Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Why Did It Have to Happen Twice?

At the end of June, my mind was racing and filled with exciting events. Alabama trip, Kansas City trip, Kern cousin get-together, girls night out in Fayetteville, Pilgrim/Rial cousin get-together in Miami, July 4th! Wow! Such fun things. Time to reminisce with family and laugh and eat good food. I was only focused on happy things and couldn't wait to get my pictures up from these said events. Well, 13 days have gone by. What happened? Life happened.

On July 4th, we got the horrible news that my Uncle Mike, my dad's little brother, was killed in a Ranger accident. Go here to see pictures of a Ranger like the one he was driving.

What?! My dad's little brother died in a vehicle accident on a Sunday in the summer with a child about to be a senior in high school? That's the same thing that happened to my dad! What? My grandma has to bury another son? You should never have to bury your child? What? His daughter is in Spain? Who's going to tell her? When will she be home? She'll be all alone!!!

So many questions and so many left unanswered. It was terrible. Nick and I left Miami immediately on Sunday night and I didn't come back to Miami until Saturday morning. Mom, Cassie and I have been through this before. We had to relive it. Only this time, it wasn't happening to us. It was like we were watching it on TV.

I hope we were able to share some wisdom, comforting words, and shoulders to cry on. Even though it felt like we'd been there before, every situation is different! There are never the right words to say or easy explanations. Just that the Lord is in control. He grants peace and understanding. He grants strength just when you think you'll never be able to handle the situation. He is our Father. No matter how much our daddys on earth love us, how much more does our Heavenly Father love us?

These are the only things I can say that might help a little. They might not help right now and they might not help for a long time, but what we can do right now is be there. Be present at birthday parties, anniversaries, holidays, and vacations. Be there when they need us. We will always do that.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post Audra. I know you have been a great comfort to your family through all of this.

Erin said...

Praying for you guys. I know it's been a tough few days. Love you.

Cari said...

Every time I have thought of Rhonda and the kiddos, I immediately thought of your mom, you and Cassie. Every. Single. Time. I'm sorry you are having to relive everything that happened almost nine years ago. But what a beautiful picture of hope you three represent. Love you so much!!