*the below post is from a social media message I posted soon after Everett’s body had been found after a massive 4 hour search on the island Everett had been camping on with some family members.*

There’s so much that could be said, but for now we want to share a massive thank you to the OPP, canine units, aviation services, underwater search & recovery, marine unit, and numerous fire department search and rescue teams, island cottage owners who gave up their time to help search km after km, along with countless family, friends and strangers who volunteered to come search for our precious son. There was so many people swarming the island, calling out Everett’s name, boaters watching the shoreline, and helicopter operators searching relentlessly. Everyone we met was so loving, caring, and desperate to help us bring Everett home safely. No effort or expense was spared to rescue our boy. Away from the island there were hundreds of prayers being prayed around the clock, begging God for Everett’s safety, and strength and comfort for us all.

Thank you for the outpouring of support, encouraging words, prayers, and sharing in our loss. Somehow, despite the crushing grief, we feel more loved and cared for than ever before, even though we feel more broken and shattered than we ever knew possible. We are surrounded by so many wonderful people. Reading and hearing these comments of support means more to us that you will ever know. It really does. Even though many of you have thankfully never experienced a pain like this, you have entered into our pain. Thank you for lifting us up to our loving Father, who has called one of his children home. And what a child he was! We feel your prayers, and we need them so desperately.

Especially we ask that you would pray for Piper, Everett’s 6 year old sister. They were the best of friends, and her world has been shattered, and this will forever change the person she becomes and life she lives. She is a sensitive girl who feels deeply, but is so strong and brave.

Everett we love you so much. We miss you. We can’t wait to see you again. Death will not have the final say because Jesus is alive. We cling to the hope of an empty tomb. See you soon EJ.