On Jan. 31, 2009, we lost our 14-year-old son to meningococcal bacterial virus. Harrison Paul Fidler was a handsome, vibrant, healthy young man who knew no strangers and lived life to the fullest. He touched countless lives in his short life. He was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the North Webster Church of God Youth Group and attended Syracuse Vineyard Community Church. He was a fine young man of whom we were very proud of!
The outpouring of support from family, friends and the entire community was overwhelming. As we try to regain control of our lives, we are comforted by the prayers and support we continue to receive. If anything positive can be said of our tragic loss, it is that many young lives have been changed in a positive manner through Christ and our local community and churches.
We would like to thank all who prayed for and supported us and donated to the various memorial funds. Special thanks to our pastor, Kent Butcher of Syracuse Vineyard Church, who demonstrated the unconditional love of Christ by staying and praying with us at Lutheran Hospital, and to Pastor Jeff Boyer of the North Webster Church of God for opening his facility to accommodate the large attendance of Harrison's funeral, and to the kind ladies of that church for providing a meal for us.
A special thanks to the following people that have made our lives a little better: Tonya Bowser and the North Webster Chamber of Commerce for coordinating fundraising efforts for our family, and to Tracy at the North Webster Community Center and her efforts in coordinating an event especially close to our hearts: naming the Teen Center in honor of Harrison.
Damien Lambright developed the Lakeland Community Center Soccer Scholarship Program in honor of Harrison and by purchasing green wristbands with Harrison's name - the proceeds will benefit a scholarship for underprivileged kids who want to play soccer.
The Wawasee Middle School Golf Team is dedicating the season to Harrison. The Memorial Service at Wawasee Middle School was so comforting and we are very thankful to have caring professionals such as Dr. Edington and Mr. Cassel who went above and beyond their duties to offer such a wonderful memorial to our son that impacted many teens in a positive way, and most importantly showed the students that our educational leaders are men of faith.
There are many others that have reached out and we apologize if we have not acknowledged you. Your kind acts will always be remember though.
There are unsung heroes in this world and one of them lives right here in our county: Dr. David Hartman. He showed up immediately, diagnosed the situation and took control. We are forever grateful for the help he and his staff at KCH provided for our Harrison.
Lastly, we would also like to thank all of you who sent cards, meals, prayers or flowers. Every gesture remains an imprint on our hearts forever.
