Thursday, July 26, 2007

Through the Eyes of a Child


I am struggling with intense grief today as I write this. Three of my youngest son's friends were killed in an accident when the SUV they went off-roading in flipped and rolled yesterday afternoon. The driver had been in my home just the day before eating pizza and joking around with me as we chatted. His last words to me as he left were that he would be seeing me tonight. He ususally came for dinner and a Bible study here on Thursdays.

Interestingly, yesterday I had been hard at work on finishing the artwork I shared with you on my blog my last post, asking for comments. (And thank you all for your very insightful remarks. I appreciate every one. ) I have it finished, and I have titled the piece -- now a triptych -- "Through the Eyes of a Child."
Even though the boys who died were 20, 18, and 15, they were still really just children -- so filled with awe and wonder that they thought it was a lark to go off-roading through a tall field of grass. They had no way of knowing there was a rock in the way that would flip them into the air. Some people have been leaving comments on the 9news.com website here in Colorado (see the link under links if you wish to read the story) speaking of their stupidity. Did they make a wise choice? No, probably not. But, they were seeing life through the eyes of a child yesterday -- and I personally want to remember them that way so I don't become embittered and lose my own ability to view life with awe and wonder.

I am praying for the families of these lost sons. As a mother of six sons, my heart goes out to them knowing how often my own have taken risks in their pursuit of a thrill. I am posting the finished artwork in their memory and as a reminder that life will always be too short. Even so, may we count every moment precious -- and view it through child-like eyes -- with awe and wonder. Steven L. Sweet, Jacob Pyte and "little brother of K" may you rest in peace and may your joyful child-like laughter fill heaven's fields of grass and echo against the mountain's majesty there. Steven, especially, you were a treasure I look forward to meeting again one day when the Lord calls me home.

5 comments:

Kyla said...

Judi
My heart goes out to you and their families. I will give my daughter 3 extra kisses tonight and hold her tight
Kyla

Anonymous said...

Judi,

I am so very sorry to hear of this horrible loss. What grief. My son had a classmate who was hit by a care while riding his bike, last fall.

His death and the ensuing grief in our community was unbearable for all, and unimaginable for the families.

Many prayers and blessings go out to you all.

easyjourney said...

I am crying and so sad to hear this news. Friends of my children are seen as my children to me for I have known them all of there lives. I can not imagine what pain the mothers and the mothers of their friends must be feeling. I am sending comforting prayers tonight for all of you. Astrid

Shabby Cottage Studio said...

Judi, as others have said, my heart and prayers go out to you, these children's families and your community.

Many Blessings
Gail

Loudlife said...

Judi,

What a terrible loss. My heart goes out to you and your community and their families.

Laurie

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