August 28 --

Three years ago today we experienced a parent's (and grandparent's) worst nightmare when Rachel, Madelyn, and Yates were killed by a drunk driver. Words cannot describe the feeling of loss and total devastation our entire family felt that day and continues to feel. Tara and Dirk have felt that God had a plan for them when he didn't also take them that day and as they continue through their journey of life they continue to search for that purpose. I feel that their purpose is to continue to be the wonderful parents they were to Rachel, Madelyn, and Yates and that they are to Hope and Faith.

I (Mimi) would like to honor the memory of Rachel, Madelyn, and Yates today and I hope that if you knew these three adorable children that you will take a few minutes to remember some fun times you had with them. I hope that those memories will put a smile on your face and while there may be tears I also hope there is laughter. A few days after the kids were killed a friend asked me what they might be able to do for me -- my first response was "Nothing, there really isn't anything.." but then I said "Yes, there is something you can do for me. Please just give your grandchild a special hug today". So, even though you might not have known these three, please take a few minutes to give someone you love a special hug.

Perhaps they are not really stars in the sky....

....perhaps they’re openings in the heavens where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.



Rachel

Madelyn

Yates

The MADD billboard that stood at the intersection of the wreck

I've always believed that when God closes a door he opens a window and one year ago today that window was opened -- with a call that there were two little twin girls waiting for their Mom and Dad to come to China and get them. It seems strange that this much anticipated and wonderful call would come on the anniversary of such a tragedy but God just knew it was the right time.

Hope and Faith's Referral Picture

rides

Festival

The first full week in August Deleon puts on a Peach & Melon Festival, and this year the girls were able to attend. Saturday afternoon the girls went to the melon slicing with family in downtown Deleon ( pictures to come at a later date ). I'm sure they were thinking what's up with all these people lined up along downtown eating watermelon, but they fit right in, of course we had to wipe their hands every few minutes. For lunch we went to aunt Karen's house for a wonderful meal ( my favorite place to eat, best cook ever) SORRY MOM !!! I do love your food too. In the evening the girls rode rides, I was not sure how they would do, I was afraid they would try to climb out of them while they were going. The girls loved the rides, and thanks to Aunt Chell she remembered to bring a camera. We have been spending alot of time with Dirks dad, so if your wandering why I am not blogging much, that's why. Dirks Dad has Lung Cancer, so we are trying to spend as much time as our lambs will allow us to with him. I wish we lived closer, so that we could help Dirks mom out during this trying time. I will post some pictures.

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