One of our own fights for life. Let this unite us

That's over.

Consider this blog post now a candle burning for the boy who drowned here in Spencer, who now is in critical condition in Sioux Falls.

As his father requests on the CaringBridge site:

"We also ask that you keep things positive as you reply on this, both on Caring Bridge and on Facebook and any other social media you're communicating through. We have already had to delete one venomous post from here and we've seen several nasty posts on facebook concerning the situation and how it was handled.

Let me just say that the people that worked on Michael, from the lifeguards that recusitated him, to the EMT workers at the Spencer ER, to the staff here at Sanford have been nothing short of amazing. Our own eyes have witnessed this heroism, dedication, and steadfastness while dealing with this traumatic time. You people are incredible, and our hearts and prayers go out to you during this time of healing as well as to our little guy fighting for his life. From the depths of our hearts, we thank you all. You all worked so hard to bring our boy back to us from this accident and you have all performed flawlessly."

I hope that answers the questions of anyone who has doubts about the efforts of the lifeguards, EMTs or anyone who was there. It's a situation that now requires our courage and everything good that's in our hearts. I wish the doctors taking care of this boy the utmost skill and wisdom, and belief that in the face of great odds, they may yet prevail. I wish peace that surpasses understanding to the family. I wish healing and unity to the community.

RIght now, this blog is a place of only goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, forbearance, and self-control. We can put our own conflicts and preferences aside for a moment in a time of need for hope.