I had planned on another post-a review of Unbroken-but I am pressed to write on something else…possibly something you may have gone through.
Sunday afternoon, about 1:30, two young people-one a 7th grader and one a Junior in High school, an uncle and his nephew-fell through 3″ of ice and drowned in a quarry in our area. They were both well-liked by their classmates and their teachers. There is more to the story which I am not telling-not bad-but superfluous to this post.
I received a text and a call last night (Sunday) asking if Ryan and I would be available to come to the school to help kids process what has happened. I spent from 7:30-1:40 at the school talking one-on-one, several times with a handful of students, and a couple times with up to 20 students. It was a tiring day, but one that I hope was helpful to the students. Several other pastors and counselors were there as well.
One of the hardest things for these young people to grasp is the brevity of life. At their age, they expect to “live forever.” They know they are going to die, but not quite yet. When a person hits my age (62) people are digging the hole for me. 🙂 But at 13-16 they see their whole life in front of them. How quickly it is snuffed out. I’ve been involved in situations similar to this and can honestly say they will get through it. Time does heal the wound. They will move on with their life. They will see the boys’ faces again in memories, pictures, and activities they used to do together.
But life will move on. It is awful young to learn such a tough lesson but it can also serve to teach them some even greater ones. I’d like to ask you to pray for the families of Eddie & Dominick. The family wound will continue even longer since the father of one of the boys was present. Thanks.
How can I pray for you today?
I heard about that this morning Bill. At our age we have been through that. I’m glad you could be there. Life goes on.
Thanks Jeff. You and I know life goes on. We have experienced it. For these kids, the thought of their mortality scares them some.
Bill I will surely pray for these families.
Thank you Betty. We may also have an opportunity to help one of the families with a funeral since they have zero money and no place to have it.
Bill,
Do you know if there has been a fund established to help pay expenses. I would be happy to contribute.
I do not know of one specifically but one of the ladies is real close to the situation and keeps me informed. She is the one I told to offer the church building for them to use due to costs (we have none). I will let you know though as soon as I find out something.
I am almost sorry that I stopped by here tonight. The feelings of hurt for those two boys and their family is strong. I spent some time in prayer and hope that God will bring to the family the peace and the comfort for which I begged Him. I am glad that you made yourself available to be present and do what you could. Blessings.
It is strong Daniel. And having experienced cancer, you know the possibly brevity of life. Thanks so much for praying for the families.
Dear Bill – This is a great grief, such a trauma.
Perhaps this Helping Children in Crisis info will be helpful?
http://creeksideministries.blogspot.com/2013/04/helping-children-in-crisis-after-boston.html
Praying for you all …
Thanks Linda. I will check the info out. If I am unable to use it this time, perhaps next time. Appreciate you sharing your wisdom.
Just read it and copied it Linda. Thanks. I’m going to see if the school can use it.
WOW…what a hard day brother, sure like to pick you brain at a later date of how you handled those conversations.
That happened to me when I was around five and actually started to float away under the ice…until my sister pulled me out. I feel very blessed that God spared my life that day.
Praying for you!
Pick away Jay! Just not too much since I need some of it. And I am glad your sister was a hero.
So heartbreaking and tragic . . . I will keep the families in prayer, Bill.
Blessings!
Please do and thanks Martha.
How terrible. These things always make me want to have a good talk with Andrew when ai hear them.
It is Larry. Unfortunately, I am not sure there is any way to prepare someone for it. But you are wise wanting to sit down with him.
Oh Bill, I’m so sorry! What a terrible thing for those families, students, and for your community. Rev and I will keep their families and friends in our prayers. Many blessings to you!
It is a terrible thing Deb but praying this pulls the community and schools together.
I will certainly pray for the families involved. You are right, life is too brief.
Thanks for the prayers Ed.
Oh Bill! What an awful tragedy. Even the older ones among us have an ache in the heart hearing about young lives cut short.
I can’t help but be awed by your incredible service to the schoolmates of these children. How eye-opening to hear about their sadness and shock. I’m so glad that God equipped you to be of some solace and help. What a gift you have.
I will keep these children and their families in my prayers. When times are hard, we all reach out for prayers from others…it’s just too much to hold alone.
God bless,
Ceil
Thanks for the kind words Deb. Our mission is “to win the HEART of Owen County.” We are here “for such a time as this.” thanks for the prayers.
Wow, what a tragedy. We had a teen that many of us know down here recently get shot by a stray bullet. It was a fluke of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was such a reminder for us as well that life is short.
Yours is not less a tragedy. A young life cut short.