
 outcome, and would have loved  for God to have shown himself through a
 miraculous healing, however, we are trusting that God is sovereign, and
 has a divine purpose in all that he does, and all he allows, even if we
 never understand it while we are on this earth.    Before we left the
 hospital room, Eric wrote on the message board of Danny's room,  "God
 gives, God takes, may the Lord's name be ever blessed." Job 1:21

 We are so thankful for the many blessings we have - big and small.
 Eric's parents had been on vacation and we hadn't seen them in a couple
 of weeks.  One little blessing we received was last Friday evening
 Danny and Ashley (Eric's sister) came up to watch the hockey game with us.

 She is crazy over the Pitsburg Penguins and couldn't get the game
 down in the valley, so she begged her Dad to bring her up to our place to
 watch the game.  :)  Danny always loved watching a good hockey game,
 and we are so thankful for the time we had with him.

 The visitation is Sunday 3-8pm, April 20,
at Erickson-Crowley funeral home in Calumet.  
The funeral is Monday April 21 at 11am at St.
 Joseph's Church in Lake-Linden.

 Thank you again for all the prayers and support for our family.

 With love,

 Susie Byykkonen

I really never dreamed I could miss a person so much that it hurts

2008-04-12T21:23:00.001-05:00

I'm not sure why I woke up so early this morning. But, I was glad to read the email from my friend Paula, who sent it to me at 1:39 A.M. What was she thinking????

We got a card from Dr. Koehn ("Cane"), the neurologist,and I just thought I would share what she wrote to us...She had been gone for the weekend with her FIVE kids when Kurt died.

"I was so sorry to return & learn of Kurtis' passing over the weekend. He was a beautiful boy. It was a pleasure to work withyou all. You are a wonderful family and Kurt was very fortunate to have been blessed by your love. May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand, comfort you and give you His everlasting peace until you meet again one day."

I was so touched by the fact that she took the time to send a card and then to find such a nice note in itwas extra nice.

I don't know if all of you knew that the hospital sent us a plaster cast of Kurt's hand. The initial shock of opening itand finding it rather creepy has finally worn off. It is kind of nice to have. But yesterday, a friend sent us some pictures of Kurt from last summer at Gitche. In one of them, she is trying to get him to smile. He is standing out the back of a big van and you mostly see his face from the nose up, but his hands are reaching over the back of the seatso they are in the forefront of the picture.

When I looked at it, all I could think of was the plaster hand we had gotten, then thought of holding his hand in the hospital and I just broke down and cried. I just miss him so much. I really never dreamed I could miss a person so much that it hurts. I had good moments yesterday too. But that was a tough one.

Well, I'm off to get my second cup of coffee. Talk to you later.
Love, anna

Prayer request from Anna

2008-04-12T18:03:00.001-05:00

For those of you who attended Kurt's funeral, the man who spoke that day is Eric Byykkonen. This morning, Eric's Dad, Danny, fell nine feet, and has a terrible head injury. He is in surgery right now to have a blood clot removed to release the pressure on his brain. This is exactly what we had to go through with Kurt. Please Please pray for wisdom for the Drs. and for Gods healing hand to be upon him. We are trusting him into the mighty hands of Jesus.

Thank you. anna

4/26 update on the "Bleachers for Kurt" Memorial at Gitchee Gumee Bible Camp - less that $300 to go...

2008-04-03T19:31:00.010-05:00

As posted earlier, we are raising money to build bleachers for the baseball diamond area at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp.

We are looking at 4 rows and maybe twelve to fourteen feet long.
Our goal is $1,500
Total as of 4/26: $1,220

Donations will be accepted throughout the summer.

Donations will be tax deductible.

If you would like to contribute, please send checks with “Kurt Blake Memorial” in the memo to:

Gitche Gumee Bible Camp
5189 Garden City Rd
Eagle River, MI 49950

If you have any questions please e-mail me at lieffers@hotmail.com with Kurt Blake in the subject.
I will continue to update on our support raised!
Thank you in advance!

Erin Robinson

Hi everyone, (from Anna)

2008-04-02T07:59:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone,
I'm not sure how many people continue to check this blog, but I thought I would add something.

I had a rough afternoon of missing Kurt today. But tonight I spent alot of time reading entries on this blog. Many of them I read for the first time, even ones that were written before Kurt died. I've shed many tears tonight, some for the pain I've felt in sorrow and grief, and some simply because I was so touched by so many, many people.

Some of the tears have been shed, because I'm ashamed of myself. I look back at some of the entries and realize how I've allowed my focus to shift from my loving Heavenly Father, to MY pain, MY loss, MY sorrow, and MY hurt. I know that Kurt's life and death are bringing glory to God and reading tonight reminded me of that fact.

I am so thankful for all the people who have taken the time to write to us, to pray for us and to share Bible verses with us. The verses that Alex Saari shared really touched me tonight, "Dear Brothers and Sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." James 1:2-4 I'm not sure what version this is, I'll have to find out, but I've never heard it read "consider it an OPPORTUNITY FOR GREAT JOY" and "your endurance has a chance to grow. SO LET IT GROW."

Why wouldn't I want my endurance to grow? I need to realize that through the pain of losing Kurt, God is giving me a chance to grow in HIM. That's no reason to be sad, that's reason to rejoice. Praise God that "All things work together for good to those who love God, who've been called according to HIS purpose." Kurt was called home to heaven for God's purpose, just as I have been left here to grow in HIM for HIS purpose. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by how much God trusts me, when I know that in myself, I am truly a wimp.

I just thought of the Thumbelina song we used to sing when we were kids, "...what's the difference if you're very small? When your heart is full of joy, you're nine feet tall." As I've said to many people, I'm not strong at all, God's just got his hands in my armpits and everytime I feel like my knees are turning to jell-o, I look to Him and feel His strong arms holding me up. I want to thank each and every one of you who've helped us (and continue to help us) through this difficult time in our lives.

I am so encouraged by the people who've shared that they are turning back to God after all that has happened. Even more encouraging, will be the moment someone says that they have come to know Jesus as a result of Kurt's death. The devil hates when things don't go his way. And what satan intends for evil, God can use for HIS good. Hallelujah. anna

Can do: Young skier’s death felt beyond Ontonagon

2008-04-01T19:29:00.004-05:00

By DAN SCHNEIDER, DMG Writer
The Daily Mining Gazette, Houghton

ONTONAGON — The death of a youth from Ontonagon after a ski accident was felt well beyond his hometown.

Kurt Blake died March 17 in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, Wis. at the age of 13 from injuries sustained in a skiing accident March 8 at the Porcupine Mountains ski area.

Blake was a multi-sport athlete who was well-liked by those who knew him and played with him.

Even his competitors on the basketball court travelled to pay their respects March 20.

“The whole eighth grade basketball team from Calumet came to the visitation to present him with a basketball,” Jerry Blake, Kurt’s father, said.

The Calumet team and Kurt Blake’s team from Ontonagon had played to multiple overtimes in the final game of a tournament in L’Anse.

“Ontonagon ended up beating them in four overtimes,” Blake said.

He said it was not unusual for his son to socialize with members of the other team after a game, whichever way the score went.

“He was a strong, strong competitor but he was one that would always show great sportsmanship, too,” Blake said. “Even though he’d give 110 percent, afterward in the bleachers they’d be having a ball, too.”

Kurt Blake had made a lot of friends playing sports.“A lot of kids knew Kurt from everywhere. A lot of it was through athletics but it was other ways, too,” Blake said.

Trevor Ongie knew Kurt Blake because they went to summer camp together.

“He knew him from Gitchee Gumee Bible Camp,” Trevor Ongie’s mother, Gail Ongie said. “In the summers, he camped out there with him probably for the last four years.”

Trevor Ongie contributed to a pop can drive in Ontonagon that collected money for Kurt Blake’s family while the youth was in the hospital.

Youth in Ontonagon collected more than $2,300 in returnable deposits to help the Blake family pay for medical and other expenses.

“I was up there one day for an hour and a half and I couldn’t believe how hard they were working,” Jerry Blake said. “The day they did it, they went from 11 (a.m.) to 8:30 (p.m.) and on that day itself they put 23,000 cans through that machine.”

He said the collection helped his son’s peers cope with the loss.

“For the kids, when I first heard of the can drive I said ‘kids, you don’t have to do that,’ but that was a way of them feeling like they could do something,” Jerry Blake said.

Trevor Ongie, who lives in Dollar Bay, collected $682 worth of returnables and other donations to add to what was collected in Ontonagon.

“I just basically went to people I knew and asked them if they had any pop cans they were willing to donate for a good cause and some people didn’t have any pop cans so they just donated money,” Trevor Ongie said.

He also spent his share of time feeding cans and bottles into return machines.

“For each of three or four nights we went up there to return them it took us an hour and a half almost every day to do them all,” he said.

Jerry Blake said the support has been vital to his family following his son’s death.

“We’re just overwhelmed by the community support and all this and the prayers and everything else that the community’s put up has been wonderful and that’s what’s helped us through, our faith and the community that’s behind us,” he said.

Dan Schneider can be reached at dschneider@mininggazette.com

Copied by permission of the author from:
http://mininggazette.com/stories/articles.asp?articleID=11292

Memorial for Kurt Blake at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp

2008-03-29T16:48:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends, Family and all who were touched by the life and death of Kurt,
I am writing to inform you of a memorial that is going to be located at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp in honor of Kurt. Seeing as Kurt loved to play sports of all kinds, we are going to raise money to purchase a set of bleachers for the baseball diamond area.

Donations will be tax deductible.
If you would like to contribute, please send checks with “Kurt Blake Memorial” in the memo to:

Gitche Gumee Bible Camp
5189 Garden City Rd
Eagle River, MI 49950

Please have all donations in by Friday, April 25, 2008. If you have any questions or suggestions on a company we can use to purchase bleachers please e-mail me at lieffers@hotmail.com with Kurt Blake in the subject.
I will continue to update on our support raised!
Thank you for your support!
Erin Robinson
Friend and fellow GG camper

God's Tapestry By Emily Matthews

2008-03-26T18:34:00.000-05:00

God weaves the strands of life into a perfect tapestry.
And though His plan for us may sometimes seem a mystery,
If we but trust in Him, even when we do not understand,
Our lives can be great works of art, designed by His own hand...
Rich in love and harmony, with family, home and friends,
Bright with inspiration, and with faith that never ends,
Woven with some challenges to help us learn and grow,
Filled with threads of joy and peace because He loves us so.
Have faith in God's great goodness, keep Him first in all you do.
Pray for understanding of His grand design for you.
Give thanks for all His blessing and live each day joyfully.
Remembering you're a special part of God's own tapestry.

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy

2008-03-26T18:29:00.002-05:00

Logan, the Sky Angel Cowboy is a very sweet audio/video clip regarding the loss of a loved one.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=zCdZwitrNoY

Scriptures For Grieving Parents

2008-03-26T18:23:00.001-05:00

I am Janele Linna's sister (she was with Kurt the day of the accident)
I keep trying to come up with the right words to say but it just won't come; I figured I would just go to the big book. Please share with the family. Thank you. Jamie Linna

Scriptures For Grieving Parents

I found that many times when the image of my daughters death haunted my mind if I would meditate on a scripture, I would find relief. Many times I memorized and repeated them out loud over and over again until the images went away. ~Linda Kaiser

Psalms 121:1-2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.My help [cometh] from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.

Isaiah 60:20 Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the LORD shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.

Luke 6:21 Blessed [are ye] that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep now: for ye shall laugh.

Ecclesiastes 7:1-3 A good name [is] better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.[It is] better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that [is] the end of all men; and the living will lay [it] to his heart.Sorrow [is] better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

1 Chronicles 16:11 Seek the Lord and his strength, seek His face continually.

2 Samuel 12:21-23 Then said his servants unto him, What thing [is] this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, [while it was] alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell [whether] GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed [be] God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

This eulogy is not going to be a typical one.... Anna

2008-03-26T14:29:00.002-05:00

Needless to say, we are kind of in a fog right now. It still seems unreal that Kurt is actually dead. We cry when we need to, laugh when we can and do our best to function through the basics.

The support we have received from friends, family and complete strangers and everyone in between is uncomprehensible. We are beyond overwhelmed by the cards, letters, gifts, food, emails, blogs, phone calls etc, etc. We cannot begin to express our appreciation to each and every person who has helped us in any way...but we do thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts.

I decided I would like to share with you the eulogy that I wrote and read for Kurt at his funeral.

"This eulogy is not going to be a typical one. I've never been very good at being typical.

Our Kurtis James (don't call me Kurtis) "Kurt" Blake was born quickly, July 27th, 1994 to Jerry and I in Shawano, WI.

He is survived by us, his parents, brother Daniel, sister, Kaisa and dog Sandy; Grandpa Dale Blake, Grampa Don and Gramma Norma Haro of Leesburg, FL. Uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

To say that Kurt loved to ski is an understatement. He longed for skiing in the summer, sometimes pulling his ski boots out in July, just to wear them around the house. He was only 18 months old the first time he skied.

Kurt loved to entertain people by telling jokes. He was very animated when he was younger but could tell joke with a straight face. He especially liked telling blonde jokes and I tried to discourage that, reminding him that HE was blonde.

Another understatement is to say that Kurt loved sports. He could share stats about most of the players in the NBA, MLB, NFL and even some hockey and soccer players.

Kurt didn't love school, but he worked hard and did well. Math came easy to him and before he was in kindergarten, he was asking me for math problems. When I asked him to add some easy problems, he wanted harder ones. We worked our way up to adding numbers like 1,784 + 392 and before I could punch the numbers into a calculator, he was finished adding them in his head.

More than anything, Kurt loved Jesus. He may not have said much about him to any of you, I don't know.

I do know that he read his Bible most every day.

I also know that he spent time praying for his teachers and friends.

Kurt would want you to know his Jesus.

If you don't, please don't leave this building until you know that you know you will see Kurt again in heaven.

Kurt didn't die because God failed us. My God is NO LESS THAN FAITHFUL.

Several people have told me of dreams or visions that God has given them. These have helped me more than I can say.

One shared that God showed him Kurt asking Grandma Blake (who died in November) if he HAD to go back and she said, "Only if you want to." She always did let Kurt have his way.

When Kurt was little, he loved soccer. Another told me of Kurt in a HUGE green grassy field with a soccer net at one end.

Kurt had the ball, dribbling it down the field with his feet. His opponant was the same size as Kurt and kept up with him every step of the way. But he was wearing a white robe.

Kurt couldn't seem to shake him, so he turned on the speed and those of you who saw him play sports knew he could turn on the speed when he needed to--even if it meant throwing up afterward.

Well, his opponent, (Jesus) was still right next to him; no matter how fast he ran, so Kurt did his little quick stop, kicked the ball back a little, jumped behind it and then kicked it to try and make a goal.

The ball curved out in a big wide arc and headed straight for the goal. But it stopped directly in front of the goal and dropped to the ground.

Kurt looked at Jesus, who said, "You didn't know I had a goalie, did you?" Kurt smiled the biggest smile ever and hugged Jesus and they walked off of the field together.

Thanks for telling me that, Dad, I love you."

anna

Your continued prayers are appreciated

2008-03-25T08:44:00.001-05:00

Kurt's older brother and sister, Daniel and Kaisa have to return to school today. Please pray for them to have strength to get through the day.
And to have the ability to focus as much as they need to.
Thank you.
And yes, continue to pray for Jerry and I, also.
Anna

Memories of Kurt

2008-03-25T06:55:00.000-05:00

View and post memories of Kurt here:

http://kurtis-blake.last-memories.com/

Obituary and Guest book at www.canefuneralhome.com

2008-03-24T15:12:00.003-05:00

Kurt Blake (July 27, 1994 - March 17, 2008)
Kurt Blake 13 of Ontonagon, MI passed away Monday, March 17, 2008 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, WI.
He was born July 27, 1994 in Shawano, WI to Jerry and Anna Blake. Kurt was a straight A, 8th grade student at the Ontonagon Area High School.
He loved skiing, deer and bird hunting, video games and was proud to have his first job at the porcupine Mountain Ski Shop.
Kurt loved sports and gave 110% in football, baseball, basketball and track.
He was active in his youth group and church.
Kurt is survived by his parents, brother Daniel, sister Kaisa, dog Sandy, Grandpa Dale Blake, Grampa & Gramma Don & Norma Haro of Leesburg, FL and aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his #1 fan, Grandma Mary Ann Blake and his aunt Judy Blake.
Visitation will take place Thursday March 20th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Redeemer Free Lutheran Church in Ontonagon. Funeral services will be held Friday 11 a.m. at the Ontonagon Area High School Gymnasium.

Friends may view Kurt’s obituary and leave condolences at http://www.canefuneralhome.com

Thank you to the hundreds in attendance

2008-03-23T21:57:00.003-05:00

There were hundreds and hundreds of friends, family and loved ones who attended services for Kurt on Thursday and Friday. Thank you all for your support and prayers (and food!). It was truly overwhelming to witness. And thanks to all of you who could not attend in person but supported us with your prayers.

Pictures of t-shirts for Kurt on the right ==>

2008-03-21T07:38:00.002-05:00

I'm getting requests from across the USA on what
the shirts look like.  Is it possible to add the
pictures to the Blog site?

I have attached the front and back of the shirts.

Thank you.
God Bless
Bob

Pasta and Prayers for Kurt shirts

2008-03-19T15:25:00.002-05:00

The Pasta and Prayers for Kurt shirts are being sold again with the same front print and adding to the back: Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles Isaiah 40:31

This has been all approved by the family. With all proceeds going to the Blake family.

The cost of the shirts are $15.00 ea. and can be ordered through Peninsula Graphics at 906-884-4821 or bob@peninsulagraphicsinc.com and payment can be made through PayPal using the above e-mail.

Sizes are s-xxl and youth 2-4,6-8,10-12,14-16.
We can ship shirts in the USA for $4.90 for up to 5 shirts, if needing more please contact us for a quote.

Thank you for your support.
God Bless,
Bob

3/29 Pasta and Prayers for Kurt - A celebration of his life

2008-03-19T12:06:00.003-05:00

We are planning to still have it on March 29th at the Porcupine Mountain Ski Chalet starting with opening prayer at 6:00 and having a prayer every 1/2 hour.

We will have music and I heard through the grapevine that Yvonne is probably going to sing and David to worship.

Candlelight vigil at 8:00.

I also want to let you know that the T-Shirts are a go... We are putting a new psalm on the back of them though.. It is( Isaiah 40:31) People may once again go to Peninsula Graphics in Ontonagon to order these shirts for $15.

Thank You and God Bless,
Michele Wilber

Direct Cards To:

2008-03-18T13:11:00.001-05:00

Anna and Jerry Blake
126 Greenland Rd
Ontonagon, MI 49953

I have had some requests from people wishing to make donations to repeat this information:
Redeemer Free Lutheran Church is accepting donations on behalf of the Blake family.
A notation of "Kurt Blake" should be made.

Checks can be sent to:
Redeemer Free Lutheran Church
315 S. Steel Street
Ontonagon, MI 49953

Vicki White 906.884.4424

Thursday 4pm - 7pm Visitation / Friday 11am Funeral Services (visitation @ 10am)

2008-03-18T09:15:00.019-05:00

PLEASE NOTE: Ontonagon, Michigan is in the EASTERN Time Zone
Also note: Cell phone reception is spotty in Ontonagon so do not count on having cell phone service.

VISITATION:
Thursday, March 20th, 2008
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm EASTERN time

Redeemer Free Lutheran Church
315 South Steel Street
Ontonagon, MI 49953

FUNERAL:
Friday, March 21st, 2008
Visitation at 10 am EASTERN time
Services at 11 am EASTERN time

Ontonagon Area High School - Gymnasium
701 Parker Avenue
Ontonagon, MI 49953

Hotel information:
AmericInn (13 miles from Ontonagon)
120 Lincoln Avenue
Silver City, MI 49953
906-885-5311
Bereavement rate ($59 + tax per night) available only at the local number above. Regular rates ($79 and up) apply to corporate website and reservation lines.

Google Map for Redeemer Free Lutheran Church:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=315+South+Steel+Street,+Ontonagon,+MI+49953&sll=46.867732,-89.313719&sspn=2.523788,5.108643&ie=UTF8&ll=46.869155,-89.311123&spn=0.009858,0.019956&z=16

Google Map for Ontonagon Area High School:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=701+Parker+Ave.,+Ontonagon,+MI+49953&sll=46.869155,-89.311123&sspn=0.009858,0.019956&ie=UTF8&ll=46.869155,-89.303591&spn=0.009858,0.019956&z=16&iwloc=addr

Google Map for AmericInn:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=120+Lincoln+Avenue,+Silver+City,+MI+49953&sll=46.829932,-89.572569&sspn=0.002466,0.004989&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr

Services for Kurt to be announced here soon

2008-03-17T23:47:00.002-05:00

Thank you to everybody for your support in your e-mails, blog comments, photos and mostly for your prayers.

Visitation and funeral arrangements will be displayed here soon.

Kurtis James Blake passed away early this morning 3/17/08

2008-03-17T10:13:00.002-05:00

Isaiah 55:8-9 "for my thoughts are not your thoughts nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.

As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts."

Miracles have happened, but not life for Kurt tonight. Well, he is now living his eternal life with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He died. But he is already living. I'll bet his mansion is next to Grandma Blake's. She truly needed him there. We will cry and miss him. but we will never stop loving him.

And we will see him again. Our God is still our AWESOME GOD.

Anna and Jerry, Daniel and Kaisa

Family visits only please

2008-03-16T21:10:00.005-05:00

Hi,
It's Anna.
We know that you are still praying. As are we.

We now have a request that I sort of don't want to make, but am now ready to make. Please wait to come and visit us. Thankfully, we are going to be surrounded by family and even though we love many of you as family, we just ask for some time and space right now.
Thank you so much.

love, anna

Just Keep Praying

2008-03-16T20:04:00.001-05:00

Just keep praying. We are. They don't offer us any hope anymore.

We still believe in the giver of life. In Psalm 139 it talks of things that I will paraphrase: "Kurt was knit together in my womb and God can knit him back together again." They assessed Kurt at noon. They told us he was brain dead. They did a test at 3 to see if there is any blood going to the brain stem. There isn't. That means basically that his body is about done. They will reassess Kurt at midnight. If he is still considered brain dead, they will consider him dead. They will no longer offer any further treatment. His body may continue for awhile, but gradually will shut down. Please trust in the God of the Universe to work the miracle we are all believing for.

If you don't know my Jesus, I'd like to introduce you: just admit to Him that you've sinned, ask Him to forgive you, and ask Him to come into your heart to be your Savior and your Lord. Then pray. Please pray for Kurt. Psalm 118:17-18 "I will NOT die, I will proclaim the works of the Lord. He has chastened me but He has NOT given me over to the death." HALLELUJAH.

anna

Thoughts and Prayers from Richfield, WI

2008-03-16T12:59:00.001-05:00

I am a friend and co-worker of Steve Haro. Our family is praying for young
Kurt and his family. We encourage everyone reading this to "Pray without
ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Having gone through our own emotional roller coasters with our sons at
Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee, we really feel and pray for Kurt and Kurt’
s family. During this difficult time, we encourage you to keep your faith
in Him and "Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you." Psalm
55:22.

Miracles do happen,

Keith and Gail

Prayers for Kurt at a Christian Concert last night

2008-03-16T12:10:00.002-05:00

I was at a christian concert last night at an amusement park and toby mac and jeremy camp were playing. There was a little cell phone station that they were promoting and you could send a text message so it would show up on the 2 big screens on stage so everyone could see it... me and my sister wrote please pray for my friend kurt and someone also wrote a bible verse, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 and i believe that Kurt will be able to fight his way through this, he's such a strong person and Christ is strengthening him everyday.I just wanted to tell you i'm still praying hard for kurt and the family, and over 2,000 people from that concert are praying for kurt too. We took pictures of the screen, so i also sent those with this message.

God Bless,
janele

Thank you all for all of your prayers

2008-03-16T12:04:00.000-05:00

Hi. I continue to be completely overwhelmed but extremely encouraged by all of the messages. I just can't begin to say thanks. So, I will give GLORY TO GOD. That is why we're here. He is why we are here. To read encouraging messages from across this world from Kindergarteners to retirees is just beyond what I could've ever imagined might happen on this blog. Okay, so my cousin Dan and I are in the same technological boat. My sister-in-law suggested getting more pictures on the sight through attachments. I said, "attachments ?! I'm still using VELCRO." It was awesome to get to see most of the kids who were with Kurt when he jumped. We so wanted to reassure them that it was no fault of their own---Kurt was going to jump whether they were there or not. I truly hope it helped each of them to be here, and for the two of you who haven't been able to come...consider yourselves hugged ( ) . Today I learned that that is a hug. Here's another one ( ) only this one is bigger. Thank you all for all of your prayers. We wouldn't make it through an hour of our day without God. Any time I take my focus off of him, I realize how easily I begin to doubt. To have kids come in wearing buttons with "KB Hope" or "KB Expect" on them and cards with Psalm 118:17-18 printed on them, as well as hugs and prayers is above and beyond anything I thought would happen. Encouragement from their parents is another blessing. We have also tried to tell each friend that this is no reason to stop skiing but please wear a helmet. PLEASE. If you won't wear a helmet, wear two. The generosity of family, friends, our community and total strangers is a whole other blog!!!!! Kurt is holding his own right now. Breathing pretty well, but still on the ventilator. I don't believe there's been any change in his pupils. He did need a new feeding tube that should be easier on his stomach. Yes he is one tough kid and right now he is resting in the ALMIGHTY's arms until he gathers the strength he needs to "rise up and walk."

And Praise God he will. amen It is time to get some sleep now. Good night. Psalm 118:17-18

anna

Pasta and Praise Details... T-Shirts @ Peninsula Graphics

2008-03-15T21:13:00.006-05:00

Pasta and Praise: March 29th @ 6:00 at the Porkies

The Pasta and Praise Team is asking that people do not forget to go to Peninsula Graphics to order T-Shirts for $15 as all proceeds will be going to this benefit and the goal to reach the $5,000 mark.

Bob is doing this out of the kindness of his heart and is gaining nothing from it but, peace in his heart.. We would like to have as many people as possible wear their shirts the night of the benefit.

We decided to have a silent auction instead of a raffle so anyone that would like to donate to this can contact Marcia Aho-Black or DeeDee Preiss.

They would appreciate anything...Pastor Howard Neider is in charge of all of the ministers. Vicky White is in charge of the music and money.

Call Julie Ashley or Michele Wilber for those that would like to donate any desserts or tossed salads (send in throw away containers) or call for work times.

Please do not call Dena at the Porkies about any of this as she is a busy lady!

Thanks,
Michele

Good morning, this is Anna

2008-03-15T13:42:00.000-05:00

Good morning, this is Anna.

My version of Exodus 14:13 says something like this: Stand by and see the miracle which HE will accomplish TODAY. When I say my version, I literally mean, those are my words of what God says in that verse. Praise God for sunshine today.

Mom, one of my concerns has been "how in the world will I be able to let Kurt play football again." The words were in Isaiah 40: "They shall run and not be weary" HALLELUJAH !!! You certainly can't run with part of your skull missing so I know that I know he will be okay. and better.Today was the first day that dr. Fernandez smiled at me. He has always been very very kind and compassionate. But today he smiled as he left. more later. His eyes are beginning to crack open slightly and though his pupils aren't perfect they are uniform.....keep on praying.

love, anna

From Aunt Patti (McTigue)

2008-03-15T11:49:00.002-05:00

Well, just when we think we can't play this game one more day, we experience a fresh wave of God's sustaining grace. There are times it is all we can do to stand. But we are standing firm on the solid foundation of the Word of God. Jerry came in with Exodus 14:13 today and I shared Romans :24-25. Perservere. Yes, we shall.
The good news is Kurt can take breaths on his own, though he is still using a ventilator. Overall there are no significant changes to report from a medical perspective.
Anna and Jerry astound me by their strength and stability. It seems each hour has moments of emotion--not always tears...we find times for laughter, too! that is the best medicine. Much prayer. quiet singing. Daniel and Kaisa are the best bro and sister God could give Kurt. Each one brings a supply. Thank you for your continued prayers and words of encouragement. We are confident Kurt will come through this valley. Yes and Amen!!

Today's Miracle in another patient

2008-03-14T19:31:00.003-05:00

I was with Anna today when the doctor told us they are doing everything they can to help Kurt.

Kurt does remain in a coma and we need a miracle. The doctor said the trouble with miracles is they are rather rare. But they do happen! Just this morning this same doctor witnessed a miracle in another patient. There's a little baby here who had a tumor that was life-threatening and inoperable.

But this morning that tumor was gone! The doctor used the word "miracle" as the only explanation. So miracles to happen. One happenned here this morning.

So while Kurt remains in a coma, there are signs of brain activity. There is still hope.
All we can ask is to continue to pray and trust God will deliver a miracle for Kurt too.

Thank you for all the kind thoughts words and prayers for Kurt. And thank you for passing along this site to keep others informed. And thanks to all of you who have added comments and sent words of encouragement.

We continue to be amazed by the outpouring of support with dozens of e-mails and messages.

May God Bless you all.
Steve Haro

We have chosen to continue as we are. TRUSTING GOD THAT IS.

2008-03-14T19:28:00.002-05:00

Praise God for laughter. Praise God for sunshine. Praise God for spring time. Praise God for beautiful people who are in our lives and care enough to pray, including those who've never met us, but know our Almighty God. Praise God for the Ronald McDonald house and good food to eat even when we aren't hungry. Praise God for the ability to sleep even when stressed. Praise God for children who know HIM.

Should I continue? I read a verse this a.m. about having what you pray for by Praising God. Praise God for small town communities.......I have prayed a simple prayer for years. "Bring Unity to our Community." It kind of has a ring to it, ya know? When we moved to Ontonagon when Kurt was 1 month old, I was looking for a Bible Study to attend. When I wasn't finding just what I had hoped for, I decided I would host one, but needed someone to lead it. No one stepped forward. My wise friend Pam said, "Why don't YOU lead it?" So I did. Maybe not very well at times, but God worked through many lives around our kitchen table---not because of me, but in spite of me. To this day that Bible study continues around other kitchen tables now because I am working. There were times when we would have up to 15 women from 5 different churches gathered, regardless of differences, we all had one common denominator: the Word of God.

Today, there has not been much good news from our drs. They said that they discussed doing another CT scan but really didn't think what they found would cause them to change any of their treatments for Kurt. There isn't any response in his pupils, the pressure in his brain continues to go up (this is called ICP--intercranial pressure), though they aren't sure why. He seems to have less reflex in his ankles and toes, but still has it in his knees. Let's see, my sister Patti is here from NH, she is an Occupational Therapist and spoke with Kurt's OT and they agreed on some splints for Kurt's hands to help them stay open instead of in a fist, as they were beginning to do. This will help if he needs any therapy later. Kurt is still breathing above the ventilator, just enough to start a breath but then the ventilator kicks in to help him get a good deep breath. The drs. told us there are basically three options for us: #1 to continue as we are and see what happens. #2 to stop all therapy and see what happens or #3 if he continues to worsen and becomes brain dead, then there are no options. He reminded us that things look very bleak for Kurt and right now it would pretty well take a miracle for him to be much more than a vegetable......well..............

We have chosen to continue as we are. TRUSTING GOD THAT IS.

It was pretty awesome today because the dr. told us that he witnessed a miracle today with another patient. Patti (having worked with many drs. over the years) told us that it is so incredibly rare for any dr. to admit that out loud. After hearing about this miracle, I felt like jumping up and yelling WOOOOHOOOOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But under the circumstances I was concerned that I could scare the dr. to death and then we'd have to be praying for another miracle. I think I can only handle one at a time. Wow, how does God do it? It is amazing enough that there are people praying in at least 26 of the United States and at least 6 different countries, but it's even more amazing that God hears every one of those prayers and HE WILL ANSWER THEM. So we continue to believe HIM for this incredible miracle. Today I received a confirmation that Kurt's eyes will open. My cousin had a dream that there were many people singing all around me because Kurt's eyes had opened!!!!!! I'll take it. Now, I'm just curious who will be singing???? Maybe I want earplugs! :) Oh, I can't wait! I need to go back in and see him right now.

Keep on believing Psalm 118. Praise God for answered prayer. Praise God.
Thank you again and again.
Anna

On Eagle's Wings from Grandpa & Grandma

2008-03-14T09:16:00.001-05:00

Dear ones praying for Kurt and all our family,
How much we appreciate your prayers that are going up to God Almighty, through Christ Jesus, Our Savior and the Holy Spirit! How much we have to be grateful and to feel blessed by all of you. Prayers by this time are going up for healing from virtually around the world. It is overwhelming. God has his own timing and wisdom and whatever he decides we can abide by it.

So many positive reports have come through albeit there is always a down side but we continue to be fervent in prayer and appreciate yours so much

The verse "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint" Isaiah 40:31 is the verse I'm claiming for Kurt, our grandson.

When we left Ontonagon, MI years ago I prayed to God that we were making a wise choice. An eagle came down and hovered right in front of our pickup as we drove, turned his head and looked us in the eye, his wings widespread and made a grand exit. It was just breathtaking and I took it as a sign from God. I think Kurt will mount up with wings as eagles. The song entitled, "On Eagle's Wings" is one of my favorites and always reminds me of the incident.

We pray for the Doctors and nurses of this wonderful facility in Marshfield for their wisdom and sensitivity with Anna, Jerry, Kaisa, Kurt and Daniel. What a family they are, what a testimony they are to others.
Kaisa and Daniel, you are amazing kids!

We have been blessed beyond measure with our families and wish to extend blessings to each one of you and your families.
Love through Christ Jesus, Our Lord
Grandpa & Grandma aka Don & Norma

From Lynn Swoden in Nevada

2008-03-14T08:39:00.000-05:00

We are friends of a friend of Kurt's named Keny. She took me to the website today to see him and read about his progress.My grandson was born this last year with a brain injury and upon birth suffered all the same things I've read about Kurt.

I understand the roller coaster feeling, and the emptiness when it seems as if prayers are unanswered. Yet, only to be brought back into that safe place when you see God's hand at work.I will share with you a scripture that brought us great comfort in this adventure with Baby James.

In Mark it talks about the man that brought his child to be healed, and Jesus asked if he believed. His reply was - oh yes I believe, but help me in my unbelief. When I begin to falter in my faith, or question God's ability, I remember and pray that very thing - help me in my unbelief. It gives me such freedom and removes the guilt that I carry when I begin to question!

We have had a prayer chain for Baby James that has gone world wide - from Kosikstan to Austria, the Phillipines to Iraq, Micronesia to Switzerland, China to Italy, and all of these United States. I will send this link on, and ask that Kurt be brought before God in their prayers.

Our hope is that God is glorified, Kurt is healed, and many are brought to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through the life of Kurt and your family. May God richly bless you, and grant you peace and hope beyond what you can even imagine. May His thoughts be your thoughts, may His strength continaully sustain you, and may you find rest in the comforting arms of your Savior Jesus Christ.

Cromwell love

2008-03-14T07:47:00.001-05:00

Gayle and I and all of us here in Cromwell are thinking of Anna and Jerry and family and your entire family constantly this week. Please extend our love to all of them. Please continue to keep us updated on Kurt's progress and condition.
Give Anna and Jerry and all a big hug from us!
Love, Dan and Gayle

Bonnie O'Connell said...

2008-03-13T23:06:00.000-05:00

My daughter Becky and I were praying for Kurt Monday night the 10th and Becky received the same verse, Psalm 118: 17.

We were amazed when we heard the same word was received by the 3 of you as well. She kept repeating the verse over and over, I will not die but I will live and declare the works of God. Praise God!!! We love you all, and as much as we all do, The Lord loves all of you and Kurt even more. We cannot even fathom how deep and wide His love for us is. But as it says in Ephesians 3:16-21----that out of his glorious unlimited resources he will give you the mighty inner strengthening of his Holy spirit. And I pray that Christ will be more and more at home in your hearts, living within you as you trust in him.

May your roots go down deep into the soil of God's marvelous love; and may you be able to feel and understand, as all God's children should, how long, how wide, how deep, and how high his love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves, though it is so great that you will never see the end of it or fully know or understand it. And so at last you will be filled up with God himself. Now glory be to God who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of-infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes.

May he be given glory for ever and ever through endless ages because of his master plan of salvation for the Church through Jesus Christ.

From Ambulance Driver

2008-03-13T23:01:00.001-05:00

http://ambulancedriverfiles.blogspot.com/

A Request From A Reader...
...that I am more than happy to grant.Kurt Blake is a 13-year-old boy who suffered a severe head injury on March 8, 2008, during a skiing trip to the Porcupine Mountains in Michigan. He was airlifted to St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, Wisconsin, where he remains in critical condition.Kurt's still comatose at the moment, but he has regained some respiratory effort and reflexes, although he still requires mechanical ventilation.You don't have to be a parent to imagine the emotional devastation this has wrought on his family as they watch a formerly healthy, athletic young man struggle for life in a PICU bed.If you're of a religious persuasion, please pray to the deity of your choice for this young man's speedy recovery. If you don't pray, good thoughts and warm wishes are also welcome.In any case, stop by the blog and give 'em some support, okay?

His House Christian group at Michigan Tech

2008-03-13T22:58:00.001-05:00

The His House Christian group at Michigan Tech is now going to be praying for Kurt and family also. He has been in my thoughts often since I heard of the accident. Never give up hope! :)

Kurt is in all of our prayers

2008-03-13T22:56:00.000-05:00

Kurt is in all of our prayers, as is the rest of the family. All things that happen to us can be a blessing and part of our earthly learning. God's love does not protect us from earthly travails, but rather helps us to see our way through them. Our Heavenly Father loves Kurt and is watching over him.

Bill

To all Readers

2008-03-13T22:52:00.001-05:00

To all Readers,

As bad as the situation may look from a human perspective it never is bleak from God's.

God can move a mountain if one with the faith of a MUSTARD SEED prays for it to happen.There are many more here with much more than the faith of the mustard seed praying for Kurt and his family.I write this to try to capitilize on all of our prayers. If you can possibly do so I have it on my heart to call you all to pray for Kurt at 7:30 PM EST. Right now with the specifics that Kurt OPENS HIS EYES! Our God will work a great miracle here, it has already begun and the world, both believer and not can see the faith that the Blake family has. We need to continue OUR PART. And by that we will hold up our end as Children in Christ.One last thing to keep in mind:Phillipians 4:6-7Worry about nothing, instead pray about everything, and the peace of God which surpasses all human understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Not for my glory, but the LORDS.

A brother in Christ

i may be eleven but that doesnt make a difference

2008-03-13T20:35:00.000-05:00

i may be eleven but that doesnt make a difference. i know many people in my class that are praying for him. (including me) i cant wait till he comes back to ontonagon. just wait god will bless him with the strength to recover.i feel so bad.

KURT WILL BE BLESSED!

-bailee and many others

Missionaries in Uganda, Mexico and Brazil- all are praying

2008-03-13T20:30:00.001-05:00

Jerry, Anna, Kaisa, Daniel and Kurt,
This morning in our AFLC Headquarters staff devotions we read Psalm 86 which is a prayer of David, this was so fitting as I thought of Kurt through the whole reading. Vs. 5 “For Thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon Thee.” Vs. 7 “In the day of my trouble I shall call upon Thee, For Thou wilt answer me.” The last line in vs 17 “Because Thou, O Lord, has helped me and comforted me” Our Lord does not change and has not failed us in the past – He will not forsake you.

Again this morning, as we have every morning this week, we have been praying for Kurt’s healing and for grace and strength for all of the family – the prayer request has gone out on the AFLC prayer alert and to our Missionaries in Uganda, Mexico and Brazil- all are praying.

Last night at the end of the service at my church we gathered together and had a special prayer time for Kurt and all the family. Also, one of hymns we sang - Does Jesus Care? The first two verses spoke so strongly to me that Jesus is Caring for you all and is with you.1. Does Jesus care when my heart is pained too deeply for mirth and song;As the burdens press, and the cares distressAnd the way grows weary and long?O yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior cares2. Does Jesus care when my way is dark with a nameless dread and fear?As the daylight fades into deep night shades, Does He care enough to be near?O yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When days are weary, the long nights dreary, I know my Savior caresI know the Lord is doing something great and powerful through this.

Kurt, keep fighting!! I want to come and talk baseball etc. and give you a Twins update.

Love and Prayers, Wanda
Minneapolis, MN

My name is Evan Maves

2008-03-13T20:21:00.001-05:00

My name is Evan Maves from Watersmeet Michigan.
I had a head injury too and was in the same place as Kurt.

I am thankful to everyone in Marshfield because they saved my life.
I know that they will help kurt too.

I would like to come and vistit you sometime.

Evan Maves

Evan Maves recovered at St. Joseph's in Marshfield

2008-03-13T20:19:00.001-05:00

We are the family of Evan Maves. He suffered a head injury on August 25 and spent almost four weeks at St. Joseph's in Marshfield. He was then transferred to 2 other facilities and finally came home on December 6. Reading your blogs has brought back so many memories for our family. We have walked those same halls...we've had the same sleepness nights and have cried those same tears. all of us. we are praying for you continuously.

Scott, Evan, Lauren, Elizabeth Maves and Chris, Andrew and Mary Gustafson

True stories - Reason for hope

2008-03-13T20:15:00.002-05:00

Dear Friends and Family the world over who are reading this blog, praying for Kurt, and wrapping the Blakes in your love:

Your hearts might have sunk from high hopes to despair after reading the preceding post (Thursday morning) from Kurt's mom, Anna. Ours sure did. Steve and I hugged and cried, but then agreed -- we are not ready to summarily cast aside faith and accept that those two medical scenarios sum up the extent of God's love or power, We remind ourselves that God's full plan for Kurt still remains to be revealed. We cannot foresee the ultimate outcome, or the meaning, or what marvelous impact God will ultimately work from all this. Yes, Anna dearest. We'll stand beside you and look the worst case scenario right in the eye, and no matter the outcome, trust fully in the old saying that as God has led us to it, He will lead us through it. But we simply cannot know His plan on this day, and therefore must not lose hope. Need a little more help banishing despair? Here’s a message that came straight from an angel named Alison, someone who posted these words to this blog only a few hours ago...leaving them for us to find just moments ago, when we were in need of them.

"...I used to drive 70 miles once a week to visit a friend's 12-year-old in a coma who'd been hit by a car and not expected to recover from PVS (permanent vegetative state) status. That was 20 years ago. He's a little slow, he has a limp, but he graduated from college. So much for vegetable status. When it is our turn to recover, we do. (I also learned in that experience to pray for the doctors and nurses taking care of him.)"

Thanks, Alison, for being our angel today, and telling a story that lifts us right back up from despair and fires our hope anew. (And P.S. – there are LOTS of true stories like this one. Just ask Kurt’s Aunt Patti. Readers, please keep posting your stories of encouragement!)

from Kurt's Auntie Terese and Uncle Steve
West Bend, Wisconsin

More prayers for Kurt on Facebook.com

2008-03-13T18:48:00.002-05:00

Thank you to Anna Wiese for creating this site on Facebook.com...

http://iastate.facebook.com/group.php?gid=23572905888

Thursday afternoon 3/13/08

2008-03-13T18:07:00.000-05:00

Not any new news on Kurt really. Sometimes he digests food, sometimes not as well. so they give him more when he can handle it and less when he needs a break. I wonder who God will have in the room to see him open his eyes and say "I'm hungry". :)
I love you all.
Keep praying.
Anna

Thursday morning 3/13

2008-03-13T18:02:00.001-05:00

No real news this morning, yet.
According to the nurses, things are about the same.
We have yet to talk to the doctors today. They are doing rounds now and will talk to us soon. I feel I need to clarify some things. Kurt is in a coma. He is also sedated to put him into a deeper coma. According to medical technology there is not much hope for him beyond living as a vegetable for the rest of his life. The dr said to us that he could die in half an hour or he could live a long long time with no quality of life.

But praise GOD HE HAS ALREADY WON THAT VICTORY. KURT WILL BE HEALED. KURT WILL TELL HIS STORY ONE DAY. HALLELUJAH. WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THAT DAY WILL COME BUT WE DO BELIEVE IT WILL. I know that at times I may have painted this picture that isn't reality. I apologize for that . I know I may not need to apologize but I wanted to clarify some things.
Thank you for continued prayers.
Thank you for understanding.
Anna

Pasta and Prayers for Kurt March 29th

2008-03-13T13:57:00.001-05:00

Anna and Jerry,
Hello, I hope that all is going well for you today. Our prayers are still going strong here in Ontonagon. We had a "Rosary" for Kurt at the Catholic Church last night and it was a huge success. Just want to let you know what I've got going. We are having a benefit for Kurt on:

March 29th @ 6:00 at the Porkies, it will be called: "Pasta and Prayers for Kurt"

Dena is making her homemade sauce!!!!"Redeemer Free" church has donated $ for other items we may need and the best part is that Thrivent is planning to match funds up to $5000
so my plan is to raise at least this much!!!!

I'm going to have T-shirts made up by Bob that have the "Pasta and Prayers for Kurt" on the front with date/time...on the back will be Psalm 118....
People can go to Peninsula Graphics in advance to order their shirts for $15.. the money made on these shirts will go to the funds needed to reach our goal of $5000.

There will be entertainment in the back room for all of us.. Anyone interested in entertaining can bring their voices.. We will also be having a candlelight prayer vigil with as many ministers in town that would be willing to join in this prayer time and as many people that would be willing to join in (bring your candles)...

Anyone wishing to donate any items to raffle off my call myself or Julie Ashley.

God Bless All of You,
Michele,Jeff,and kids

3/23 Buffet @ Northwood's Candlelight Inn Super Club here in Ontonagon

2008-03-13T13:00:00.001-05:00

Dear Blake Family,

I just got off the phone with the owners of the Northwood's Candlelight Inn Super Club here in Ontonagon. Owners Amie & Elaine.

They want to do something to help the family as well.

So they are planning on donating proceeds (after expenses) from their Easter Dinner Buffet on March, 23rd to the Blake Family.

The buffet will run from 12 noon to 5pm. $10.95 for adults and $6.95 for children 12 and under.

Many of us are also going to volunteer to wash dishes, bus tables, and waitress. Not to worry, they will not let me COOK!

Anyone wanting to volunteer to do a time slip can call Sandy at 884-6011 or Lisa Huotari at 884-2011 or the NW Candlelight at 884-6300.

Just another way this town can show it's fine colors!!

We are all praying for Kurt and everyone there! God bless.

Sandy Baker

From Teresa Kempen

2008-03-13T06:28:00.000-05:00

Last night at Open Gym one of the kids told me there were about 50 gathered last night at the Heritage House to pray for Kurt and I was at the Catholic Church praying the rosary at 6:30 for Kurt and the family, where at least 60 were gathered. May the prayer continue to carry all through!

~ Teresa Kempen

Hi from Anna - Wednesday, 3/12/08

2008-03-12T20:55:00.002-05:00

Tonight there isn't much new news with Kurt. We are praying that by 9:00 Saturday morning Kurt WILL open his eyes. In the name of Jesus we believe that.

There were two prayer meetings tonight in Ontonagon, MI, our hometown, for Kurt. I know that 100 people showed up at one of them and I haven't heard about the other yet. I don't seem to even know what the time on the clock means, let alone what day it is. But at 5:30 today, Jerry said he was going over to the house to join them in prayer and when I finished what I was doing, I went down to the chapel to spend some time in prayer. It was overwhelming. At first I just walked around and prayed, then I sang some praises to our awesome God.

Then I sat and spent more time in prayer and such a peace came over me, I have a hard time putting words to it. I'll describe it as a HOLY WEIGHT. My entire body felt weighed down. But it was a good heaviness. Heavenly heaviness :) I was feeling peacefully exhausted, but it wasn't as if I could've slept. I was bathed in the power of God. I truly believe that and I thank each and every one of you who prayed tonight as well as all the prayers that go up throughout the days and nights.

I was humbled and thrilled to know that so many, many people are praying for us.

Our oldest son, Daniel goes to Iowa State and they have at least one person in the chapel praying for Kurt around the clock. With people praying in Australia, China, Finland, all over the U.S. and likely in other countries we haven't even been told about, I imagine we have others covering him and us in prayer around the clock because of all of the time zones people are in.

All I can say is thank you and keep on praying.

Anna

Can Drive in Ontonagon Tuesday, 3/18 @ Noon

2008-03-12T18:48:00.002-05:00

Please note that a can drive is being held Tuesday, March 18th @ Noon.
Anyone interested in helping out,can meet @ Pat's Foods a little before noon.

Donations for Kurt at Redeemer Free Lutheran Church

2008-03-12T18:34:00.003-05:00

Donations for Kurt:
Redeemer Free Lutheran anticipates applying for a Thrivent Financial for Lutherans matching fund project for Kurt. Initial indications are that up to $5000 would be available to match individual contributions. I've contacted Michelle Wilber, who is working on a pasta dinner, and the party that has donation cans at WUPY and OASD, and Lisa, who is behind a can drive. If funds collected are channeled through Redeemer Free they can be counted toward the matching funds and essentially doubled.

Individuals wanting to contribute directly may also do so.
Checks can be sent to:

Redeemer Free Lutheran Church
and a notation of "Kurt Blake" should be made.

The address is:
Redeemer Free Lutheran Church
315 S. Steel Street
Ontonagon, MI 49953

Vicki White 906.884.4424

God can work miraculously in healing

2008-03-12T18:24:00.000-05:00

Steve, Anna and All,

So sorry to hear about Kurt's injuries!! His recovery looks to be pretty impressive so far!!! Our prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time!!!

We pray that likewise, Kurt will be healed fully and quickly, if it is God's will! We also pray for peace and strength for your families during this difficult time!

Jane and I know from personal experience God can work miraculously in healing, and know it is entirely possible to bounce back from a head injury!! Our daughter Michelle had serious brain damage when she was about six due to a fall. Not everyone recovers from head injuries, but God blessed us and Michelle is now enrolled at AT Still University, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, Missouri, to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. That is testimony to God's amazing power to heal!!

We also know an 87 year old man here, a member of our church, who was on a ventilator, extremely low blood pressure, pneumonia, in a coma, and in very tough shape. He has bounced back to the point where he is ready to be released to go home from rehabilitation this week. This is another case where God worked in a wondrous way where many thought there was little hope!!

God, we pray that you would heal Kurt quickly and completely, if that is your will!

We pray this In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!!

Duane and Jane Maki

The Hawley family is praying

2008-03-12T17:34:00.001-05:00

The Hawley family and their extended network is praying for Kurt and for the Blake family. Besides my family we have contacted folks across the U.S. who are putting Kurt and the Blake family in their prayers.

FYI – I’m Jack Hawley’s niece and John’s cousin and have skied with all the Blakes. Joanie

Improvement on Wednesday, 3/12

2008-03-12T11:12:00.001-05:00

Kurt is breathing somewhat above the ventilator. this is awesome. they don't know for sure if he could hold his own without it. But he is breathing some.

Today we are praying specifically for Kurt to open his eyes within 36 hours. this will be a major breakthrough in the doctors eyes and ours. hallelujah.

From Kurt's 1st Grade Teacher

2008-03-12T11:10:00.000-05:00

I am praying here like crazy. Prayer is so powerful. Kurt is held. You are held.

I am proud of you for asking for what you need, and requesting some time for self-care/rest as you care for Kurt and the family as a whole.

I just found myself pulling out a piece of Kurt's Thanksgiving writing yesterday.

"I am thankful for life and family. I am thankful for Christmas.

I am thankful for a very special thing God. AND a very special thing me."

God is with him, and all of you.

Much love-Liz

Praise God for all the support

2008-03-12T09:30:00.002-05:00

Jerry and Anna slept 6-7 hours last night, while Kaisa and Daniel stayed here taking turns with Kurt.

Right now the rollercoaster is on the way up.....

There is a slight improvement in Kurt's pupils. His reflexes are there. They are going to start him on a feeding tube again in small amounts. He squeezed Daniel's hand slightly.

They are giving him a different bed (appropriately named a sport bed) which helps to avoid pressure ulcers. His numbers on the reports are about the same as yesterday.......
We believe the Bible has a different report and that report never changes.
All God's promises are YES AND AMEN in the name of Jesus.

Psalm 118:17-18

We are still overwhelmed by everyone's concern and love and offers of everything from cleaning our toilets to food and Hotels.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We love you. Keep on praying.
Anna

Ontonagon community support

2008-03-12T09:10:00.004-05:00

Thank you to Sandy Baker, editor of The Lake Superior Voice in Ontonagon for the following message:

Your web site is a wonderful idea for all of us back home who are so anxious for news every minute.

Maybe you would want to add the fact that there are donation cans spread throughout Ontonagon for anyone wanting to help the family. Not sure if they want that on there, but it might be helpful. We all sit here wondering what, if anything, we can do from here. We all feel so helpless. So this is something friends have started to help in a small way from here. I think it is great! God bless this town we live in!!!

A Spaghetti Benefit dinner is being planned (Michelle Wilber will be the organizer)

more details to follow soon.

Please give them all a big hug from us here at the VOICE.

We too have been through a similar head injury in our family, so I know how things can be.

Take care,

Sandy

Visitors arriving this week

2008-03-11T22:47:00.002-05:00

Anna's sister, Patti, who is an occupational therapist in New Hampshire, is flying in late Wednesday night. She'll be at the hospital beginning Thursday for a few days. Anna's brother Steve and his wife Terese will drive up from West Bend, WI on Friday to share prayers and hugs.

Your Messages to the family are Welcome Here

2008-03-11T22:09:00.004-05:00

Anna has received many, many e-mails and she's trying to get to all of them. But as you can imagine, it's a little overwhelming. Please feel free to post your messages on this blog.

Simply click on the "Comments" link at the bottom of any message and add your own.

Thank you!

In case anyone chooses to send something

2008-03-11T22:01:00.007-05:00

Redeemer Free Lutheran anticipates applying for a Thrivent Financial for Lutherans matching fund project for Kurt. Initial indications are that up to $5000 would be available to match individual contributions. I've contacted Michelle Wilber, who is working on a pasta dinner, and the party that has donation cans at WUPY and OASD, and Lisa, who is behind a can drive. If funds collected are channeled through Redeemer Free they can be counted toward the matching funds and essentially doubled.

Individuals wanting to contribute directly may also do so.
Checks can be sent to:
Redeemer Free Lutheran Church
and a notation of "Kurt Blake" should be made.

The address is:
Redeemer Free Lutheran Church
315 S. Steel Street
Ontonagon, MI 49953

Vicki White 906.884.4424

Tuesday's Roller Coaster of Emotions 3/11/08

2008-03-11T20:20:00.002-05:00

This is a message from Kurt's Mom, Anna Blake from Tuesday afternoon, 3/11

We are on a roller coaster. Thankfully GOD is the one who operates it. So we'll say we are on a Holy Rollercoaster.

This morning we had great news in that we were told by 3 doctors that Kurt's reflexes are back and there are some quivers in his body that weren't there yesterday. They also said that they had turned off his ventilater momentarily and he took a couple of very shallow breaths, but they were breaths!!! They also told us that his swelling in his brain had come down some, and we were ecstatic with our first report of the day.

THEN, they took Kurt for a CT scan to see what kind of damage there is and they said Kurt has had a stroke and the rest of the brain which is to have gray matter and white matter is all one color. This is not a good sign.

Mostly, we need your prayers. We are still believing Psalm 118:17-18 and though the wind gets knocked out of us once in awhile, we still have hope in the one who created this vast universe. Hallelujah

Better news Tuesday morning

2008-03-11T20:16:00.001-05:00

The doctors reported a good sign this morning.
The swelling of Kurt's brain has subsided significantly.

The pressure on his brain (however they measure that), was at 70 before his initial surgery. After surgery it was at 27, but the doctors said anything above about 20 is still dangerous. The normal range is 10-15. This morning the pressure on his brain was down to 16. This is a great sign. The medications and the body cooling the doctors provide are doing what they intended.

Your continued prayers are appreciated.

AUSTRALIA is Praying for Kurt

2008-03-11T20:14:00.000-05:00

You dont know myself but Anna would likley know my husband Jake Krzenski or his mum Brenda Krzenski (Berg) in Cloquet MN. Anyhow Brenda told us about young Kurt being hurt in a bad ski accident , our thoughts and preys are with Anna and all family at this difficult time We hope that he recovers to the fullest extent . I have asked my mum and her church group and their friends (over 30,000 members) to pray for him also which is being done.I have also called our local church groups here where we live in Westbrook QLD AUS to prey aswell .So please tell Anna and family that pretty much people all over Australia is praying for Kurt. Our son Wyatt just had a very minor operation i cannot image how you all must be feeling right now I just hope and pray that Kurt pulls through and gets back on his ski's......

Kristy,Jake and Wyatt Krzenski

Faith

2008-03-11T20:12:00.002-05:00

Wow it has been quite a day. The doctors told us that they felt Kurt was getting somewhat worse because he had lost his gag reflex, his reflexes in his arms and it was diminishing in his feet and legs too.

We on the other hand had heard from "The Great Physician".
Last night Jerry slept at the Ronald McDonald House and the kids and I took turns between Kurt's room and the lounges.

This morning Jerry shared with me the verses that God had given him: Psalm 118:17-18 "I will not die but live and declare the deeds of the Lord. The Lord chastised me harshly, but did not hand me over to death." The verses are awesome and what's more? They are the exact verses God gave to me this morning before I saw Jerry. Later this afternoon, Pastor Paul Sewell (a friend of ours) came down and pulled some notecards out of his pocket. He said"these are some verses God gave me this morning: "Psalm 118:17-18"

HALLELUJAH We believe in God's Awesome Healing Power and we are believing these verses for Kurt's life. We are holding onto the promises of the Almighty God who created Kurt. He is going to be healed and be a living testimony to our God. Please pray these verses with us, inserting Kurt's name: "Kurt will NOT die but live and declare the deeds of the Lord. The Lord chastised me harshly but did NOT hand Kurt over to death." I am not putting the drs. down. They are smart and sharing their knowledge with us, but we still believe that God answers prayer and the maker of this universe has the power over sin and death. Praise God. Thank you again for standing with us; and for all of your support.
Jerry, Anna, Daniel Kaisa and Kurt God Bless You

Monday, 3/10 update

2008-03-11T20:12:00.001-05:00

Anna called early this morning and the Dr. said Kurt's gag reflex, (cough) wasn't there compared to yesterday and his hand reflexes were not as good as yesterday but Pat had reassured her that it can be restored as those are some of the things she works with.

Blakes staying at the Ronald McDonald House

2008-03-11T20:08:00.000-05:00

The Ronald McDonald House sounds like a great place for family members with loved ones in the hospital. Here's a message from Anna's Mom & Dad, Don and Norma Haro of Leesburg, FL:

Anna called this morning and talked for a long time. It was good to hear her laugh about some things; she retains her sense of humor. The "House" is three floors and dinners are home made and brought in every evening. Jerry was getting a well earned rest and the rest of them stayed in the lounge. There are three living rooms plus recreation area in the basement. Visitors are welcome!

She said Kurt reacts when the nurses "fuss" around him in that his blood pressure goes up so they keep activity at a minimum. Today should be peak time for the swelling. Keep on praying. I'm glad you, Steve could go up there. You always bring a breath of fresh air.

We're starting to hear of miracle situations that when the patient comes out of it they are "over" it. Praise God, this would be the case with Kurt.

She said the girl that was skiing with him has a video of his jump. Anna hadn't watched it yet even though she has the camera with her.

So glad you can fly down Pat, She can use your wisdom and support.

We're going to wait a while before going up. There's been a lot of activity there which is good but I think they need a breather too.

Love you all, Mom and Dad

More famliy members arrive Sunday, 3/9

2008-03-11T20:03:00.000-05:00

Anna's brother Steve Haro (me) drove up from West Bend, WI on Sunday morning. Anna's sister and her husband, Mary and Bob Soyring drove in from Cloquet, MN. Dave and Yvonne Blake, Jerry's brother and his wife, drove down from Ontonagon, MI. We all spent time with Kurt and heard updates from the doctor. They have sedated Kurt into a coma as they attempt to reduce the swelling of his brain.

There is hope. Typically, swelling of the brain peaks about 48 hours after the trauma. That will be Monday afternoon. Marshfield Clinic at St. Joseph's Hospital has some of the finest doctors in the country for brain trauma. Kurt is in tough shape in ICU right now, but we are all hoping and praying for the best.

Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated.

Blake Family in Marshfield, WI

2008-03-11T20:00:00.001-05:00

Kurt's parents, Anna & Jerry Blake drove to Marshfield from their home in Ontonagon, MI with their daughter Kaisa on Saturday. Their son Daniel drove through the night from Iowa State University to arrive Sunday early morning.

The Skiing Accident - Porcupine Mountains, MI

2008-03-11T19:57:00.002-05:00

Kurt was attempting a back flip, something he has landed successfully dozens of times before. But this time he hit the back of his head on the icy mountain. He wasairlifted to Marshfield, WI and had surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain. Then his brain swelled . They are doing everything they can for him. we're told we have the best doctors, neurosurgeons,etc. Praise God. We are trusting for a miracle. Please pray.

Kurt Blake - Skiing Accident 3/8/08

2008-03-11T19:53:00.000-05:00

Kurt had a skiing accident on Saturday, 3/8/08, at the Porcupine Mountains near his home in Upper Michigan. Kurt has been skiing since the age of Two. I have created this blog to provide updates on his condition.