Sadness

This weekend I made another trip to Idaho Falls, this one unplanned. Last weekend, my oldest cousin on my dad's side, Damian, was killed in a plane crash outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was with two of his business partners and all three were killed when their plane went down about a mile from the runway. This is very shocking and sad news. His funeral was held yesterday in Idaho Falls and was a great celebration of his life. My cousin Anneka, who I grew up with and is my age, spoke at the funeral and along with the others, did a great job remembering her brother.

Damian leaves behind a wife and four children, ages 14 to 8. He baptized his youngest just the weekend before his death. That same weekend, he was able to spend time with nearly all of his family. What a blessing! At the cemetary yesterday, it was sad to look around and to see all the family members buried there in the same area. Chris is buried there, Damian will now be, and three of my dad's brothers are also buried there. James, the oldest in his family, passed away at birth. Joe, just older than my dad, passed away 30 years ago this fall in a plane crash (I know, what are the odds?). Josh, the youngest, passed away in 1992 (I think) after being shot. While it is hard to see our family suffer another loss, I know that just as we have been comforted and received understanding in the past, the same will happen in this situation. I think the Lord must need valiant men to serve on the other side.

Here is Damian's obituary if you would like to read it, and here is an article about the plane crash.

In other sad news, a little girl about Hallie's age died on Friday after nearly drowning in a canal. She spent more than a week a Primary Children's Hospital and they worked to save her, but that wasn't the plan for her. I don't know this family, but the accident happened near my mom's house and I just can't stop thinking about them and the sadness they must be going through. If you have a chance, read their story on their blog and more importantly go to this blog to donate money to help the family. I am sure any little bit helps. I can't imagine what they are going through and I have been so sad thinking about it. It makes me want to hold Hallie just a little bit closer and to appreciate her so much more.

Amidst all this sadness, I am grateful for the life that I have. I am very blessed and I know it. Count your blessings!

Here's to hoping that there is no more sad news for a long time....