Tuesday, March 30, 2010

If you love them, say it OUT LOUD...and often!

Some of you know the terrible tragedy that happened to us recently. Some of you know and have been praying. Some of you do not know and I would like to tell the story. If you have already heard it, listen again, if you will, and pray more, if you will.
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I received a call from my Mom last Thursday, March 25th. She was frantic and fragile. She said that Marc (my Step-Dad) had been in a terrible accident. She said she thought he was ok since he called, but he said the accident was real bad and she needed to go to him. She usually takes Autumn to school, so I jumped out the door to take her to school. The only update I received was that the police would not let her get to Marc, which meant not only that it was a bad accident, but also that she did not know for sure if he was really ok. The Sheriff called Mom and said they were taking Marc by ambulance to Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta because they had a trauma center...that did not sound good. Off we went to the hospital to see about Pa!
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When we got to the hospital, he told us that the car that hit him lost control and spun into him. There was nothing he could do. He said he did not know if there was one person or two in the other car, but they were not moving. He said his chest hurt badly. Marc was checked out and released from the hospital that day.
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I received very bad news on my way home from Autumn's teacher. She said that two people were in the other car and that they both perished. She also said that one was a 13 year old student at Autumn's school in her same grade and that Autumn knew her. The other person was her 18 year old brother. They were their Parents' only two children.
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The schools were flooded with guidance counselors all day Thursday. The schools of these two were turned upside down with grief. These were good kids. They will be missed by many.
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Marc is very banged up from the impact, including severe bruising. Most of all, there are emotional scars that he will carry for the rest of his life. The accident was not anything he could have avoided. It is a bad, curvy road and he just happened to be right there. It still hurts to know that two kids are gone and he was there.
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Mom, Cindy, Autumn and I met the Family at the service for their two children. They were amazing. They were apologetic. They were strong..for us. They said they were praying..for us. The moment they embraced my Mom was the most moving moment of my entire life. My fragile and heartbroken Mom just stood in their embrace while they comforted her and gave her exactly what she needed to help her and Marc get through this. I will never forget it.
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So now, I ask for your prayers. Pray for the Family of those two beloved children who were lost. Pray for my Family to get through this time of recovery. Pray for strength for Marc. Pray that this event will impact whole communities of drivers to slow down. Pray that the ones you love will be safe from horrible tragedies.
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...and if you love them, say it OUT LOUD...and often!

16 comments:

billypandnikkysmom said...

Tracy, all I can say is that you are an amazing daughter...your mom loves you so much and you are the world to her & to Pa & your family! My heart breaks for those parents, my children are my whole world & I would be so lost without them! Thank you for sharing, God Bless & hugs to all of you!

Theresa said...

We sure say it out loud and always, don't we Punkin? Oh what a day, I still get choked up when I recall that moment. Wrapped in their arms felt like I was locked in the arms of Jesus. It was so comforting and oh how I needed it! Thank you for being there for me as you ALWAYS are! I think about their strength a lot and know that their faith must be what is carrying them thru!

Love you, MOM

Wanda said...

Oh Tracy...how horrible. I am so sorry for your family and of course for the family who lost their 2 children. I cannot even imagine.

I will pray for all of you. Grief and shock is slowly healed so I pray too that you will all be surrounded by people who care and can give you the guidance and help you need.

Sending you a big hug, my dear!

Kelli said...

I am crying as I write this!! My heart aches for the family and yours as well! God is a mighty God and he WILL be there in every step of the healing process!! Hold firm to His promises!! (((((HUGS))))) and prayers my friend!!

Pattycakes said...

Ok...so I cry yet again. Such an unfortunate event. I guess only two sweet angels were needed that day. I pray that Marc does have a speedy recovery from all the physical pain and hope one day the emotional pain will not hurt so bad. You are right....we must tell people we love them all the time. A second is all it takes for our lives to be turned upside down. LOVE YA!!

Anonymous said...

My heart breaks for everyone involved in this terrible accident.

I understand. My son's best friend died in a wreck sophmore year of high school. My daughter's good friend (and mine) died junior year after beating cancer in a car wreck. Crazy, bad, uncalled for accidents.

It's been 9 years since the first accident. My son and daughter have both been to college and now live away. I still talk to them everyday and tell them how much I love them. I still think of those two babies who were lost and how thankful I am that I can still talk and hug my children.

It will never go away, but it will get easier.

Its So Very Cheri said...

You guys have been on my heart. I haven't e-mailed because I figured you would go to the service and knew you were probably very busy.

This made me cry.
Cheri

Its So Very Cheri said...

And I wanted to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AVERY--I hope it was WONDERFUL.
Cheri

Domestic Goddess..Diva sometimes said...

Oh wow. A parent's worst nightmare! I feel so bad for that family who lost their children.

Your father in law was very lucky to be ok since it could of been so very bad. I will think about him in hopes he recovers quickly.

Joyce said...

wow... that made me cry. I knew what happened but reading it in your words were tough. I will always pray for you all.... especially now. I love my 2nd family! xoxo

Iva Messy said...

oh my. heartbreaking.

Katie said...

Tracychele ~ Thank you for sharing this with me. I am praying as my heart just breaks for your family and the family that lost those childrenc.

Love you, sister in Christ!

Its So Very Cheri said...

Hey--
How are you doing? Life must be busy at the office since you haven't been around--but hey that is a good thing to have business busy--you don't want it to be slow.

Cheri

Anonymous said...

Oh my. That is so sad and must be so hard for your family too. I'll remember all in my prayers.

Stephanie said...

That is just awful, I'm so sad to hear this. Prayers are with you all!!

raveninthewolfden said...

HELLO TRACY!! YOu were the winner on my GIVEAWAY! PLEASE RESPOND BACK ASAP!!! how exciting!