I’m home.
It was a special time in Oregon –
visiting with my brother, spending some
time at the beach, getting reacquainted
with my niece and nephew and cousins.
Normally I would post lots of pictures and
tell many stories.
Here is a picture of Bruce at Manzanita,
on the beach.
I will post more pictures later.
We spent 3 days talking and exploring and eating and
driving about on the coast. It was a time out of time experience-
never to be forgotten.
Then on Tuesday, we went to Sandy, Oregon and spent
some time with our cousins.
On the way home, a man ran out in front of our car.
It was dark, and he was in dark clothing and he hit the
windshield and the rear window of the car and died a short
time later. We were all stunned and shocked and covered
with glass.
This is also a time out of time experience and will never be forgotten.
We are in mourning.
But this also has a note of thankfulness in it.
Because, none of us was hurt.
Only very tiny cuts.
And the chaplain for the police department was definitely
Christ’s representative on earth that night for us.
Chaplain Dennis Simmons prayed, counseled, gave us
a place to sit, bottles of water, sound advice, chased away
the camera men from the local new station, comforted,
and then at the end of a very long investigation, gave us
all a ride home.
Life is short.
And full of unexpected turns and unfortunate occurrences.
I’m going to look for ways to encourage those in need.
And pray for those in pain.
And spend as much of my time doing things that will not
be quickly forgotten.
Things that will last in memories.
Dear Heidi. I am so sorry you’ve had this experience. When I was 3 mos pregnant with Betsy, I was driving around Copley circle. (before the traffic light was installed) A young man on a motorcycle appeared out of nowhere. Before I knew it, I saw him up in the air, and watched in horror as he land on his back right in front of me. I couldn’t believe I had hit him. It is believed he was on some kind of drug, because he landed so relaxed he wasn’t hurt. The next day I called him and he was very sore, but didn’t remember much about it. Unfortunately, I was a wreck and have never forgotten it. I can’t go around that circle without thinking about it to this day. I was not a Christian then, but I do know that God was with me too, as my Debbie was not injured and neither was my baby.
I know it’s hard to live through this, but God is faithful and has a purpose for bringing you through this experience. We don’t always understand why, but His ways are not our ways, and His promises are true. We can rest in His peace. I’m praying for you, and thankful God sent that chaplain for you too. Love Sue
Love you.
Oh Heidi…I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope you’re all ok…
I love you, too.
Ally- I love you, too, darlin’!
Celia- We are not hurt physically. My brother was already not doing well and I think this has added to his burden – we are sorting it out- trying to find a place to navigate within the tragedy of a lost life.
;(
Thanks,Elizabeth, ditto!
I love you too and am so sorry you had this horrible experience. It will surely take much sorting out. May the Lord be your comfort and your peace. He is faithful.
Susan-
Thank for sharing your experience. I don’t think this pain will go away without much time and prayer. The man was carrying quite an assortment of pills with him and was well acquainted with the police, but that doesn’t change the fact that he is dead. He ran into the path of our car and there was nothing we could do, but again….
I believe that God is in control- it is just very hard to see a man die in front of you.
We will trust in God’s faithfulness.
Oh, Aunt Heidi. I’m sooo sorry to hear this. I can’t even begin to imagine what you are dealing with, but I certainly will be praying fervently for peace and God’s presence to be with all of you.
Heidi I am sorry to hear about this accident, I will be thinking of you and yours. Xx
Martha- thank you- I totally appreciate your prayers.
Joanna- thank you for your concern- it has been a rough time for all.