Thursday, May 6, 2010

Romans 8:28



I miss my grandson, Hunter and his mommy Ali, too.  His toy lawn mower sits on my front porch from his visit here in March. I am so excited to visit them soon.  The trunk of my car has been storing a few surprises for my little guy when I get there! 
This is a photo of Hunter and his ice cream taken by Lori Wroblewski (one of Ali's bffs) last night.  I can't wait to hug and kiss him! 
 


Michael Wayne Carter
1981 - 2010

Last week was quite the tragic one.  There was a roof collapse at Dotiki Coal Mine in Western Kentucky that took the lives of two young men.  I had to make the agonizing, heartbreaking drive to my daughter, Katie's workplace to let her know that Michael Carter had died.  She collapsed in my arms and just sobbed.  I took her home and we stayed glued to MSNBC for any news coverage.

Michael was Katie's high school/early college boyfriend for 6 years. One of the things I remember about Michael is his big, beautiful smile.  He was so kind and such a joy to be around.  Michael was a big comfort to me when I lost my mother.  He was a big part of our family for many years and I have always loved him.  He was a wonderful boyfriend to Katie and I have so many fond memories of him.  I thought the world of Michael and he meant so much to us.  We are blessed for having known him.

The last time I saw him was at Applebee’s with Hayden (2 year old son) in his arms and Melissa (his wife) at his side a couple of years ago.  He had such a big, beaming grin as he introduced Alison and me to Hayden and Melissa.  You could tell Michael was a happy, proud family man

Katie went home for the funeral and her husband, Joey has been so supportive.  I lit a candle in honor and remembrance of Michael at the time of his funeral last Sunday.  He will be missed by many people.

I can't imagine the grief and pain Melissa, Hayden, Curtis and Sharon (his parents) are suffering at this time.  Please keep them in your prayers along with the family of Justin Travis who also died in this accident.

On Sunday, May 1st Morehead (Rowan County) received over 7 inches of rain causing flooding everywhere.  All main roads were impassable and many people lost their homes and belongings.  Above is the parking lot of my favorite coffee shop.


This is the Save-A-Lot parking lot (they had to rescue people out of there by boat) and a gas station not too far down the road from me.  I was lucky not to have any flooding near my home and only had to deal without power for 12 hours.  We are still under a boil water advisory and clean up continues.

The past week has reminded me that life can change in a blink of an eye.  It's also made me aware of the many blessings God has given me and all my hope is in God. Thank you, Jesus.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those that love him, who have been called according to His purpose.  Romans 8:28

1 comment:

Maggie said...

I've had a blog forever but rarely post on it anymore (except for drafts which at some point will make their way to the blog). I find the blog much more personal and inviting than FB.

My heart is with you and Katie (and of course Michael's family and friends) as you continue to grieve his loss.

When Jake McDonald died, Lauren and I were continually going through his loss. He and Lauren never dated, but they were friends in a way that most men and women never know friendship. I will always miss Jake. Not many days pass that I don't think about him and don't send out prayers for his mom and brother.

Tuesday of this week, Angie Pentecost came by the house to check on Lauren. She said, "Matthew called and was worried about Lauren with the flooding in Nashville. He just wanted me to come and make sure she was ok." That meant so much to me, and to Lauren. We meet people in this lifetime who stay with us for our entire lifetimes. Nothing changes that. We embrace their happiness and the loves of their lives. We are thrilled when they have children. We are so happy when they are doing well and send our thoughts and prayers when they are not. Such is the beauty of having loved so much. I know Michael blessed your lives and you will always have those memories.

My heart is with you.

And the floods--oh my. What a mess.

Keep me posted about your job!
M