Mountain Springs BluebirdThe good people of Newton County are broken hearted on this beautiful spring day. What should be a happy, fun-filled, end-of-school time has turned into one of sadness and hurting. In the span of two weeks, there have been four tragic accidents involving students at Jasper High School. Seven girls, doing what girls do--attending a festival, having fun together, horseback riding, going to her first day of a summer job--were involved. Five will live, hopefully without permanent injuries and nightmares of the accidents that changed things forever. And, two will live only in the memories of friends and families they left behind--too early.
Two of the young girls were in Jack's class. Another, Julie, helped train our horses only a few weeks ago. These girls survived, but barely. Our special heartbreak is our neighbor's daughter, Paige. It was the first day of a summer job--one she knew would be hard work, but fun. Her car hydroplaned on the slick pavement just a few miles from us, not far from her new job in Ponca. What is so heart wrenching, is to know that her dad, the sheriff, was the first to arrive on the scene not knowing that what he would see would change his world. Paige had an enthusiasm for life that was rivaled only by her mother, Angie's. May the good Lord give her, Keith, and Kent a peace about this that only He can bring.
Maybe, in their youthful exuberance for life, they were doing things a little too fast or without the caution that comes from years of experience; which comes from seeing these sad things happen too often; which, in turn, makes us older and more cautious, but little wiser. They were doing what all young people do and oblivious to the consequences. Those left behind to grieve will wonder why this could happen to their friend. Maybe they were listening to the comforting words of the pastor,, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isa. 55:8-9.
Summer will be here. The FCCLA team will go to Florida for nationals--something Paige was so looking forward to. Kids will ride four-wheelers a little too fast, take risks, drive to summer jobs without caution, forget to watch for oncoming cars when crossing the street, and do all the things we did, and survived, when we were young. And, then school will start again. For Paige's family and many friends, there will be a void that won't be filled. For many--teachers and students alike--an empty desk, a name in the roll book, a missing club president, a lost cheerleader, will again remind them of Paige's spirit and what they are missing.
And, Keith, Angie, and Kent. We give you our love and prayers. God gives you His love and His word.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you...Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:2,5
