Latrobe Presbyterian Church
428 Main Street, Latrobe, PA  15650
(724) 537-3631    Fax: (724) 537-4434

Rev. J. Christy Ramsey, Interim Pastor
Michael S. Long, Director of Music
Benjamin E. Zylka, Director of Program Ministries

Guestbook Entries Tuesday, September 2, 2003

Hey Garrett, I know you don't know who I am, and I'm not all that familiar with yourself. My name's Mike Jones, and I'm the one who played the bagpipes for your recovery Friday night at the Latrobe Derry Game. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous leading up to the moment I striked up the bag. But as soon as my first drone sounded, a serene calm feeling overtook me. All I thought about is this one's for you Garrett, and I hope you can put my playing to good use. We're all behind you, from both communities, praying day and night for your recovery. My idea for the pregame show was the least I could do to portray these feelings and prayers. The sheer number of those praying for you and your family makes the bands' tribute seem miniscule...We're all here for you Garrett, and every time I play that song, it'll be for you and your recovery. When you get to read this if you'd like to contact me my email is Chickenman316@aol.com Mike Jones

Hey Garrett, This is the first time I have left something for you. That is kind of weird, but every time I get on I end up reading the other messages and then can't write anything. I want to start off by telling you that I miss you so much. You were always there for me Garrett. Always there to listen, talk, play, discuss, give advice, do anything. You were and are an amazing friend. I know I didn't always treat you the best and I am regretful for all those times, but you were always there for me; a strong, faithful, reliable friend through thick and thin. I miss you so much, that it cannot be expressed by words. There isn't one day that goes by when I don't say, "Garrett has to see this", "Garrett has to hear this", or "Garrett would find this awesome", "Where's Garrett?" I think about you all the time bud. You were and continue to be such a major part of my life. Lots of things have happened since your accident too. Most of which would make you proud. Our parents have become great friends. You always wanted them to grow closer and now they have. Your Mom and Dad are amazing people. I don't think anyone could handle this as well as they have. I've gotten to know them more too, and see what wonderful people they are. They are so supportive of you, the community, other patients, the employees of the hospital, everyone they encounter. Jordan is doing great too. She is looking after you as the best sister in the world would. She is taking care of you always. I wish you could see how this community has come together for you, and not just our community, but Derry as well. It is incredible. All of the people who attended the prayer service, the hundreds of "Pray for Garrett" signs, the donations, the prayers, the website, all of the support, it is like nothing I have ever seen before. This community is one, big web bound together to hold you up, Garrett. It is all for you. And to top that off, it isn't just this community. People all over the U.S. and world are praying for you. That isn't an exaggeration either. When you recover, you can read the list of all the places where people are praying. Your recover is taking some time, and it tears me apart everyday your not around. I am constantly praying for the day when you will stop by my house, come in, and visit for awhile, and when we will all gather together again for a large Mills' gathering. However, your recover is improving rapidly. You are traveling on the road of progress to that final destination of success. How much I long for that day. I want you back with all my heart and would do anything for it. You mean so much to so many people. Your one special kid Garrett. You are a child of God. Every chance that you had to spread the word of the Lord you jumped on, and I find it incredible that although you are not well, you are still preaching the Word and spreading it. Well for my first time, I wrote a lot, but you know that is how I work, sudden dumps. I better wrap things up before Pastor Ramsey never lets me on here again. (It is amazing what he has done, he has been a blessing and I thank him.) Take care buddy, stay strong, God Bless. I miss you, love you, and pray for your recover. Through Christ with much love - David Mills

I'm so proud of you Garrett! On Sunday night I knew you were there with us and wanted to talk to all of us. You are an awesome person and God is always watching over you and he will always be. Uncle Larry, Aunt Dottie, and Jordy~ You three are so strong through all of this. You, and Garrett, will pull through this. I sit back and watch you work as a family in supporting one another and I know I'm glad to be a part of that. Knowing Garrett is responding is amazing. There should be no doubt in any of your minds that he is not with us now. With all the love in the world from Iowa.. Liz

Wonderful, wonderful news today!! Won't be long now Garrett! Keep up the fight. I would love to see you in the stadium with your #60 on cheering on the team! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! Dana Porterfield

Hi Garrett! It's Mrs. Butler. What great news to hear that you are communicating! I think you are doing great. Keep fighting - I know this battle has been a long one and that the road ahead of you is unknown - but we all know your inner strength. You will overcome this battle and God will be with you every step of the way. We are all pulling for you. You are in my constant thoughts and prayers. Love, Mrs. B.

Dottie: What wonderful news! Thanks be to God! Larry took Lindsay's senior picture today with three of her shelties! I can't wait to talk with Maureen! Continued prayers, Paula Maloney

I just left one message, and then scrolled down and read the others...with tears in my eyes I just have to say that I have never seen so many people caring and praying for anyone or anything like this before in my life. Garrett, you are so very special and mean so much to sooo many people. I firmly believe that YOU WILL get through this. This many prayers will not go unanswered. We love you #60! ~Love Natalie Urban

SHIPOOOOPI!!! Good times!!! :) You guys are always in my thoughts. Take Care! "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." ~Love, Natalie Urban

Larry and Dottie, Your probably are already doing this but just thought I would drop you a note in case your not. When I was in the hospital one thing that really meant a lot to me was pictures. I remember just wanting to see pictures and would look at them later when no one was around. I even enjoyed watching home video. I'm not sure anyone really understood my need.. But I needed to see pictures of my past, relatives, and outside activities I wasn't able to attend. Even in the beginning when I couldn't physically page through the pictures myself and couldn't tell people to show them too me I remember laying there thinking I wish they would show me more pictures. And in the evening when no one was there my nurse would show them to me. But I'm sure your already doing that. Some pictures I couldn't remember at first but it was still important for me too see them. And I would hope people showing me the pictures would make reference to who was in the pictures. Hope it helps and hope it means a lot to you Garrett, as it did me. Hope my suggestion doesn't make them do something you may not want. Best wishes. Your in our thoughts daily..Carlene

Garrett, Today as I was reading your progress I was really touched by the sentence saying that your throat and vocal chords look fine. While everyone looks at what you have done on the field that sentence made me remember everything that you have done in the fine arts department, as well. While I may have laughed at you for singing Domaredansen like the Swedish chef, it truly was a pleasure to sit near you in chamber choir. You are in my thoughts and prayers, man. Stay Strong! -Amanda Bangor

Garrett, I'm always so thankful to check the website and read about the progress that you're making daily. I'm so proud of you, don't ever give up. I know that God will continue to bless you and your family. You were with the Cats in spirit on Friday nite and there wasn't a person in that stadium that didn't feel your presence. Stay strong, #60. Latrobe loves you. Hugs and prayers ~Ashlee Martz

Hi Garrett and family-----I am glad to hear of the improvement you are in my prayers daily. I remember you in such a positive way--always in a good mood and smiling. Best wishes with rehab! Sincerely, Miss Griffin

Garrett-Hey bud....I was finally down to see you yesterday!! I was soo happy that I could see you. I didn't know what quite to think when I first saw you because it didn't seem like that was you...it seemed like you should have been running around, smiling, doing all the things you normally do..but it took a little while and I noticed that it REALLY was you..although it seemed like that shouldn't have been you..God works in mysterious ways and this will just make you stronger!!...I think that I might be down this weekend too( I forgot my purse at Jan's house...I told you that I always forget at least one thing..haha)..I hope so...I think we should be down Saturday maybe!! Well I hope to see you soon!!!!..I love ya bud! and will always be here for you!! -Ann Graham

Garrett, We will continue to be here for you and your family! You remain in our prayers... everyone in Latrobe is thinking about you and pulling for you. Best wishes. ---Samantha Hauger and Family


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