I really wanted to post something fun and clever today. Or maybe some deep and meaningful thoughts. But right now my heart is heavy and my stomach is clenched. Some days a person just has to cry out instead of speak out and this morning that is what I am doing.....
My 2 youngest daughter's each had a friend spend the night last night. We had big storms again so they were up late squealing and having fun. This morning I got a call from the mom of one of the girls. Her grandfather was killed in a car crash on the way to work. He was 50 years old....
I knew this man and his wife only through seeing them on the bleachers at ball games. But, as is always the case, there is so much more that makes up the lives of those around us.
He was the third husband of a wife who has known much tragedy. After being abandoned by the father of her children & widowed by her second husband, she had found love again with this man. Together they were planning a vacation next week & anticipating their first wedding anniversary.
He was the father of a 9 yr. old and 17 yr. old. The grandfather of my daughter's friend and her 2 brothers. He was at most all of the games this little girl played in or cheered at. In fact, she had spent the night at her grandparent's home on Wednesday and was supposed to stay over again last night but came to our house instead.
This morning, as her parents are grieving, she is eating donuts with my family. My heart aches to know the pain that awaits her. It is like one of those cartoons where you see the piano that is about to fall on the character's head but they have no idea what is coming. I want so badly to protect this sweet little girl from the pain and tears that are inevitable but the most I can do is give her a few more hours of "normal".
I guess in the end this is what life here on earth is. Just a few more hours, days, months.....We make plans and develop relationships but eventually that piano is going to fall. We don't always see it so clearly but that doesn't make it less real.
The good news for us as Christians is that, just like the cartoon character who bounces up from underneath that piano, we get a second life as well. A life that will be spent in the presence of Jesus Himself. A life where there is no more abandonment, pain, divorce, death, sorrow, grief........
Meanwhile, I am praying that Jesus will bring peace and comfort to this family and all others who call on Him today, tomorrow and until this world is no more.
What is the best job I've ever had?
2 months ago
16 comments:
Kelly, my heart is breaking for the grief this family is going through, and praying the grand-daughter does get a few more hours of normal before the dreaded piano comes crashing down. So sad. I'm praying for them...
So tragic. I will definitely be praying for this family. Especially for his wife. How much loss can one take? So glad that little one was with you, I know she's been prayed over like crazy.
Oh Kelley. I can only imagine how you wanted to just keep her at your house away from the reality she was about to face. God knows, God knew and God is ready to handle her heart ache if she'll let Him.
I think the reason she was at your house is probably much bigger than you know my friend. God knows and is ready to direct you in how He wants to use you in the midst of this tragedy if you let Him.
Praying over you...
Love you,
Lelia
Oh, Lord Jesus....praying for this precious family right now. And for you, too, Kelley, because I know how deeply you are affected by this.
I'm so sorry, Kelley. This made my heart squeeze.
Praying for you and the family, that God would be gracious to you all.
Oh, I am so very sorry Kelli. I sure do hope that this family feels the arms of Jesus wrapped around them during this time. My prayers go out to them.
Kelley,
I just stopped by your blog tonight and caught up on your past few posts. Don't your feelings just go all over the place as you praise God for His protection of your daughter then walk into the pain of another. I have just walked through a similar experience and just wanted you to know that I am praising and praying with you,
Pat
Oh, Kelly... I am so sorry! I will keep this little girl and her family in my prayers.
Hi Kelly,
I too am praying for this family this morning.
And on a lighter note... I like your outfit propects for She Speaks.
And your soccer ball photo is great! Not nearly the horrific offering that mine was yesterday.
Seriously, it gives new meaning to the expression "bad hair day."
Can't wait to meet you soon.
Kelley, I'm praying for this family and for you and your family as you minister to them through your friendship and love. I couldn't help but think how gracious God was to have this young girl at your home - instead of at her grandparents that night as originally planned. He gave her a night of friendship, joy, laughter and love - all treasures that will help sustain her over the next few days.
Praying for you all,
Joy
Oh Kelly,
This just breaks my heart!!! How sad.
I will be praying for this family now.
Seems like we are constantly being reminded of the brevity of life these days.
Thank God for the promise we have, and hope of eternal life.
You are such a good friend to this family, I know the girls felt your love and compassion.
What a special family you are♥
Love you Kelly~
Kelley,
So very sorry to hear about this. As Lelia said, God no doubt divinely orchestrated her being there. Your love and compassion for her have touched my heart. She, her Grandma and family will definitely be in my prayers.
We too have experienced an unexpected and tragic loss this week. The father of two of our former youth group kids(each ministering in different parts of the world)died of a heart attack. He was 49. Our heart breaks for his kids who absolutely adored him.
Praise God for way He touches our hearts through loss. The peace He gives amidst grief, and the hope of seeing our loved ones again is such a gift.
Wow. I was 8 years old when I lost my beloved granpa. He died to colon cancer at only 50 years old. He and my gramma had been married 25+ years. Though, I remember the pain and the many letters I typed to my granpa after his passing, my real pain didn't come into my adult years. As an adult I realized the implications of not having my granpa and how drastically it changed the dynamics of our family, of my mother, and especially of my grandmother.
My heart absolutely brakes for this man's wife. For her to endure divorce, then death of a second husband, then adventure out to try love one more time...oh my. Then, to be on the brink of celebrating a one year anniversary and planning a vacation...now to planning a funeral. I pray this woman doesn't give up on love once again. I pray she is a Christian and clings to God instead of turning from Him...how easily that could be after divorce and death of two husbands. May the Lord keep her in His grasp and draw her to Him for the first time or for an even closure encounter with Him.
Thanks for sharing. I'm sorry I'm late on my reply.
How sad for this little girl....playing and having a great time yet not knowing that soon she would hear of her granddaddy passing away. So young to have to deal with death.
Oh Kelley, what a tragic story. I do find comfort though that she was with you and your family during this time. That definitely was God's protection for this little girl.
Praying for them...
Rebecca
Very sad. I will pray for this family.
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