Goodbye Sweet Addie

Last night was a hard one....filled with tears, and prayers, and disbelief. We learned that the 12 year old daughter of friends was killed in a car accident and her 8 year old sister was in critical condition in the hospital. They were caravaning with extended family, while on vacation in Utah, and the girls were in another car. The cousin who was driving was also killed, and three others are in the hospital as well.

I can't begin to fathom what they are going through. Coming upon an accident and discovering that it is your family...your children...broken and hurt. How do you grieve for one child and still hold it together enough to care for the others? I can't get my brain around it.

I know that they will see their daughter again, I KNOW it! I know that she is in paradise, in the loving arms of family. But a part of me still wants to scream that no parent should have to bury a child. Somehow it seems easier to find peace in that eternal perspective when the person who has gone has lived a fuller life....had the chance to grow up.

And what do I say to this friend when she comes home and I see her again? Somehow "I'm so sorry" doesn't seem enough, but what else do I say? My heart aches for her.

Her daughter was a sweet, beautiful girl....who whenever she saw me would break out in a big smile and wrap me in a huge bear hug....though I was never certain what I had ever done to deserve that reaction from her. She had a good heart, always happy and kind. It's hard to believe that her mission in this life was done.....that there wasn't a need for her light to remain here longer. I trust that the Lord has His reasons for taking her home. It's just hard not knowing what they are...but I guess that's where the trust comes in isn't it?

Though her beautiful spirit will be missed, and her loss difficult for those who love her to bear, I know that the Lord will help them through the heartache. And friends will share what burdens they can. Somehow all who miss her will be strengthened and grow from this experience....though at the moment it is hard to see how.

So to sweet little Addie....know that you are loved by many, and will be sorely missed. Reach out to your parents and siblings, and let them know that your spirit is still close. And I hope that when I see you once again you will still be just as happy to see me, and that you will smile that big beautiful smile at me and wrap me in a great big hug.