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Matthew Lahr and family
Bear Gap
Mere words cannot express the profound outpouring of love that our family has experienced since the heartbreaking passing of our son, Josh Lahr. On behalf of Alicia, Landon and myself, we would like to thank our amazing family, neighbors, co-workers and our local community. IU 29, Stepping-Stones Rehabilitation, Department of Corrections Bureau of Investigations and Intelligence/K-9-unit, Columbia County Christian and Meadowview Christian Academy, the Pennsylvania College of Technology, Columbia Montour-Vo Tech, Southern Columbia. The A and B Children's Theater, Boy Scout Troop 254 Shamokin, Troop 247 Elysburg, Susquehanna Valley Stampede Hockey, Elysburg Fire Company, Pennsylvania State Police Lamar Barracks, Stonington Barracks, the EMS workers in Lamar and Lock Haven area, Calvary Bible Fellowship and so many others that would easily fill the rest of this page.
Through the gift of adoption, our son Josh came into our lives through divine intervention at the age of four months. We are grateful to God for the time that He loaned us Josh. We know that Josh accepted Jesus Christ as his savior, and we look forward to reuniting with him someday. On Jan. 29, 2025, Josh won a race every parent wants their child to win -- life's marathon to Heaven but not by way of a tragic automobile accident that made absolutely no sense.
Our plans do not always align with God's. We know this life is just a mere vapor compared to eternity. Though not reported in the news, the first people on the scene of the accident were two vehicles of Christians from upstate New York traveling to a conference in Pittsburgh that included four pastors, worship leaders and musicians. They prayed for Josh at the accident. Such an act of charity provided us with great comfort. Josh loved music and singing. We know he is now in Heaven singing.
Later while salvaging the car, my brother Jon and I recovered a card in the center console that reads: 1 Cross + 3 Nails = 4Given. It was only by the grace of God that I found this card. This experience has changed our outlook to never underestimate the power of prayer. Without our faith and all the prayers and support, we would not be standing.
Faith and prayer commune us to Christ in a way that few other things can. When we turn that suffering over to Him, it gives us the grace to go on. Faith puts death in a completely different perspective. It is the beginning, not the end.
When we face grief, loss and pain, we discover our mortality that places us at the foot of His cross. I have learned an agonizing lesson that no matter how overwhelming our grief and sorrow, it is the price we pay for love.
It is our hope that everyone would pray for our country and the world the way you prayed for our family as we could feel God's power, strength and comfort. With God's help our son's death won't be in vain. We plan on advancing His Kingdom each day for the rest of our lives. We know Josh would love to have the rest of the world up in Heaven singing with him.
Please know that all the condolences expressed for our Josh will forever be cherished.
(Editor's note: The Express generally does not accept photos with submissions for the op-ed page. However, due to the special circumstances involved with this submission, we are running the photo sent in by the family. The Express offers our sincere condolences in this difficult time, and will keep the family in our prayers.)