What
creates a community?
I suppose we
could say
time. By accident we tend to stumble into each other’s paths
sufficient to
create some sort of relationship.
I
think it’s more than
that.
We become a
community when
we share a common bond. It may come through following the common path
of
witnessing a local team achieve… or, conversely, fail. It
may come through
collective festivities… where we party with one another.
However, as
is true with
friendships, many of our deepest relationships are forged through the
fire of
adversity. In short, through the crucible of mourning we find comfort
with
those who are “there” for us.
I
wish it weren’t so.
The
town of
The
This is
diffucult for all of us... not just those who have
lost loved ones under similar circumstances- our friends and family
casualties to
a preventable act- another casualty to a
drunk driver.
We catch ourselves saying that we shouldn’t have to meet this
way so often.
Yet,
our hearts are big
enough to comfort.
A family
needs our
encouragement. They are witnessing what happens when a community comes
together.
Collectively we can provide that added strength that is needed when the
burden
becomes heavy.
The
world lost another
young one… Taken far too soon… and
we wish the
For those who wish to offer your
assistance (from
AZCentral): A memorial fund has been set up through
Washington Mutual and
Chase banks to pay for funeral costs. A funeral service will be held at
11 a.m.
Friday at the City of
Anyone who wants to help the
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Photo Credit: "Lonely Leaf" by Mateusz Stachowski
Chuck - thanks for your thoughts. My daughter is in Kelly's band, and I was volunteering for the band the day Kelly was killed. Being in the room when they announced Kelly's death to all her band mates was the most emotional thing I've ever experienced.
This was so sensless. A drunk driver, at 6:30 in the morning. With a previous DUI conviction. How utterly tragic.
Later today I'll be posting something on my blog where people can contribute to the fund for Kelly. It will be at PhoenixRealEstateGuy.com
Chuck: My heart goes out to the parents! I pray that I die before either one of my kids does, for I couldn't possibly stand the pain.
We lost a member of our family this weekend also, to an car accident as well.
This comes in the midst of negotiations with my 15 year old daughter over driving privileges, and it seals the deal: she will not be allowed to drive until she finishes the six week driver education training AND the BMW driver training in Greer (which only occurs in February of next year).
My son was subjected to the same tight driving guidelines. Consequently he's been driving for many years now and has never had an accident or a ticket. Driving is a privilege and a responsibility, not to be taken lightly.
This is such a sad, sad reminder of that fact...
Chuck - I am so sorry for your community's loss. I am praying for you all.
Jay- I can only imagine the sadness in the room. It *is* senseless to see the devastation that can be left by an impaired driver. This comes too close to a similar incident with Shane Figueroa. In both cased they were killed by a drunk driver who is in the country illegally.
Chuck - I read your previous post and I'm so sorry to hear that the festivities were dampened by this tragic event, it's awful to see a young person loose their life due to a drunk driver. My heart goes out to her family, friends and community.
Chuck - thank you for writing about Kelly's tragedy. The whole day was just escewed due to this non-sensical event. The whole thing is just plain sad. The events, the loss, the outcome ... but, I am thankful that we (you, me, Jay) all live in a community that is so transparent in our sorrow, that we allow each other the opportunity to reach out - either through words or tears and allow the healing to begin.
Chuck - Life can seem so cruel, and death so senseless, especially one of this nature. How can someone be drunk at 6:30 in the morning?? Some friends of mine experienced a tragedy of this nature and the guy, in New Mexico, had been arrested so many times for DUI - he didn't even have a license and was still driving. In this case the victim survived, but will never be the same. My heart goes out to all of you.
Really feel for this family. I have no sympathy for drunk drivers or impaired. I can't even put it into words. I am glad you posted this for all to see.
Chuck - Tragedies never have answers, just questions. My thoughts are with the Tracy family and for their loss so close to the time when families are often together to celebrate the past year.
My heart simply aches for your community there, Chuck...Each precious one is a part of the wholeness of everyONE of us...a community gathering together can help to gather grace from the fields of grief...community lights a candle and holds a vigil...keeping hearts together while the spirit finds its way through the darkness...May angels be upon the shoulders of this family and whisper into the hearts of her friends... May they find courage and be comforted... Kelly's family is truly In my prayer at this hour...
ahhh Chuck are thoughts and prayers are with you and your community as you walk together slowly in the days to come. The Tracey family needs to feel the warmth and comfort of your community. I pray to for the recovery of Kelly's brother.
It is so wonderful of you to use your blog to help others beyond business. My heart goes out to this family. I have three boys and I can't bare to imagine what they may be going through. Having people like you in the community is exactly what they need.
Amber
Mirela- I have to admit... it has been tougher for me to return to comment on this one. It's just a sad tragedy and, at such times it's difficult to address. I'm extremely saddened to see that you've experienced this at such close range. I feel for everyone at times like these... of all the human emotions, loss of a loved one is so deep and profound. My thoughts are with you. And... as far as taking precautions with your kids? I see nothing wrong with the rationale. There are so many things that we deal with on the road... it's so much better for them to be prepared. Of course, when the other driver is inebriated it gives such little room for defensive reactions. Thanks for your comment- I always appreciate your insight.
Chuck: I know what you mean.
Chuck-My sympathy to this family and also your community. I lost my son in a tragic accident, a couple of years ago, it is something as parents we never forget, as it lives within us every day of our life. My thoughts and prayers are with them.