OUR LAST PICTURE TOGETHER: Kellie, Maddie, Makenzie (dancing in heaven), Todd, Nathan
Hey everyone. Thanks for visiting my blog. Up until June 3rd, this blog was just a way for me to be cool…to be in… to join the techy crowd. Now it is a way for me (and others) to talk openly about real issues.
Our oldest daughter, Makenzie, was killed suddenly in an accident in Texas. Since then, our lives have completely changed. We have moved to Minnesota (a place that has always felt like home) and began new lives.
I am a Pastor, communicator and author. Kellie and I love to talk about our family and about the journey on which we find ourselves.
Jump in. Write something. Comment on anything and enjoy the ride.
Todd
P.O. Box 251518 * Woodbury, MN 55125 * stockertodd@gmail.com
Congratulations on your newest project coming to fruition!
It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your family. I look forward to working with you this year at Lutheran South Academy.
Blessings, Margaret Aaron
wow that is a cute picture of u guys
this is audrey from lsa 8th gradee
im in your last period religion
just saying hiii
:]]
see you tommorow
Mr Stocker, you are an awesome teacher!
Hi Todd,
I am Jan Schirtzinger (Christ Church Phoenix). How are
your parents & Kathy & Lee doing with the storm & all the
water? did they evacuate?
Thanks,
Jan Schirtzinger
zinger25@cox.net
Boo-Ya!!!
Your Family will be in our prayers. Sending prayers and love to you. Sam Gray and Family
Just thinking about you all.
The Benson Family
narswow3@me.com
Litchfield Park, AZ
Todd, We are lifting you and your beautiful family up in prayer here in Mesa and all of the other places that old friends live. I am so sorry for your family’s loss of your beautiful daughter and sister. My heart is aching for you, and I just wanted you to know I care.
Vicki
Todd and family, Phil and I just heard. We are so very sorry to hear about Makenzie! Know that God and your Christian family are lifting you all up in prayer.
Todd & Kellie,
Michele Cunningham just shared with me about the loss of Makenzie. Oh, my heart aches for you during this time. I have always wondered about you guys (Kellie, remember our bridal shower?). Neat to find out you are LCMS. I have ended up there myself. May God comfort you in ways you never dreamed. Prayers ascend.
Sola Gratia,
Katie (Osterman/Baker) Micilcavage
We are thinking about you and keeping all of you in our prayers :]
-Ava and Leslie English
Kellie & Todd, Nathan and Maddy,
I too, am sorry for this trial in your life. I was able to watch the service on the net and I rejoice w/you in knowing that she is worshiping the Lord w/un-imaginable joy! Kellie, she looked just like you! You were the RA on the floor above me my freshman yr and I got to know you a tiny bit through Crusade.
Because of Him,
Susan (HEDIN) Tyler (crusade name mujahedin or muj) now married to Nancy Ammons older brother =)
We continue to lift you up in our prayers, especially today as it is a different kind of Father’s day for you, Todd. Your service for your daughter just showed Jesus’ love and grace over and over again. Thanks for making that public so we, who are so far away, could support your family too. Amy and Dave Littler
Amazing how God touches lives…how He gets to us even through beautiful folks we really barely know–or didn’t even know at all…We were just getting acquainted with you all when you left Woodbury . We have viewed so many wonderful and touching tributes to your Kenzie…what an amazing and beautiful girl…I remember being absolutely mesmerized watching Kellie do sign language while singing praise songs in the Genisis room …leading OUR kids…obviously that beauty and expression of faith and love for our Lord was foremost in Mackenzie’s life too….my heart smiles at the knowledge that I will someday get to know her too. I pray that God continues to strengthen you through the love of all those around you–both near and far…I can’t really express what all is in my heart — I just want to tell you that God is very busy touching and inspiring so many of us through you and through Mackenzie
Hi mr. Stocker! This is lane! Just wondering how y’all are doing! Tell nathan and maddie that I said hey!
You are the best teacher ever!!!
Stocker Family
We are praying daily for all of you. Our hearts are hurting for you and all the pain that you are going through. McKenzie was just a wonderful example of God”s amazing work. She really touched my family with all her spirit and love for the Lord. We have all examined our relationships with our God. You all are such wonderful people. We really miss her. McKenzie had the best family a person could want.
The Springer’s
Dear Todd and Family,
Mom called me the other day and let me know of your loss. I spoke with Mike who found your wonderful blog and talked with Beck at lunch today. The discussion of the Stockers led us all on a trip down memory lane….
I am sorry for your loss and have you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Deb (Meyer)Pellettiere
Dear Todd and Kellie,
Our thoughts and prayers remain with you. Your family is one of faith in Christ and love for your family and friends.
Dave and Lynn Hagerman
Hi Todd and Family,
Good luck to you in your new home. It was nice having you for a short time, but I trust you are doing what God has called you to do.
Blessings to all,
Linda
Our family experienced the pain of seeing our oldest son Daniel departing from this earth, and at the same time the joy to know that he was immediately rejoicing holding hands with his Lord and friend Jesus.
He was only 22 years old and died from a heart attack while we all were with some friends celebrating the first birthday of a precious girl.
Each one of us, his father, two siblings and I, his mother, have processed his departure in a different way. I would like to share with you that personally, the first thing that I do in moments like that, is to give thanks to God, is to recognize that He is the Sovereign God of my life and that He knows how to love each one of us in his best way.
After this He takes control and an immense peace fills my being and Jesus becomes my real strength; then, with each memory, each absence and continuous thoughts of Daniel, I have requested God they would be a reason of joy and not only of sadness and pain for his departure. So, I am happy for my son Daniel, because he is enjoying the presence of God, and for me, I dry my tears in the shower and in other moments I enjoy them, because I know they are the fruit of precious moments of love shared with him.
I just wanted to share my heart with your family and praise God for his love and faithfulness.
Saludos y bendiciones
Hey Stocker Family! Hope all is going well with Maddie being in middle school, Nathan being a big high schooler (im called that everyday), and you and kellie with the Big Move back to Minnesota. Everything that happened with Makenzie had a huge impact on mine and Rileys life. Before i didnt really like going to church and listening to pastor, but when i heard about this i really started to get into the whole “Christian life”.Nathan and i have talked about how this summer was really crazy. Literally 2 weeks before Makenzie’s death, i lost a classmate. He was a Korean student at trinity and he was one of my closest friends. I started to blame his death on me. I thought it was all my fault that he passed away, when really i had nothing to do with it. He had this heart condition that Nobody knew about. So it was really scary when he just collapsed at school. But his death and Makenzies brought me closer to God, and ive really thought long and hard that everything happens for a reason, and we cant blame ourselves… Or God. I think everynight about the old days at Trinity when i used to talk to Makenzie, and How she could just light up a room. She was definatly one of the people i will never forget. You Guys are a very close and strong family, and i know that you guys can and will get through anything God Throws at you. Hope Everything Goes well, and I Hope to keep in touch with you guys!
Psalms 46:1-”God is our Refudge and Strenght and Ever-Present Help in Trouble”
(My Confirmation Verse)
I just read an article you wrote about your beautiful daughter, Makenzie, in the recent edition of Mansfield Living Magazine. Your faith has touched my heart and you and your family are in my prayers. Thank you for sharing your story as we all need to be reminded of God’s grace. You are an inspiration.
Mr. and Mrs.Stocker- Thank you and by the way your blog helps me soo much, I love reading what you say, and I love reading the funny memories that you share! Luv ya too!
your Nutcracker daughter,
Leah H.
What an inspiration you are.
Thank you for being so open and vulnerable.
Lupe
Todd,
I just read your article, “Storm Ready,” published in the October, 2009 issue of Cy-Fair Living. As the Father of three daughters, the youngest a Senior in High School, I was very moved. Your integrity and genuineness is inspiring. I appeciate how you shared your story and the way you encouraged us to be “storm ready.” Thank you.
Ed Wandling
Kellie-
Thank you soo much for sharing this blog with me. I’m listening to the ceremony right now. I’m getting goosebumps as I listen to the worship songs. God’s grace truly is amazing. Thank you for genuinely displaying the faith and hope you have. I feel blessed to have met you and am looking forward to seeing you at the Y on a regular basis.
It’s funny how God works, but I’m glad Annamarie was late that day, so I had the opportunity to talk to you
You and your family are in my prayers.
Grace and peace to you,
Stacy (from the YMCA)