In Loving Memory
of my Beloved Son
Joshua Daniel Erdman

July 22, 1984 - June 6, 2006

Son of Margaret McManus and Lance Erdman

Stepson of Patrick McManus and Karen Erdman

Brother of Sonya, Brandon, Kelsey and Camille Erdman
and Jesse, Allie, Shawn and Madysen McManus

Grandson of Merwinna Stevens, Sharon Johnson,
Arnold Schatz and Ed Erdman

Four days before Josh died I heard this song on the radio and it pierced me and I sobbed.
I didn't know why at the time but I think it was preparation for the days I had ahead of me.

 


"Praise You In This Storm" by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

 

 

 

 

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth



After the tragic news on 6-6-06, I struggled with knowing what happened to Josh. Did he go to Heaven? Would I ever see him again? I agonized and then one day, as Allie and I were on the way to the store, a song I had never heard before came on and out of my mouth came, just as the music began, "This song's from Josh!" As I heard those words come out of my mouth, I was surprised, as was Allie. I didn't know why I said that. Then the lyrics began and Allie and I began bawling as we realized that this song really WAS from Josh! Thanks for the song Joshua!

Mark Harris - Wish You Were Here
From the album The Line Between The Two

I wanted to tell you how closely I've kept
The memories of you in my heart
And all of the lifetimes that we had to share
Live even though we're apart
But don't cry for me
'Cause I'm finally free
(Chorus)
To run with the angels
On streets made of gold
To listen to stories of saints new and old
To worship our Maker
That's where I'll be
When you finally find me

No don't you be weary cause waiting for you
Are wonders that you've never known
Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for his hands
And one day They'll welcome you home
And that's when you'll be
Finally free
Finally free

(Chorus)
I wish you were here, I wish you were here

And all of the dreams that you treasure
Will soon come together
And that's when your sorrow will find tomorrow
And you will rise again

(Chorus)

We'll run with the angels on streets made of gold
We'll listen to stories of saints new and old
We'll worship our maker that's where we'll be
When you finally find me

I wish you were here