Chelsey's Sunset

I put in thoughts from last night...I ask for others to hold this family up in prayer...my heart goes out for their loss...I pray for rest...

There is a sadness down our lane today...the lane I drive down almost every day...a house I drove by tonight and knew I needed to stop...I drive by most times and don't see John and Michelle much anymore since our children are grown...unless we travel away from our homes...in fact I had just seen them at Missouri Day and visited a bit out on the street.  Both soaking in as grandparents do...those amazing grandchildren.   They were by their son Mark's house and it was his babies that they were out and about with them.   I include some pictures I snapped because for one does this little girl and her grandma not resemble...and she just seems to be soaking in being completely ADORED...and then watching this little guy and my Firecracker figuring each other out the way the little ones do...sometimes without saying a word...and smiling thinking about how Heather and Mark had went to prom together (getting to be several years ago) and now here they both had little ones!  

What an angel...look her and Grandma have matching curls...

So funny watching them try to converse...

Grandpa John Tomky...I wish he was a little prouder of this little one...
(Can't say as I blame you she is adorable!)

What a cutie...loving the Missouri days...

But the sadness is that these little ones will be wondering where their mama is tonight and Mark I am sure thinking of the love of his life and wondering his own why's.   I was not sure whether to stop by tonight...there are many reasons we go through in whether we should reach out...they probably have too many people, or they are probably exhausted, I am sure there are many.  I remember the exhaustion that comes upon each new wave of those who bring emotion in and you are there just to take it all in.  But looking back...there was much love in all of that emotion and those from the outside do want to reach out...so the little Power Ranger turned in.   And though I felt the sadness in the house...I felt the love...the love of family.  Mark's brothers were both there for him...his parents..his aunt...his sister-in law, grandmother and great grandfather who were there taking care of things they were the "shepherds" there taking care of in whatever way they could.  I did not want to bring more pain to them...but I did want them to know that others care.   I connected with Michelle as she is in a similar place I have been...watching your child hurt over something you have no control of and no band aid can take the sting away!   Mark has always seemed to have that sweet personality...I flash back to him at a younger time...and though hurting...he still has his twinkle in his eyes.

I do not understand the why's and how comes...I offered if there was anything that they needed but I knew that what they wanted I could not give...and Mark said...a time machine.    How we take so much maybe not always for granted but think that it will always be...I pray for their strength through this time.    I know somewhat the pain that they feel...although none of us really know the pain that another feels...I have seen closely losing someone we love...and would love that no young couple would not have to go through this....that a little one would not have to know what it is like not having a parent there.

I wish there were words that would make this family feel better...but I do not know them...but I pray for these neighbors that they might have peace...that they might have rest...that they not only feel the love that I see they give each other...feel the love of their heavenly Father...and know that others share their pain.  

As I was finishing doing chores I caught sight of the sunset...and I thought that is Chelsey's sunset...I have seen sunsets for others...and so I claim it for her.    There was more to this sunset...a portion hidden...but there all the same.   I pray that those left behind will feel that in which they may not always see...but the love and the beauty is there.   I really do not know Chelsey...but I know who her people are...and her mom and Tim's sister friends.   And so there is a connection all the same...she is someone's daughter...someone's wife...someone's friend...loved by many.

I looked at her and Mark's picture on their face book...it was their wedding picture...he laying on her lap...and the L they formed seemed to be...LOVE...clearly shown in two precious little ones!   I am thankful of these two precious gifts that are here for a reason...they are such comfort to those left behind...and I know family is there.   I smiled as Uncle David fed all of his mashed potatoes to one precious little angel!   While Uncle Luke spent time with another.  We may never know all the why's or how come's...and it is not our place to judge or gossip...it is our place to reach out to a hurting family and show our love.   To hold them up in prayer in this time of sorrow when they may have a hard time holding themselves up.  God be with you...may He give you rest...peace...and may you Miss Chelsey Rest in Peace...

Chelsey's Sunset

lyp