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
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
